Gaming Enclosure Chieftec LF-01B Review

Chieftec Industrial Co. Ltd., a global supplier of PC chassis and versatile power supply units, has replenished its line of enclosures with a new series, codenamed Libra. Chieftec LF-01B is a worthy representative of this series, targeting primarily gamers and enthusiasts. The manufacturer equipped the product with branded fixture for voluminous graphics cards to imply its gaming predestination. Besides, this model features high-quality layout to provide for functionality and versatility.

General Peculiarities

Enclosure Chieftec LF-01B is developed in Midi-Tower form factor and goes with the bottom-like PSU localization. There are no color variations of the casing, as it is delivered in totally black coverage. This model is compatible with the motherboards of up to ATX standards and with rather long graphics cards (up to 428 mm in length). Chieftec LF-01B accommodates two HDD bays, one of which is located in the bottom part of the casing; it is intended at a single 2.5-inch and three 3.5-inch drives. The other longitudinal bay is predestined for two 3.5-inch drives or a single drive along with the flash-drive. There are also a couple of 5-inch slots with frontal pinout.

The model is delivered together with a set of nominal components, including detailed guidelines, special fixture for graphic adapters, fixing elements, disposable coupling, and speaker for the motherboard.

Framework

Chieftec LF-01B is housed in a rather compact casing, featuring 487x200x490 mm dimensions. The major part of the casing is made of dull steel, however its depth does not exceed 0.6 mm; this affects the entire framework solidity. The top plate is made of plastic and contains a set of slots/sockets. One may find here two USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 sockets, audio slot, fan rotational speed control knob, and dock station for 2.5/3.5-inch drives (SATA HDD and SSD). The top plate covers the integrated fans, internal socket elements and fan controller.

The upper part of the frontal panel accommodates all control elements and major ports: Power and Reset buttons, as well as, activity indicators, including power (blue lighting) and HDD activity (red lighting). Plugs for five-inch devices and 3.5-inch slots are located a bit lower on the clipboard. They are covered by the shutter that is equipped with rubber shock absorber; it provides for unimpeded access to the drives.

Ventilation System

Enclosure Chieftec LF-01B is supplied with five nominal 120 mm fans. The first fan, intended at drive bay, is located in front; the other two fans are located outside the top panel and intended at blowing out the airflow from CPU cooler; the fourth fan is traditionally located on the rear panel. The last fan is distinguished by an unusual installation method: it is accommodated into a plastic frame opposite a zone alloted for graphics adapters. The frame can be moved, depending on the card's length. If the graphics card is way too long, this fan can be easily removed and placed on the frontal panel.

The connection of fans is realized via three-contact connectors which enable their control as from the motherboard, so from a dedicated controller. This controller has got two singular channels available for 2+2 fans; it is connected with the PSU by a peripheral Molex socket. Moreover, the customer can expand ventilation system by adding three more fans (a couple on the left-side panel and one more on the chassis' base).

It should be mentioned that only frontal fans are furnished with anti-dust filters. They are non-removable and might be cleaned up together with the clipboard. Fans on the upper panel do not have any filters, as well as rear fan that blows out the air from the enclosure.