Lian Li's refreshed desk cases take luxury to the next level

[nanoguy]

Why it matters: Lian Li is best known for its premium aluminum PC cases featuring unique designs, but that doesn't mean it lacks creativity with standing PC desks. The company's latest touch to an otherwise familiar design is to use electrochromic glass, which allows you to quickly switch between a clear view of your components and RGB lights, and a frosted glass aesthetic that hides them from envious eyes.

Lian Li quietly released the latest refresh of its DK-04 and DK-05 PC desk cases, with a new twist on a classic design that's been out there for years.

For people with a lot of money and time to spare, building custom PCs into their desks is an art that makes their systems unique and luxurious. For others, Lian Li has been making ready-to-buy PC cases that double as standing desks.

The DK-05F is able to house two systems with E-ATX motherboards, while the smaller DK-04F model only has enough space for one system. They're both height-adjustable from 69 to 117.5 cm, and they can accommodate liquid cooling, graphics cards up to 390mm or even 400mm in length and several 3.5 inch HDDs, not to mention 140mm fans on the front and rear.

Something that drew everyone's attention to these desks when they were first revealed at CES 2019 was the 8 mm tempered glass top that can instantly switch from transparent to opaque at the press of a button.

The way they achieve this is by using electrochromic glass - often referred to as "smart glass" - which has the ability to turn opaque when you apply an electrical voltage across it. Several types exist, from glass that merely darkens and is used in photochromic lenses for eyeglasses, to glass that becomes translucent and is used to block sunlight or protect someone's privacy and glass that can switch between mirror-like, transparent, and semi-transparent states.

The aesthetics of the new PC desk cases are nothing short of impressive, as is their ability to hold up to 80 kg of additional hardware on them, but the price tag is still a mystery at this point. Lian Li says these will become available on Newegg on April 16, and judging by the price of the previous models, you'll have to pay upwards of $1,500 for the privilege of owning one.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/84792-lian-li-refreshed-desk-cases-take-luxury-next.html

 

[EClyde]

Thought about one of those years ago but thought was all it was. Too many functional less expensive options to waste my money like that. I waste it other ways though, like on M&M's

 

[Uncle Al]

AND chocolate covered raisins .....

 

[Plutoisaplanet]

Thought about one of those years ago but thought was all it was. Too many functional less expensive options to waste my money like that. I waste it other ways though, like on M&M's

 

[umbala]

The $1,500 price tag is just a guess from TS. My guess would be closer to $2,000 for this monstrosity. Good luck to Lian Li selling these. I'm sure they'll sell dozens of them!

 

[Skjorn]

How does the glass handle a clamping monitor arm? Would like to know what forces it could take, 8mm seems thick enough.

 

[QuantumPhysics]

This would be even nicer if there were wireless charging spots under the glass for your smartphone or smartwatch.

 

[hk2000]

Let's see, so these are going to replace you're desk? Unless there is a way to expand the desk space, they're out of the question- just way too small.

 

[madboyv1]

How does the glass handle a clamping monitor arm? Would like to know what forces it could take, 8mm seems thick enough.

Looking at Lian Li's website for the thing, I do not think you will be able to use a clamped arm. There is no lip over the back side of the enclosure. The glass goes to the end, and then it drops straight down like you'd expect the back of a PC case, so there's nothing to clamp onto. And besides, that is some very special glass (probably very expensive to replace if damaged) and I would not want to be putting any point pressure like a tightened clamp on it.

 

[Soulburn74]

I could see getting the 2PC sized desk (only for the enlarged desk space), but only building 1 pc in it. But thats a very YIKES worthy price!

 

[pan1c]

The $1,500 price tag is just a guess from TS. My guess would be closer to $2,000 for this monstrosity. Good luck to Lian Li selling these. I'm sure they'll sell dozens of them!

Im sure there is a market for these. People who value minimalist design tend to spend a lot to design their interior in a consistent way. Including the office. There are plenty of 1K+ motorized desks without a pc case in them.

Might be challenging for lian-li to target those customers though. But I don't expect them to produce these in high volumes.

 

[netman]

Too bad...it's missing a simple storage drawer...!

 

[Ev3rM0r3]

Nothing about glass spells luxury. I can't wait to throw mine out. Glass is the worst dust offender. You can't keep it clean, stains, smudges and dust stand out visually and require constant clean up. Glass is a gross surface to have.

 

[EClyde]

I think your jar is a bit lager then mine. I fill mine with a 32 oz bag

 

[DEADication]

It's a shame Newegg is such a garbage company otherwise I might have been interested. Here's hoping it shows up elsewhere for sale.

 

[Plutoisaplanet]

I think your jar is a bit lager then mine. I fill mine with a 32 oz bag

That's not me haha, it's the Office! If you haven't seen it yet, you have to. That character's name is Kevin, he's one of my favorites in the show! Check it out on Netflix.

 

[captaincranky]

OK, but how do it get it outside to blow the dust out of it?

 

[EClyde]

That's not me haha, it's the Office! If you haven't seen it yet, you have to. That character's name is Kevin, he's one of my favorites in the show! Check it out on Netflix.

I like TV a lot but watch as little as possible because so much of it aggravates me. Anything more serious then Jeff's Collie or Green Acres and I start talking to the set

 

[EClyde]

It's a shame Newegg is such a garbage company otherwise I might have been interested. Here's hoping it shows up elsewhere for sale.

I like Newegg a great deal. Only had one issue in 20 years

 

[hk2000]

I like Newegg a great deal. Only had one issue in 20 years

Deal with them all the time, never had an issue.