Considering what you'd get back from the price, it's not really that bad. I'm surprised it sells for under $2k USD. I think it's a bit late to the party though since the desktop PC market is so small these days. Offhand, I can't think of anyone that's even given a desktop a passing thought when it comes to purchasing a new system. People either get a laptop or use their phone/tablet. Seeing a new desktop PC or, even more rare, a custom-built desktop is almost laughable now. There are a few kicking around in businesses as workstations or heavy lifting boxes, but their numbers have certainly dwindled in the past decade.
I know quite a few folks that still use desktops, but I'm a software developer, so I might be running with a different crowd. I also have a HTPC as my main entertainment device and "game console", so I'm in a dwindling minority of users.
That said, I've been doing some non-trivial development on a higher-end 15" business class HP laptop. It's not anything terribly heavyweight, but it's multi-threaded, asynchronous multi-process type stuff. Even with the extra weight of Windows (I'm mostly a Linux developer), I've barely tapped the capabilities of the machine. However, one of our processes is a bit inefficient for our purposes, chewing up a full core and up to a GB of RAM, turning the laptop into a temporary space heater when it's running. Most desktops wouldn't even break a sweat.
I think you're talking about a different I/O panel. The front I/O is fine. It's the "rear" I/O with all the graphics card connections, network ports, and the majority of the USB HomeworldFound is talking about.
However, I don't think it's a huge deal. How often do you need to change what's hooked up to the *back* of the computer? There's plenty on the front for quick access and temporary connections, including an HDMI -- though I'd have preferred DisplayPort and a couple included adapter dongles. If you need that many extra hot-swap USB ports all the time, you can leave a couple cables pre-connected or hook up a hub. In the end, you have to decide if it works for your use case.
Exactly, sorry I had trouble with that because I'm giving up a serious coca-cola habit. I really felt that the single limitation would be the most annoying. I would still like one of these desks but it would be amazing if we could extend the ports on the motherboards rear I/O to the rear of the desk and plug in there.
I know that this would be even more niche than the product already is, but I'd be way more interested in this if it had enough drive bays to replace my home/media server. The PC I usually use at my desk is my laptop, which connects with a single cable to dock... but if I could get rid of the giant case I have with 12 HDD bays by putting THAT inside a desk, that'd be a whole other story. (My gaming PC on the other hand, is in the living room in a SFF case).
You don't want to do that. 12 drives is going to create some serious vibration no matter the mounting system. I actually wouldn't be surprised if this desk had a vibration problem as is out of the box.
We’ve updated our terms. By continuing to use the site and/or by logging into your account, you agree to the Site’s updated Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
16 Comments
Back to Article
fanofanand - Friday, August 4, 2017 - link
This is really cool and appears to be laid out well. That price though.....BrokenCrayons - Friday, August 4, 2017 - link
Considering what you'd get back from the price, it's not really that bad. I'm surprised it sells for under $2k USD. I think it's a bit late to the party though since the desktop PC market is so small these days. Offhand, I can't think of anyone that's even given a desktop a passing thought when it comes to purchasing a new system. People either get a laptop or use their phone/tablet. Seeing a new desktop PC or, even more rare, a custom-built desktop is almost laughable now. There are a few kicking around in businesses as workstations or heavy lifting boxes, but their numbers have certainly dwindled in the past decade.bloodgain - Friday, August 4, 2017 - link
I know quite a few folks that still use desktops, but I'm a software developer, so I might be running with a different crowd. I also have a HTPC as my main entertainment device and "game console", so I'm in a dwindling minority of users.That said, I've been doing some non-trivial development on a higher-end 15" business class HP laptop. It's not anything terribly heavyweight, but it's multi-threaded, asynchronous multi-process type stuff. Even with the extra weight of Windows (I'm mostly a Linux developer), I've barely tapped the capabilities of the machine. However, one of our processes is a bit inefficient for our purposes, chewing up a full core and up to a GB of RAM, turning the laptop into a temporary space heater when it's running. Most desktops wouldn't even break a sweat.
HomeworldFound - Friday, August 4, 2017 - link
I'd love one but Lian-Li made some very silly decisions, like in order to plug in a USB cable or a DisplayPort cable you have to take the lid off.HomeworldFound - Friday, August 4, 2017 - link
What I meant to say is that the I/O panel is not accessible without opening the desk.ads295 - Friday, August 4, 2017 - link
Huh? The two front ends of the desk have the IO panel exposed, as detailed in the first and last picture...bloodgain - Friday, August 4, 2017 - link
I think you're talking about a different I/O panel. The front I/O is fine. It's the "rear" I/O with all the graphics card connections, network ports, and the majority of the USB HomeworldFound is talking about.However, I don't think it's a huge deal. How often do you need to change what's hooked up to the *back* of the computer? There's plenty on the front for quick access and temporary connections, including an HDMI -- though I'd have preferred DisplayPort and a couple included adapter dongles. If you need that many extra hot-swap USB ports all the time, you can leave a couple cables pre-connected or hook up a hub. In the end, you have to decide if it works for your use case.
HomeworldFound - Friday, August 4, 2017 - link
Exactly, sorry I had trouble with that because I'm giving up a serious coca-cola habit. I really felt that the single limitation would be the most annoying. I would still like one of these desks but it would be amazing if we could extend the ports on the motherboards rear I/O to the rear of the desk and plug in there.Samus - Friday, August 4, 2017 - link
Perfect for LAN parties!meacupla - Friday, August 4, 2017 - link
For the price and having tempered glass top, I'm surprised they didn't include a place to mount VESA armsHomeworldFound - Friday, August 4, 2017 - link
Actually there's a place to hang a clamp mount ;)jhoff80 - Friday, August 4, 2017 - link
I know that this would be even more niche than the product already is, but I'd be way more interested in this if it had enough drive bays to replace my home/media server. The PC I usually use at my desk is my laptop, which connects with a single cable to dock... but if I could get rid of the giant case I have with 12 HDD bays by putting THAT inside a desk, that'd be a whole other story. (My gaming PC on the other hand, is in the living room in a SFF case).etamin - Friday, August 4, 2017 - link
You don't want to do that. 12 drives is going to create some serious vibration no matter the mounting system. I actually wouldn't be surprised if this desk had a vibration problem as is out of the box.Rick83 - Sunday, August 6, 2017 - link
I would expect the table to be heavy enough, that vibration won't be an issue.Dug - Monday, August 7, 2017 - link
Bad form if you are sitting down. The thickness at the front where your legs would go under the table is a problem.oranos - Sunday, August 13, 2017 - link
this thing is sexy AF. Lian Li always makes the highest quality products.