SilverStone LC-14 Lascala HTPC
For those unfamiliar, almost ever since SilverStone began manufacturing computer chassis' they began a legacy of creating simply exceptional cases regarding the appearance and build quality. The SilverStone LC-14 appears to be no different. On the front right hand side of the case are two 5.25" external drive bays. Covering the bays are two soft-closing covers. These covers are designed for use with CD and DVD drives to act as a faceplate for the device to offer a more streamlined appearance. Beneath these external bays is the power and reset switches accompanied by the power and HDD activity LEDs. These buttons are also black to assist in a codified appearance, while the two LEDs are both blue. On the left hand side of the bays and LEDs, is a black plastic portion of the case that really serves no purpose except for some decorative accent. However, on the LC-14M model, there is a VFD/IR module integrated into the panel. Although we aren't reviewing the LC-14M we would like to point out that SilverStone Technology is kind enough to provide links to the Linux drivers for the module which happens to be LCDproc and an iMON plug-in for LIRC.
👁 Image
👁 Image
👁 Image
👁 Image
On the left hand side of the SilverStone LC-14 are seven hot keys along with a classy SilverStone plaque. The integrated hotkeys are labeled for rewind, forward, stop, play, mute, and volume increase/decrease. These keys should prove to be an effective way to control the HTPC while playing a movie, if you don't have an external remote. Lining the edge of the front bezel on the right hand side are four USB2.0 ports, one Firewire, one audio headphone jack, and one microphone jack. On both sides of the LC-14 case is an array of small holes to allow for some additional airflow inside of the case.
At the rear of the case are two 60mm fans for exhaust purposes along with a standard ATX PSU slot, I/O panel, and seven expansion slots. Unfortunately, none of the screws used to hold on the HTPC cover are thumbscrews, they are rather traditional screws, but can very easily be replaced by thumbscrews for easier access. On the bottom of the case, are high quality aluminum foot stands. These feet should allow easier stacking of audio/video equipment for use in a home theatre and we're pleased to see these high quality feet over the smaller plastic versions.