External features
While I can't understand why Lian Li would spec the PC-V800 with a floppy drive face plate, the case's stealthed 5.25" optical bay is a useful addition.

The spring-loaded aluminum drive cover flips down as the optical drive tray slides out, and when the tray slides back in, the cover snaps closed with a satisfying metal-on-metal click. The drive bay door can catch on the tray lip of some optical drives, but that's easily remedied by removing the drive tray's face plate. The stealthed drive bay's eject button isn't adjustable, either, although it works just fine with the collection of Lite On, MSI, Pioneer, Samsung, and Sony optical drives I have in the labs.

A closer look at the front of the case reveals a standard assortment of buttons and expansion ports, including LEDs for hard drive access and system power that have a reasonable level of brightness for the living room. No piercing blue Death Ray here.

Our close-up also reveals that the front panel's perforations aren't just for show. The holes provide plenty of airflow through the front of the case, which can be both a blessing and a curse. Increased airflow should result in lower system temperatures, but the lack of filtering creates a potential dust trap. The open venting will also allow more noise to escape from the case, which isn't ideal if you're looking to build a silent system for the living room.

The PC-V800 doesn't rely solely on its drafty face for ventilation. The PC-V800's top panel also features an 80mm blow hole, complete with a fan, above the CPU socket—and that's not all.

Lian Li has blessed the bottom of the case with limited venting under the power supply mount. These vents should line up with the bottom-facing PSU fans that are common on low-noise power supplies. With rubber-tipped feet elevating the case by about half an inch, there should be just enough clearance for a reasonable amount of airflow.

The rear of the PC-V800 also offer ample opportunity for air movement. In addition to perforations that match the front of the case, there are a couple of grills for the case's dual 60mm exhaust fans. Unfortunately, the grills look like they might impede airflow more than the case's drilled-out front and rear panels, which doesn't make much sense. A more open grill design could facilitate greater airflow and lower noise levels while still protecting prying fingers from being nicked by the exhaust fans.