New build case suggestions/opinions...

DampDog · 25 Nov 2022 at 13:45

Thinking about a new build. Still undecided as to go for AM5 or Intel. But starting to think about a choice of case. I'd like to stick with ATX but looking for mid-size case with good thermal performance and compact if possible. Sort of whittled things down to a short list but if anyone has experience with any of the cases on my list I'd like to hear them, good or bad. Also anything else that fits the bill.

My basket at OcUK:

1 x Lian Li Lancool II Mesh Performance Midi-Tower Case - Black (SKU: CA-78B-LL) = £96.95
1 x Corsair 4000D Airflow Mid-Tower Case - White Tempered Glass (CC-9011201-WW) (SKU: CA-25H-CS) = £119.99
1 x NZXT H5 Flow Matte Black Mid Tower Case (SKU: CA-1B4-NX) = £94.99
1 x Lian Li O11 Air Mini, Midi-Tower, Tempered Glass - Black (SKU: CA-79J-LL) = £109.99

pc-guy · 27 Nov 2022 at 12:03

Have a look at the lancool 216. It’s got ample space and some really good innovations.

None of the above examples you have proposed offer good value as they are effectively last years products.

DampDog · 27 Nov 2022 at 12:20

pc-guy said:
Have a look at the lancool 216. It’s got ample space and some really good innovations.

None of the above examples you have proposed offer good value as they are effectively last years products.

I had a look at that but the custom 160mm fan size put me off. Not too worried about it being the latest and greatest so long as they have decent build quality. Been looking Meshify 2 Compact. Some of the problem is being spoilt for choice...

pc-guy · 27 Nov 2022 at 13:47

Sorry why would that bother you?

Meshed bottom compartment and ability to mount radiators at the top front and bottom greatly improve build ability and cooling solutions. Massive stacks of drive supports

DampDog · 27 Nov 2022 at 14:07

pc-guy said:
Sorry why would that bother you?

For the moment it just looks like a gimmick to give it something different to separate it from the crowd. You can't just go and buy a 160mm off the shelf like a 120,140 even 180 or 200mm. That said, it looks like those are ducted bespoke fans and it wouldn't surprise me if they started to appear in new models in their range going forwards. Nice aesthetics though.

random_matt · 27 Nov 2022 at 16:01

The Air Mini will not be able to handle a top AIO with an ATX board, just so you know. Although, it would be my choice of case and would use a Noctua cooler.

DampDog · 27 Nov 2022 at 17:06

random_matt said:
The Air Mini will not be able to handle a top AIO with an ATX board, just so you know. Although, it would be my choice of case and would use a Noctua cooler.

I'm just having a long hard look at the 011 Air. (I'd pretty much crossed it off my list... But...)
Downloaded the manual to have a proper look. Manual says it will take up to a 280 rad top or bottom. Even a 240 on the side panel. It's saying 170mm clearance for air so that should even sneak in a Noctua D15. However I found a cracking build guide for the case and chap is saying D15 "should fit" however is very, very tight. His build is based around a 240 AIO.

Lian Li O11 Air Mini PC Build Guide - Step by Step

A full step-by-step PC build guide in the Lian Li O11 Air Mini featuring the RTX 3080 and i5-11500. This tutorial includes putting all the parts together, in...

youtu.be

Lian Li O11 Air Mini - Best Fan Configuration

Testing the best fan and cooling layout in the Lian Li O11 Air Mini allowing me to answer the important questions below on how you should build in this case....

youtu.be

Lian Li O11 Air Mini PC Case Review

In this video I review the Lian Li O11 Air Mini PC Case and answer the important question of should you get this case?00:00 Case features08:12 Build footage0...

youtu.be

I'd initially crossed it off my list due to it having quite a fat footprint. Even though it is pretty compact and very configurable. My current PC sits on the back left-hand corner of my desk 3/4 desk without being too intrusive. Though not much, the extra width 280 vs 205 steals just a tad too much space. (printer is on the other end) That said I'm liking the case more and more so might try and find a new home for the printer. All petty stuff I know but I can sense it might trigger some decorating..