Lian Li Lancool 216 - CASE of the year?

[@rayjukenl3497]

Best case reviewer i've seen.

[@euphoria842]

Lian Li are honestly the best case maker currently - great cases at great prices and they still push the envelope. Great review

[@frog7118]

Of the reviews I have watched of this case, yours was the most thorough. You're the only one to install the 2 fans on top of the power supply shroud. Shows that you take your time and think ahead. Quite simple to remove the bracket you mentioned and mount directly to the shroud. You could use finger grills on the inside of the shroud to insure that no cables get into the fans blades.

[@chrishexx3360]

That's a really great value case for what it offers. I've been impressed with the Lian Li cases I have owned in the past.

[@lucifersheadscarf6988]

What’s been your favourite ?

[@johnerikson2443]

Which was their best you had ?

[@musagames7324]

Nice that they made provision for both air cooling and liquid cooling - it’s not hard to add the extra mounting points when you think about it.

[@todayisagoodday5027]

Bought this case for my 7800x3d 4080 build and couldn’t be happier. The 3 fans came in clutch. Plenty of space for all your needs. Highly recommend this case if your on the fence.

[@lankylonky22]

wow same specs do i need to buy additional 3 fans to mount on the top of the case

[@todayisagoodday5027]

@@lankylonky22 I didn't buy any more. Just consider your environment.Make sure the pc has space to breathe.

[@redzinter]

@@todayisagoodday5027 Im going for same build soon but i will go with cpu aircooler and maybe add 2x140mm on top to exhaust? how are cpu and gpu temps?

[@todayisagoodday5027]

@@redzinter Everything is working great. Try it without the top fans and see. You can always add them later. What I love about building is that you can change parts. Outside of ridiculous GPU prices it's affordable and fun.

[@PaulSebastianM]

Wow! The modularity is amazing. Just hope it doesn't bend too much, or creak.

[@guy197]

I've been modding small form factor cases for a while now, by installing an external fan at the back. Indeed, it works really well and for SFF, it's often the only way to add an extra fan.

[@historianfabulousio5128]

its a good idea, apart from the fitting concerns noted. with such a variety of hardware I would assume it becomes a case of 'one fan design will never work for everything'

[@Zombie101]

A case this large shouldn't be bolting on external fans lol

[@Kalosius]

I just picked one up and love it. It is easy to navigate and make look very clean even as a noob builder.

[@thedigitallens]

A well covered review. I'm planing to buy this cabinet and this video has been really useful in showing all the customization features this case has got. Thanks!

[@Le_Mon9]

Just switched to this from a NZXT H5 Flow. Adding 2 140mm fans at the bottom of the gpu really helped a lot on the temps of my 7900xtx. Dropped more than 10 deg from 75 down to 60-65 deg.

[@sbranham86]

Would you say it’s worth it? I’m looking at swapping to this from my h5 flow

[@Le_Mon9]

@@sbranham86 it is definitely. Honestly should've gone with this instead of the H5 in the first place.

[@slotholopolis2314]

Just built my new rig in this case and it was an absolute pleasure. My only annoyance is the opening behind the front fans that looks into the PSU/ Drive bay area. I would love a mesh plate like the rest of the case has, even if it was aftermarket

[@SrSilverstars]

Good review. Very detailed. Thanks

[@LetsFixITJoe]

just bought the white one and added the front filter availibe from Lian Li. Its awsome - and on top i added an outside pollfilter and still under full load cpu with 2 full loadded gpus its coolsl perfectly ! PSU 1K running at 70%

[@KitGuruTech]

Very nice!

[@b.johnny2793]

Thanks for the informative review, it's a very nice case. Good Job!

[@canarychrome7012]

thats a cracking looking case James, nicely done sir

[@rcole134]

I have this case but went with vertical mounted GPU. I'm using the same AIO but I put my motherboard at the higher setting because it looked better with the GPU vertically mounted. It is so easy to build in and I have built alot of computers over the years. A highly recommended case.

[@MrDvneil]

the rear mounting fan, is meant to be used with the AIR MODE motherboard position. Im pretty sure you were able to mount that AIO in AIR MODE without problems (not sure with 280 aios). at least you show an improvement of 6ºC with the rear fan (makes sense). Gamer nexus showed 2ºC worse temps than without it, his results were weird.

[@AR-ke8wg]

Wondering the same thing, aio and MB in air cooling position to allow for external fan. Have run across how much room u have for an AIO in air cooled mode?

[@espi8997]

Why does Lian Li do this to me? Do I have to buy another case from them? Seems so.... case of the year for me without any doubt!

[@emirengin8976]

I don’t like watercooling in general but that looks really cool.

[@stevengoodwin8620]

I Don't' use water cooling myself but like to option. That said I primarily chose this case Because of the massive amount of Air Flow that is has. It's also my 3'rd Lian Li case over a long time period.

[@Mcannon1962]

Great review and walk through. I just finished a similar build in the 216 and thought I would share a couple of challenges that I had to overcome. They are not case related. I also installed the additional I/O controller on the front, which provides some RGB color and mode control for the two front 160mm fans. Ultimately, I decided I would prefer to synchronize the two front 160mm fans with the other Lian Li case fans, so I bought the optional ARGB cable kit for $12 US (Microcenter) and connected the 160's to the Lian Li L-Connect 3 software via the controller that came with the Galahad AIO just as you have used. Now all the Lian Li fans are synchronized. On a different, but related note, I also wished to synchronize my RGB RAM sticks and the RGB side plate of my graphics card. You would think that would be child's play. It isn't at all, simply due to both poorly written and incompatible RGB software. RGB Fusion 2.0 seems like it should be labeled as pure Malware. It corrupts so many things it touches, I had to use an Exorcist process to rid my machine of all traces. Most of the other RGB software that can control RAM and graphics cards is sketchy, but a combination of Signal RGB to find and control the RAM and polychrome to find and control the RGB on my Asrock Phantom Gaming 6800XT finally managed to get it all done. If only Lian Li would extend L-Connect 3 to manage RGB for other devices...one can wish.

[@swordsinger1061]

Awesome to hear that the front 160mm fans are compatible with other rgb controllers. I couldn’t find a lot of info towards that.

[@UpTheTown4ever]

Debating on this case with a MSI B650 Tomahawk and a Nitro+ 7900 xtx. Thanks for a great video.

[@osmankarabiyik6870]

Quite a lit of thought has gone into the design of this it’s a nice case.

[@Bill412]

Real nice review James good attention to detail as per usual. You manage to make the most mundane bit of the PC interesting.

[@KitGuruJames]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@joaopaulodesign]

I recently bought this case, the version without RGB, and for those who don't know as I didn't know, the version without RGB comes without the Lian Li hub. Information that is not given on the website or manual. The front fans use 0.5A (I believe 100%) and, to move the front panel to the side, if in doubt, read the manual, it will help you change it easily. I bought the Arctic pwm hub to control the fans, as it uses a SATA cable and is magnetic.

[@kafagame4489]

Like the reposition-ability of the front IO.

[@ynnosredd3190]

I'm convinced. I'm gonna get this case.

[@harleylover9446]

love the big fans at the front

[@null_referencee]

Building my pc ioin this case was a real satisfaction. Amazing case for such money.

[@boltsandbraces6261]

Lian Li have certainly adapted their styling to get with the times in the last year, thats a pretty great case, but it could still be improved in some areas.

[@KOT-ANGRY]

11:40 on Turbo cards improove a lot ❤

[@EVMANVSGAS]

It is case of the year. It is the best case I have ever built a computer in and i've been building computers since 1999.

[@geofftatesmate7748]

nice review james, very indepth !

[@KitGuruJames]

Thanks.

[@Marke522]

Very nice video, just purchased this tower had a little concern with the Noctua NH-D15 even though the website says it's fine. Thanks for not playing the music while you were talking like other youtube personalities. Very nice channel.

[@majorschemer4872]

Great review as always. I pre order this case the moment pre orders went live. I can't wait to build in it.

[@KitGuruJames]

👍

[@brandonb8705]

I've been doing the fan on the outside of cases for a while. Easier when you have multiple radiators in a smaller case.

[@taomahNEGEV]

Impressed indeed. "Hard to beat". Let's check out the Lancool 2 Mesh and see.

[@gravel86]

Amazing review I think I will use this in my next build.

[@KitGuruTech]

Go for it!

[@LeMamour]

Excellent review, i just bought this case. It seem fun to install and use. I need to buy the front dust filter and the fronts Usb thing.

[@nnik0lay]

An excellent review! Thank you!

[@fairycat]

Thanks for review

[@buyingastairwaytoheaven5252]

well you sold me on it, for the price in todays market its pretty competitive.

[@evlkenevl2721]

I really love this case, and would have bought it if I thought it would be possible to find filters for the front and side intakes. The two 160mm and two 120mm intakes are enough to keep up with hot builds even if they had filters. I ended up choosing the be quiet! 500dx for the filtration. (I don't like how the fine dust that does get through mesh screens gets caked up and wants to get into everything.)

[@Mcannon1962]

Lian Li offers an optional (and inexpensive) magnetic fine mesh dust filter for the front of the case, which fits like a hand into a glove into the cut out grooves. It works great! You can also fit some additional fine mesh screens into the side vents, though my observations are that these are not the source of most dust. The two 160 mm fans in the front act as the main inductors of airflow (and dust). The fine mesh filters work like a charm.

[@AR-ke8wg]

Download of manual for case says can fit AIO

[@gregcy89]

Lian Li - King of AirFlow 👑💫

[@techxbd]

What a cool case with great build quality!

[@pawnipt]

looks like a grreat case. I've resorted to putting fans out on the outside of my Fractal Meshify C Mini case because my gpu was too long and ram too tall for me to fit my 240mm AIO anywhere. So I placed two Phanteks T-30's in front on the outside with their own filter/grills and the radiator on the inside, and for now a little bit of duct tape to fill the gap below the radiator :D

[@johnerikson2443]

Did you measure much improvement ?

[@kingsleyycommen]

That’s a ridiculously neat build.

[@KitGuruJames]

Thanks

[@d.ink3d]

I got this case today and building in it was a breeze plus my temps are insane, my undervolted 7800xt rarely even reaches low 40 degrees and my 7800x3d stays really cool as well. First time buying Lian Li and im really impressed. The back fan also fits perfectly with my ASrock board.

[@Elvyne]

Literally my build lmao! Can't wait to put it together then

[@pistolpinto]

Top quality video and very clear! Case looks stunning! Please could you do an in-depth full PC building video using latest gen hardware?

[@lucifersheadscarf6988]

Cracking review that mate.

[@dragonld123]

Its a nice idea to have a 2nd fan at back as outlet but it should be a slim 120x15. Instead of adding a slim screwed in 4 holes, they increased size to the normal 120x25 using that case.

[@turkeygerky2781]

Only thing that is scaring me a bit about recent Lian Li Cases is the weird fan sizes. I have the Lancool with the 200mm front fans. One just died... can't get one that fits because they are weird. Which sucks cause I love the case. Now I am just deciding if I want to stick with Lian Li or try something different. Also Lian Li doesnt sell the fans themselves just have to pick up a new case. Which I guess isnt a big deal since the case is so cheap now that its basically the same price as 2 200mm fans.

[@QuentinStephens]

Great review. I loved the build sequence. I really like the cable management options. I've been buildiing PCs since the very late 80s and continue to be impressed with the cumulative effects of all the little improvements over the years. This goes high on my recommended list. You say the case uses 160mm fans and is optimised for watercooling; is there a 160x320mm radiator available and if there is, how well do the supplied fans work with it? You made a comment about static pressure so I'm guessing that's the point. For EATX boards, rather than rotate the panel with the grommets can you flip it over, so the big grommet is still at the top?

[@KitGuruJames]

I'm not aware of any 320 x 160 radiators because 160mm is an odd size. I think the cable management panel can be flipped to allow the large cut out/grommet to stay at the top.

[@QuentinStephens]

@@KitGuruJames Thanks and keep up the good work.

[@serban2139]

When i tried to DYI install another exhaust like LIAN LI did here, but on my corsair carbide 275R, I got 0 difference in gpu temps. I'm not sure how you got different results.

[@stevewatson6839]

This review gives a better showing than that of GN. Off that I thought it was a bit meh! tbh. Worth a punt on this showing perhaps but there seems to a qc issue with the top panel sagging because the structural integrity isn't quite there; a hit and miss thing that is going to vary case by case. A 217 ought to be taller on new tooling and inherit the center screw in the top panel from the Lancool III. That rear fan is a good idea that hasn't been thought thru properly, making me think they might have hired some Thermaltacky folk! Half-arsed might be too harsh, but I'd be fifty-fifty until we are beyond a sample size of a couple in reviewers hands. Lastly, if your headline is a question, the answer is always no.

[@KitGuruJames]

I've not had chance to watch the GN review yet but from my experience building the system, looking at structural integrity and using the features of the case gave me all good impressions. I had no issue at all with the top panel, I'm intrigued to see what issue others had with it. It's sounds crazy to say this but you don't get much case for £100 in the UK market these days so it seems like good value.

[@stevewatson6839]

@@KitGuruJames That is all a good reviwer can do, honestly report on the example of the product in front of them. There isn't any thing wrong that isn't easily sorted; that is why I don't get it that Lian Li didn't sort it. I expect Thermaltake to have good ideas and fluff their execution; Lian LI not so much. There isn't anything here that whipping the cordless drill and Dremel out, and using nuts and screws from the bit box won't sort, probably. But we shouldn't have to do that. I think Lian Li listened too hard to their bean counters and fell between two stools. Its a head scratcher though, they splashed out on bespoke fans and cooling solution; but cheaped in using an extant chassis and its tooling. A good review and a nice tidy build eased by the base chassis being above average in the builder friendly stakes in the first place. But for the caveats, I'd probably have it a contender for Best Case of the Year, certainly the best relatively budget case, myself.

[@stevengoodwin8620]

One of the strong points of this case is the massive amount of Air Flow that it provides for "Air cooled Systems. So, What are the numbers without Water cooling??

[@happybuggy1582]

The rear fan only works when gpus heat sink fins are the right direction. For your gpu, it’s not

[@rufusmctavish1164]

best reviewer on this old youtube

[@santiel_izh]

Case of the year! Lian Li - good job!

[@LessThanAvgGamer]

Question..Im building my first pc and i got this case with the rgb controller. And i never see this explained but on the motherboard it only has one usb 3.0 connection but both panels have a usb 3.0 cable how are you plugging both of them in?

[@inlovewithmycar7085]

thats a pretty unusual thing to include. but its a good place for a fan, well if it worked on fitment better

[@AndrewGilmour-qld]

NOTE if you oly use the stock fans that come with the case, the usb power modual at the top of the case, DOES NOT fit on the bottom left side, as there is no room for the cables, the bottom place is for the opptional rgb controller

[@Username4453]

Well that was the whole reason I was going to get the 216 over the newer 206 but if I can't move the io to the left so its easier to access on my desk I guess i'll just get the 206...

[@Elvyne]

Wrong. It's possible. You just didn't do it the right way

[@mesicek7]

Have yo done any gaming on this pc? 21:45 That chipset fan is gonna go off after 30min of gaming and it's not gonna be pleasant. The gpu's completely covered it. I have the same issue after going from a 2 slot to a 3 slot gpu

[@CallMeFearS]

Bro my motherboard has only 1argb header so this means if I connect the case argb connector to my motherboard argb header to control front pre installed 160mm argb fans lighting, I can't use Lian Li UNI Fan SL comes with Galahad 360 cooler right? Because I don't have any other argb header on my motherboard To control those UNI fans lighting? Right? Please help me I want to sync all my fans lighting.

[@user-gi5ws1fs8x]

Hi, I'm choosing between lian li lancool 216 or be quiet! pure base 500 DX BLACK what do you recommend

[@MeR-md1jq]

Is this case big enough to fit a geforce 4090? I'm worried about the power cables hitting the glass on the side of the case.

[@Wanted54321]

Its fine, mine fit ok, the fan behind gpu didnt fit tho

[@Buffinator1988]

Thank you for the informative review. This is a really well received case across the media sphere. Would love a review of the Lancool 205 mesh if you can swing it. It was recently released but mostly absent from media reviews, it's very similar to this case but more compact. That's the only thing that I personally dislike, this is just too big for my needs.

[@MichaelChan0308]

The PCIe external fan could use a 80mm and 92mm fan actually, and it wouldn't cause compatibility issues

[@eliadbb9634]

have you tried it yourself? i was thinking the same

[@ogacules5827]

Hi, I am planning to get this case, do I need to buy extra casing fans? or the pre-installed is enough? going to build i5 13500 & RTX 3060 in it

[@alanmangroo3656]

Great video! Which direction are the bottom two fans blowing? Sorry for the dumb question, it been years since I built a pc.

[@tiagobovolin]

I have and old XSPC 360mm radiator which is 60mm thick and with the fans I have 80mm of thickness. So my question is: would they fit on this case?

[@tav8223]

Great review of the case! I'm definitely getting this case. As for external fan.. I wouldn't call it a "significant" change in gpu temp... as based on your chart, With the bottom fans installed, and external fan NOT installed. the temp was 45. It became 44.. 1 degree difference with the external AND bottom fans installed correct? To me, 1 degree isn't a deal breaker. Unless you're referring to just having the external and NO bottom fans as being the significant change (6 degrees). I could've heard wrong or missed that bit. So question now on this external fan. Think i already know the answer, (no).. but anyways. Will that external fan fit if you did a vertical mount for GPU?

[@ejay7558]

would i be able to fit 2 140mm fan above the psu shroud if i use water cooling mode with a micro atx board?

[@danijelb.3384]

How did you connect the bottom fans? On the same controller like the AIO?

[@Lopo1]

I need more cooling to GPU and it looks like bottom fans would help. Is it so that PSU needs to stay fan down, GPU of course as it is(fans down, sucking air in?) and bottom fans pushing air upwards? Overall I have one exhaust in the back, aio pushing up in the top and two large fans sucking in in the front.

[@Idontwantausernamist]

How is the noise from those fans compared to the ones that come with for example, a Corsair or NZXT similar size case? Aren't they too noisy?

[@NFawc]

From my understanding - The optional Lian Li RGB controller gives you limited control but prevents total control via the MB (& dedicated software)?

[@ericvalentine1497]

I have been double siding taping 140mm fans on the outside of cases since the 2080ti

[@T.Lspitz]

Does anyone know if an arctic 360 aio will mount to the top without cause any clearance issues with the motherboard or ram?

[@justatim8143]

Looks like the almost perfect case that works on floor or desktop. I do wish it had more open mesh like the rear fan in front and on top with filters behind as the mesh it has is only 50% open holes. I am also not a fan of the rear fan Not being RGB as it is called RGB version.

[@wandersoncardoso6353]

Suport water coller in the front?

[@KitGuruJames]

Yes, upto 360mm.

[@ZackEhlers]

Lian Li sells an optional front dust filter on Newegg and AliExpress. It's good for those who are clean freaks who hate dust collecting in their PCs.

[@TheOnion12]

Nice case

[@righteousone8454]

Engineer at Lian Li: How big do you want the fans at the front Marketing department: Yes.

[@platdujour]

See also: LANCOOL 215

[@banana3399]

@@platdujour fr lol 2x200mm fans in da front, i just wish there was more support for the 160mm fans on the 216. maybe thats the intention tho to open up the market for sizes between 140mm and 200mm

[@zoltanmuller4572]

Is GPU and CPU cooling better in this case than the be quiet Pure Base 500DX? Thanks

[@alanloke1748]

Thanks for the video. What about noise? I've been hearing that this case is quite loud?

[@divisionoflabor3070]

Hey! I used some velcro sticky strips and was able to mount the GPU fan with clearance in the 2nd and 3rd slots for HDMI

[@maxabillon]

Very nice😀, Not listed yet on OCUK.

[@KitGuruJames]

It should be very soon.

[@weeooh1]

Re external fan I would have tried an 80mm fan to allow for GPU ports clearance.

[@markcherrington5835]

Enjoying this video, but have to ask, I also so much enjoy the music. By chance, a link to a playlist by chance?

[@overclockingdemon7179]

well I like that one. not sure about that rear fan development, could have been thought out a bit better

[@ernestwilliamknowlton4841]

Even having to spend a little extra to get a RBG control and a front filter is still the best case for less than 150 pounds

[@Nah12335]

Those two fans are enormous 160mm!

[@Bad888Max]

need it

[@fouraces9137]

Nice vid, enjoyed the thoroughness of how you showed it in beginning. It wasn't on some turntable with some chick pointing at the window going oooh glass :) Seriously it was informative and cemented my decision to get one soon, the Fractal Design case just isn't good enough to keep the cpu as cool as I'd like. You pointed out things that someone who builds comps would appreciate knowing. Did you try putting cheap wire grills on the bottom fans or mesh grills? If so did it affect noise or airflow? Is there a HDD activity led, I've never noticed one, consider them an essential tool. Oh another reason for getting this case for myself, the grommets are in a good position for how I run the gpu power, over the top of gpu with 180 deg connectors on the card.

[@ThePRinZy]

26:43 Do they have to be Lian Li Unifan only? Can any other normal fans in the market be installed?

[@vectivuz1858]

Nope. Any 140mm or 120mm fan can be used. I personally use two Artic p14 ARGB, also previously used a couple of cheap 120mm fans but I prefer the 140s

[@farzulali7021]

hello Sir, question do you reference the manufacture QVL for the memory? Very good video as well!

[@washiewah748]

For the two fans on top of the PSU shroud, do you reccommend exaughsting air down or do you think that will pull too much heat into the PSU? Thanks :)

[@randommtbing5631]

Those two fans should be blowing air to GPU. There's a mesh side panel below the glass panel which should provide plenty of air for them. At least this is the case with Lancool 2 mesh which has similar configuration except for the normal triple 120 fans in front panel.

[@JoeMaranophotography]

I've never built a PC before but if I wanted a rear fan for the gpu as shown does a wire have to go all the way to the optional fan controller from there and if so where would it get routed?

[@KitGuruJames]

There is a hole cut out of the back of the chassis to pass the cable through. It can be routed up to the fan hub from there. Depending on your fan cable length it might need an extension.

[@JoeMaranophotography]

@@KitGuruJames Thanks :)