Lian Li O11 Air MINI Review - Airflow is Optional!

[@HardwareCanucks]

***UPDATE 9/23/2021*** - Statement from Lian Li about the front panel performance: "After thorough examination of the 1st batch of O11 AIR MINI retail units, we found the mesh panel pattern used in manufacturing to be different from the intended design. The intended design which has 2X more mesh density should be able to improve CPU thermal performance by as much as 5 degrees Celsius based on in-house test. Rather than launching the cases as is, we have decided to retool new panels for the O11 AIR MINI, which will postpone availability by 2 months." This explains the poor performance vs what was promised! Good on Lian Li to postpone sales and give us a better product later. -D.

[@K970i]

nice

[@konga382]

On closer inspection, close-up shots like at 2:48 seem to reveal a deviation from the designs posted on Lian Li's site. Not sure if you guys were the ones who brought this to Lian Li's attention, but if so, good work! This would be the perfect case for me with a better front panel. I can't wait for the finished product now.

[@lmk7526]

@@konga382 Ya man, was about to order Meshify 2 Compact but i saw this !!! Damn not sure if i should on hold until christmas, hope it fixes the issue, this one can fit more thing even though it is mini. I have E-ATX Aorus extreme mobo in which Meshify 2 compact website said that unable to support but seems like this can, and it should be able to fit in 3070 rog strix too.

[@GuillaumeDanat]

Thanks for the update :)

[@jepulis6674]

Lets hope they open up the bottom fan slots too.

[@little_fluffy_clouds]

Amazing case, I’m able to run any game all day long completely silently using my 5950X + RTX 4090 by lowering power targets. I have the revised version in black, with improved mesh panels for much better air flow. Screws were no longer overtightened either, thanks for fixing the downsides of this case, Lian Li.

[@tpgggg]

question -- i am thinking of buying this case and want to make sure i get the revised version if i do. do the product listings say 'revised'? or something along those lines.. essentially, how can i know im getting the right one lol

[@little_fluffy_clouds]

@@tpgggg if you’re buying new, only the corrected revision is available, so you’ll be fine.

[@vuthsuon209]

$99 with 3 fans included. Already an upgrade vs regular mini

[@danieltheone706]

@@justin7143 then make it cheaper?

[@purplecrayon7281]

This case bears a strong resemblance to the Corsair Crystal 280X. I'm surprise you didn't compare it to the 280X during the temperature test.

[@HardwareCanucks]

The 280X would be a close competitor, you're right. I don't have that in inventory though. -D.

[@fraxesz1598]

@@diomedes7971 totally agree. Corsair 280X has bad airflow from my own using experience.

[@keebnfeeb]

Just bought this case yesterday it worked very well with my rtx3060ti with 40c (idle) , 65c when playing game ( I live in Thailand and the temp is 33c ) I have 7 fans inside my case ( 4 for AIO, 2 bottom,1 rear)

[@WarriorsPhoto]

Bummer to hear it doesn’t do good airflow. That means a lot to me when looking at a case. I like the design a lot though. Good share D’Mitri.

[@HardwareCanucks]

Yeah... disappointing airflow because of the fans and their proximity to the mesh. D.

[@WarriorsPhoto]

@@HardwareCanucks Maybe the company will hear 👂 us out and update it for better airflow? (:

[@zebeze7494]

@@WarriorsPhoto THEY’RE UPDATING THE NEXT BATCHES!!!

[@WarriorsPhoto]

@@zebeze7494 Wonderful and thank you. (:

[@Zombie101]

@@zebeze7494 are they lol? where are they then

[@abnormallynormal8823]

Filled all the fan slots, 4 120mm exhaust (3 on top, one in back), 2 140mm intake at the bottom, 2 140mm intake at the front, and 2 low rpm intake on the back. Should be crazy amounts of airflow, even at like 40% fan speed

[@pw9647]

Thanks for the review, i'm still tempted to go to this case from a 4000D because the comparative figures don't look worse, i've always liked Lian Li design but the SFX PSU pricing is too significant to justify investing up to now. I see your point (below) about brute-forcing airflow with top exhaust fans but i think thats my planned build tbh (140 intake in base, through GPU to top exh and then back exh for the AIO). Thanks again, much appreciated as always.

[@elcoronacartel]

air mini supports atx psu.

[@jameswest5102]

the fact it takes a full size power supply is a great selling factor. the airflow will already be better than my h510

[@mossbie]

Advanced Mode for the T30 fans sounding like a caffeinated mosquito lmao. Good vid, nonetheless. :)

[@HardwareCanucks]

lol .... D.

[@Schaweitzer]

another dissapointing point is it does not support 360 rad anymore...i wish hc will do an experiment on this case with fans populated at several positions to see what is the optimal fans position..just like what u had done on O11 dynamic..

[@marxteven]

why not just get the full size 011 if you want 360 rad support?

[@Schaweitzer]

@@marxteven full size O11 is just too gigantous for matx or itx..plus, O11 mini non air already had it supported..

[@marxteven]

@@Schaweitzer then just get that one. I think this one has smaller dimensions overall since it allows an ATX PSU. The non-air one requires an SFX-L PSU

[@weirdodude1173]

I was thinking about getting either this case or the Fractal Torrent. It does change things if that front panel doesn't flow well. I'm glad I watched your review, I think I'm going Torrent. Thumbs up.

[@HardwareCanucks]

Yeah i love the Torrent. Great release if you're after some fantastic out of the box cooling. -D.

[@on99kfc]

The OG O11 Air also has the same front panel ventilation problem iirc

[@TheJjjoj]

Different issue. The O11 Air had restrictive dust filters.

[@dylanpresidafonseca2545]

@@TheJjjoj because the holes were way too big.

[@Blaquegold]

Great case but personally I still prefer the o11 mini. I have it and it really performs well with my fam setup.

[@michaelflynn7055]

I have an O11 D Mini and I was disappointed to see the Air mini be released a week after building mine but I'm actually very happy with the cooling on the O11 Dynamic Mini AND I get dust filters

[@WarriorsPhoto]

Is that case better all around?

[@broben87]

@@WarriorsPhoto spend a bit get a 850w sfx psu and you're good to go

[@WarriorsPhoto]

@@broben87 How about a 1,300 WATT Platinum PSU instead? (:

[@blac.6712]

omg same I just bought my o11 d mini

[@broben87]

@@blac.6712 I bought the d mini knowing the air mini is coming, but still liked the dual glass look

[@notyouraverage5527]

Thanks for an honest review was worried all the reviews were just gonna hype this up. Appreciate this video and you!! But did u try with the fans at top as exhaust?

[@fraxesz1598]

KZbinrs only test with configurations that are included in the price. It may not represent its true cooling potential. ofc adding more fans will hugely boost its cooling performance.

[@kostasbezaitis2695]

In the end, nothing beats interior space. As far as pressure goes, it seems like there's no clear answer. The Fractal Torrent is a positive monster and still performs great while most people recommend negative pressure.

[@LyK0sa]

Negative pressure is only ever recommended for sandwich layout ITX cases with vented side panels. For 95% of cases positive or neutral is the way to go.

[@Raxsephon]

yes It is a nice case, but why WHY!!!! they cut 2cm 2!!! of length NOW a 360 AIO CANT FIT, less cooling options? WHY?!?

[@bcfchris18]

Configurate the Airflow that the Buttom Fans Blow in the case. The Front out and Back and the Top Out of the Case , The Back in and rotate the CPU Fans that they blow to the Front so the Top Fans blow the Heat out.

[@Sellstedt]

aww that's such a bummer! I would have loved to rebuild my PC into this case! The size is so perfect! Aaahhhhhhhh pain

[@popcorn2727]

Same was kinda hype sucks it was lackluster

[@MasonzeroDigitalWorks]

To be fair, airflow doesn't seem BAD, it just seems LESS GOOD than expected. I don't think that's a dealbreaker in most cases, but I know some people care a lot about keeping their temps crazy low.

[@basshead.]

@@MasonzeroDigitalWorks It's bad for $99/$109.

[@nameresu]

I want this case. White, good looking, relatively compact, I don't need to buy anything to move my system, lots of space. And I have some high static pressure fans to deal with the airflow

[@jbingbong]

Why is no one mentioning the design flaw at 5:54? I want this case but that right there is a GLARING issue. Did anyone else have this problem?

[@MrDvneil]

maybe bottom fans are suffocate because the low heigh of those feets? + filter . I don't get it the recirculation theory, since bottom fans barely takes air from where the hot air comes out, back or front.

[@Dann0343]

O11 Mini Air: ATX PSU... included fans... O11D Mini: Tempered Glass front panel... almost makes me want to switch over if I didn't already get a SFX psu and SL120/140s

[@a23b46]

They should sell a kit to make the old o11 into one with front fans.

[@IOSam]

Man... I'd love to see a comparison between this and the Fractal Design Meshify 2 Compact, since they are direct competitors in this segment at the same $109 price.

[@astronardo_]

YES THIS!!

[@NamelessPassenger]

I prefer this one over fractal design

[@vailpcs4040]

I have built in both of these cases this week: the Fractal has a 5800X / Zotac 3070 and the the Lian Li has a 120700K / gigabyte Vision 3080Ti. I'm running a front-mounted 360 beQuiet AIO (Pure loop) in the Fractal with 2x140mm top and 1 rear exhaust fan. The Lian Li has 2x140mm front and 2x140mm bottom intake fans and 3x120mm top and 1x120mm rear exhaust. The 12700K is being cooled by a Dark Rock Pro 4 on an ASUS Z690 DDR4 ROG Strix mobo and the 5800X is on an ASUS TUF X570. The cases are comparably quiet, but the thermals in the Lian Li are BETTER. I would have thought the higher thermal load would have been an issue, but it actually cools better in this config than the Meshify Compact. Honestly though, I think it's a toss up, both are great cases.

[@visiblestring]

I was hoping that this would be a good compact alternative to the P400A, Lancool II Air, or 4000D. Disappointing that the form factor is the only draw here.

[@joserosa5342]

The Problem with your temp is the CPU Aircooling. Better temps with an AIO, then u will have better air flow. That one is making turbulent

[@pointandshootvideo]

Appreciate the honesty. Thank you.

[@vsChris]

This is EXACTLY what I wished the 011D Mini was back in like January. I ended up getting a p4000x because of the 011D Mini's restrictions and price point

[@justatim8143]

I agree with you on having larger holes to allow more air in and having a fine mesh filter behind and doing the same to the top as it most likely will be exhaust. I think having the side panel more open also would be nice and having it a little longer and fit 360 AIO and wider would help future proof for longer towers and GPU's. I am not a fan of replacing the dust filters with fine mesh grills that only let in 50% air and I would like to see the I/O at bottom front or glass side for better desktop use.

[@arioramoutar2018]

I'm currently running an air 240 and have been closely considering the 280X, O11D and only became aware of this one today. Would have been nice to see (not a complaint or anything) a temp comparison with all fan slots populated, and potentially compared head-to-head to the aforementioned cases.

[@blucif6210]

all cases have bad cooling, probably the mini air has the better of the 3, dont quote me on that though, just a quick observation

[@syf_jojiahhh2834]

@@blucif6210 bruh the air has pretty good cooling..

[@skittlescopes4832]

@@syf_jojiahhh2834nah glass = bad

[@slinkywizard]

This is very interesting considering many reviewers have noted the mesh as being the same as the (Lian Li built) SSUPD Meshlicious (a case that will only drop a degree or 2 when its mesh panels are removed!). Perhaps it looks the same but isn't actually the same as the high performing mesh panels on the Meshlicious, or yours has some sort of paint issue (paint perhaps filling the holes too much? From memory the Meshlicious is powder-coated as well, which might explain the difference in performance). It'd be interesting to see a side by side close up comparison between the SSUPD mesh and the mesh on this 011 Air Mini!

[@victorchiew7552]

so if i wanted to put a 240 radiator with fans at the top with an atx motherboard, I need to get the brackets? Where do we buy the brackets from?

[@brianmateo8041]

It should come included

[@drewscott4214]

I plan on getting this case (Black version) just so I can modify the front panel to (Hopefully) fix the restriction and make it look..... I guess more suited to the Case/Naming

[@XzPERFECTIONzX]

Thank you for the honest review. I was already thinking about to buy it. But with that poor Cooling, no thank you!

[@ДенисВолков-л2ъ]

What the PSU CASE in the righ side on 1:36 ?

[@tanveertajuar2519]

Your reviews are so good to watch. Waiting for Acer SWIFT X review. I hope you will make that review soon.

[@Helios1234p]

Lian Li have just announced that the mesh panel they used in manufacturing was different to the intended design so they are postponing release until after they fix it.

[@setoace]

I guess the front panel is not good place to put your radiator for intake...i'm glad i watched this before i could replace my O11 Mini

[@neekuendukuswamy]

Hey man can make a segment or special video dedicated to Storage builds 8+ HDD's I am trying to build one but FRACTAL (that includes node too) is too costly in my country at least a 50$ more due to taxes and all Thank you

[@encaged314]

I'd really like to get my hands on this case but now I'm skeptical

[@RafitoOoO]

With all fans populated I bet the temps will be a lot better. You guys should do a test just like with the OG11.

[@RafitoOoO]

@@diomedes7971 I agree but I prefer to run it a lower rpm and also aesthetically it's prettier when all slots are populated.

[@MrNoobieNoobish]

Damn, I just sold my Lancool 215 while waiting for this to come out (am caseless now). Sad to see that the temps are slightly disappointing. Still gonna get it anyway as I value the small size, planning to add more fans too.

[@slick408]

How is it full of fans? Was the lancool better

[@ecromancer]

It looks kind of meh. But, the ability the lower the IO panel for smaller form factor motherboards is really cool. My Meshify C case has the motherboard sitting so close to the top that I can not mount a 280mm AIO with fans on the top because the fans hit the VRM heatsink on my motherboard. I had to install the AIO on the front of the case in order to get proper clearance. After 2 years, that AIO died and I bought a Noctua NH-U12A heatsink and it has been great and seem to be less noisy as well. If I had an option to like this case has to lower the motherboard a little bit, It would save me a small headache.

[@fenrisvargen]

With front panel removed, where the 2 fans still attached in the front, or no fans there at all?

[@waitandhope]

Ahhh very accurate review well done

[@eliadbu]

I hope coldzero will release after market front panel for this case.

[@cyathoris7530]

Will you guys be checking out the new 6700m in the msi delta something anytime soon?

[@konga382]

I really wanted this case to be good. I love the look of it, but seeing their diagram of the front mesh hole pattern had me worried, and this video confirmed my fears. That is just not enough of a hole to material ratio on the front panel. My GPU reaches 80+ core temps and 90+ memory temps in my P400A so I was hoping for something to upgrade from. How do you think bottom fans would perform with the two stock fans still installed in the front? Maybe that'd help with the air recirculation?

[@marchev1982]

didnt get it how you get this temps ,i was using p600S wiht 3x140mm fans in the front and z63 kraken at top exaust wiht 1x140mm at the back and my 2070 super stay around 57-58 degrees just when i play Days Gone reach 61 , after this i put 420 arctic freezer at the front wiht push pull 6 x140mm all together and 2 x140mm exaust and 1x140mm at the rear and im getting exactly the same temps ,never move from 58 degress , as far as know p400a its a great case for airflow either your gpu need thermal paste change or you have poor airlfow fans (no offence) and by the way Phanteks p600S is the best case ive oned that fabric mesh in the front have zero restriction for the air the case breath ,definetly recomended .

[@konga382]

@@marchev1982 I have a 3080 Ti that can run at up to 400W. I get similar temps to you when the card is only drawing 200W, maybe just a bit warmer. There's only so much a simple airflow setup can accomplish with that kind of heatload. My fans are all noctuas.

[@marchev1982]

@@konga382 thats make sense when card pull so much Wats try to open the mesh and if the temps are the same mean that the case is not the problem maybe the card cooling potential is not good if i was getting one fo this cards I'll definitely will go for Asus tuf really good Colling performance

[@frankytanky5076]

@@konga382 naw still too hot. Time to rma the card or repast. This case is not better than the p400 too, it would be a downgrade.

[@konga382]

@@frankytanky5076 The problem wasn't with the card. It now lives in a Lancool III and it runs nice and cool, no RMA or repaste necessary.

[@minecraftengineer1877]

I truly hope they release an O11 dynamic mini with support for ATX psu

[@kunalnaik1385]

Hi! What if I put my AIO radiator fans in the front, take out the stock fans from the front and put them up top as exhaust. Leave the stock fan in the back for exhaust (would this make more noise as you said?)? GPU at the bottom of the case. Thanks!!!

[@v0ldy54]

What happens if you put 2 additional bottom fans on the GPU together with the 2 stock ones? Would be interesting to see if it makes a difference!

[@poeticsilence047]

Nice profile pic Boshwak

[@Doc_OLDGUY_Savage]

Is that "O11" or OII (Roman numeral I I)? Being a play on oxygen, O2 or OII?

[@HTHAMMACK1]

The mesh holes are too small for good airflow. Put a filter in there and make the mesh larger, like the Corsair 4000D Airflow. I wish Corsair would make an 4000D Airflow mini with this same form factor.

[@distelmarc]

When is the case going to be available?

[@MrDutch1e]

Seems weird they changed to only 2 120mm in the bottom but 3 up top. Original 011 mini had 3x120 top and bottom.

[@Stalonage]

Which be quiet! cooler is that?

[@Housestationlive]

i don't like the fact that cas is too popular, but when it comes to microatx there is no much many alternatives!

[@markdavenportjr5129]

I am totally gonna get this case! Convert it to matx until I can upgrade to alderlake later this year. :)

[@obamalastname34]

Is it better to put all static fan in this case whether it's exhaust or intake fans?

[@Preske]

Weird question, but would it be possible to swap the mesh front with the glass front from the dynamic mini?

[@BIGKEV89]

You didn’t even utilize all the fan locations to properly to make judgement on cooling.

[@HardwareCanucks]

Testing the default config as we normally do. What is your optimal cooling config for a case this size? -D.

[@lewisthorne]

shot is the dark the side fan/radiator amount any chance of finding out the exact room from the inside top to bottom of the case i haven't seen it documented anywhere including the case manual, i'm planning out a build and im trying to figure out if i can squeeze in the ek flt 360 in there its 365mm the case is 384mm according to the web page but doesn't specify if that's including the feet or not.

[@bernardadjei]

Hi Dmitry, what filter do you have in front of your camera lens ?

[@Frankenstein_]

I Love the Dynamic Mini but the fact that it doesn't have atx Psu support is killing it for me this Case has Atx Psu support but the front and top panels are horrible. :(

[@S_Rilla]

Is it the accident or is he really attractive? Can’t decide. Thanks for your help

[@Arturas1244]

They changed front mesh which was foulty

[@boydagger2236]

How about you put all the fans in? All 6 of them?

[@swizzler8053]

Q58 review? Keep up the great work you guys.

[@softbread4975]

In your opinion, what are the best cases of this form factor?

[@purcell95]

does anyone know when preorders come out for canada, i know it got delayed and will be able to pre-order in the states on thursday, but when doing some small research i noticed the q58 is allowing american websites to pre-order right now, but nothing on Canadian websites.

[@rashiduzzamanbaby4860]

Would u recommend this case or a a lian li 011 dynamic

[@kbwerx]

if i were doing the optimal air cooling case, i would include 2 fans at bottom below the GPU and two more at top above the CPU... would be nice to test out this option. also would be nice to have full mesh side panel option instead of tempered glass...

[@groovybibo9424]

Where can I purchase this case? I know it’s release but I can’t find any supplier.

[@Route9966のわ]

tes for the advice !!! i am disappointed too about the air flow .

[@typerightseesight]

The whole case design was built around cooling a reservoir? I wouldn't air cool this case. The side fans are intake for the tube. that's suppose to sit infront while the radiator sits on top and by design on the bottom as well. At least this ones got a back fan. but in this air cooled case its over kill ironically. lol.

[@Yahfz]

I hope they update their 011 AIR too.

[@BrotherMichigan]

Clicked for the T30 popping up in the preview more than the case...

[@obamalastname34]

Arctic BioniX F120 or Arctic BioniX P120 for this case pls need reply?

[@ELEMENTGRIMM65]

Damn I was looking at this case for next buy but that front panel isn't air as described thx.

[@KOT-ANGRY]

Worst temp because of positive air pressure inside 😔

[@Marco-diy-v6h]

yesterday i was looking for a mini ITX Replace for my O11 Dynamic, thats insane :)

[@KryptoCatnip]

Anyone have suggestions for a small case" that'll support 2x 360mm rads and ATX mobo? Or does that even exist?

[@icoborg]

i can add another negative the HDD cages offer little vibration support

[@maswisnu7]

Speaking of your shirt, I like it. Where can I get it?

[@irfanparmawan9388]

where do you buy that offset bracket?

[@arpitbajpai9585]

optional offset brakets work with dynamic mini ??

[@ATJ.]

Think its dumb not to test it with all fan slots filled tbh. that is what the case is about

[@HardwareCanucks]

A case this small should be sufficiently cooled by 3 fans. Populating all fan slots (adding +3 fans) is not common for airflow cases IMO. That's brute forcing cooling, which shouldn't be required in an "airflow focused" case in the first place. -D.

[@headshotteapot1067]

Can i use the front panel from the original Lian Li O11 Mini on this new Air Mini? I like the original but want to use a full ATX PSU.

[@FerralVideo]

Doesn't look like it. The front panel of the Air is larger due to the wider footprint necessary to support ATX PSU.

[@headshotteapot1067]

@@FerralVideo I wasn't sure if the metal strip on the right wasn't wider instead

[@FerralVideo]

It looks like both the trim strip and front panel are wider. I judged it mostly by the "step" from the motherboard tray to the side mount. The original has a shallow slope there, where the Air has a steep step. The side fan clearance behind the side panel is also similar.

[@headshotteapot1067]

@@FerralVideo Thanks for your hunch, but i'd need to know yes or no. I suppose i could just buy some tempered glass and 3D print some latches. Shame, Lian Li could have got me to buy 2 cases so i could mix and match.

[@Orientalcorn]

Full size atx power supply support? Bought, literally buying this asap.

[@HardwareCanucks]

ha yup, probably the biggest positive difference vs the Dynamic mini. -D.

[@FaberFest]

Can you make a top 5 mini itx case ?

[@piotreknuras]

Nice case and nice review. I ordered it but in black. But I really do not understand why Lian Li and other companies do not make real modular cases. For example, just add the same cover panel on the top and down. Add a possibility to have legs on side panel, so just in few moments you have cube case with tempered glass pointed up. Really is it so hard? I'm really interested what case I'm going to have and receive from our local shop x-kom. According to your update they are going to change front panels. So it means more noise but better flow? Is there a chance to have modular option and order different mesh patterns or tempered glass like on O11 Dynamic mini front? Cheers from Poland. I really like your cases reviews! Good job !:) BTW. Cooler Master MasterBox Q500L has the same mesh pattern problems. Small holes = bad ventilation. I got this case now. I really like it, I made it horizontal. I made my own filters to bottom side which is now my left side. But this case has plastic window not tempered glass and it has quite thin metal sides so they move, shake and make some noise with fans rotating fast on them. Hope Lian Li is going to be better.

[@felixsantiago7780]

where do you buy the o11 air? i cant seem to find it.

[@piotreknuras]

@@felixsantiago7780 preorder in Poland

[@yelromgnu]

Why do you keep building with that small zotac card?

[@madarasoun3018]

Does it come in black?

[@dromnispank4723]

I didn't know Chris Pratt did PCs?

[@CassetteMelody]

Could you fit a Noctua NH-D15 chromax in this case?

[@gavilar5425]

would this case fit any 4090?

[@donniejep5745]

Yes it will. Hope it works out for you

[@jiajunsun3845]

Please do a review on the LG Gram 16!!!!

[@henrydimanlig7052]

Disappointing. I was looking to do a case transplant from my Corsair 280x to this, but I guess I'll look elsewhere

[@henrydimanlig7052]

@Old Trafford building with it was a breeze. My main gripe with it is how restricted the front panel is. Really restricts the intake