mATX Cases will Never Be the Same

[@Thatswutshesaid9023]

I just built in one of these last week and it was one of the easiest and most straight forward micro atx builds I have done. I love this case very much

[@whatwelearned]

Guy this is £65. It's a fantastic case and your complaints mean nothing at this price point. Name a better case at this size and price.

[@mrjonlor]

I just bought an A3 yesterday. Definitely more challenging to build in than a full ATX case, but very well built and flexible. Used an Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 which was challenging as it has a particularly thick rad. Was able to get it to fit by mounting it on the side. Considering that I also have a TUF 3060Ti, which is quite a long card (301mm) and several drives, I’m super impressed that I was able to shoehorn it all in.

[@g4r367]

Hi, what about temperture of gpu and cpu in case ?

[@Nosbuiq]

It’s kinda wild that everyone was so excited for a wood front panel at the Lian Li section at Computex… Now that we’re actually getting it seems ppl are disappointed with it when it’s not even a bad product. I get it being very similar to the North, but PC cases are literal boxes, there’s only so much they can do with the looks while staying close to the original look they want. Can’t please everyone I guess

[@chedinbuildsstudio5144]

I want to see more gamery designs, fun designs on cases! I don't wan't to conform to professionalism.

[@jeeb.3647]

yeah but i want to​@@chedinbuildsstudio5144

[@RainOrbs]

@@chedinbuildsstudio5144 There is more than enough gamer themed cases to get what you want lol there is a heavy lack of professional looking cases

[@emiel255]

@@chedinbuildsstudio5144 That is interesting because that's exactly what I do not want to see more of hahah. Luckily there is plenty for both of us to choose from :)

[@chedinbuildsstudio5144]

@@emiel255 There's no gaming designs to choose from. The only way to get gamimg designs is to find from the used market. Stop hating fun

[@vric]

The one from Etsy are quite good quality if you are interested. It's expensive, but it's low scale product. And it's real wood

[@jakelapre]

Thanks for the support!

[@MrBeringela001]

is that the woodlicious he mentioned?

[@pabloeskibar8076]

designs are ugly tho

[@ThylineTheGay]

@@pabloeskibar8076 there are other design patterns Also the person who runs that store replied like two comments above you 💀

[@pabloeskibar8076]

@@ThylineTheGay ya it's just not for me man..i've went through all the designs on his website and reddit as well..the generic designs are just meh

[@Owenzzz777]

I love the A3. Managed to squeeze in 2x 360 radiators and a 3080 Ti with sfx power supply in the original A3. My experience is if the power supply positions are off by just a few millimeters it would be way easier to build, and if the top radiator is on a bracket, it would also make it much much easier. Still, this is the best small ish case I have ever built in. My 14900k can finally stay under 90C and sustain 330W

[@trollerbladdering]

This case feels like it was almost a masterpiece but they gave up seconds away from the finish line.

[@kai-sin]

They also decided to only make the wood front panel for the black case. It has black framing and a black mesh, so I doubt it would look good on the white case. All in all, it's quite impressive to release a case 3/4 of the way done. It almost feels intentional, but that's only because I am disappointed. Between the front panel and the PSU cable management...I mean, you got us (me) good :P I've been looking at cases for the past few days and settled on this until I found out the wood panel is more for the black case. All they needed to do was make the original case's front panel with airflow in mind (with a black or white mesh) and have the wood panel be a simple clip-on with no other colours but wood. This would allow it to fit both the black or white case.

[@jasperverkroost]

@@kai-sin According to a post from Lian Li op reddit the wood panel will be sold seperately from somewhere in October.

[@justeddm]

Most ppl just wanted a compact matx case , Lian li delivered and at a great price. The wood panel is for those that are into it.

[@z4k1_zaki65]

You guys asked, LianLi delivered, and now you guys complaining?!

[@EffectualPoet]

It isn't morning wood. It's flaccid slumber.

[@V1N_574]

Thats social media for ya 😂

[@clementfrance2905]

I picked up the A3 a couple weeks ago, perfect case for my needs. Transitionned from a SAMA IM01 to the A3 with a 360 aio, atx psu, matx mobo 3 sata drives : 1HDD 2 2,5' SSD and an RTX 3080 FE. Cable management was the only flaw for me with this case but since its so cheap you can look away on certain things. Plus, as long as everything fits, you can make cable management look pretty, it just takes more time... Overhaul great case, would recommend, just be mindfull of using a few tricks (run cables between the mobo and where it sits, prerouting your cables etc) or you will struggle.

[@justeddm]

Fractal failed to make compact matx cases, the A3 or ap201 are the only and best choice

[@iantune]

tecware fusion 2 clears ap201

[@apricanephoto]

Ugh, right now I'm upset: I bought the A3 just a week or so ago because I just gave up on waiting for Lian Li to go forward to confirm a wood panel of some sort. I would definitely paid extra for the wood panel version. I may still go with one from Etsy, though I think they don't have mesh? And yes, it would be best if it were higher quality, but the fact of the matter is I don't pet my computer case so much, I already have a cat ;) Seriously though, my A3 is for HTPC, so it's not that close to me, so tiny small imperfections, especially at that price point, remain acceptable. As for the similarity with the North, yeah maybe, normally I'd denounce that as anti-consumer behaviour to copy something that closely, but right now I'd say it's all on FD for not having come up with an mATX case for that long, despite the many calls in the community for one. Instead they went for an FD XL? WTF.

[@juli1us8c]

Yeah, I though for some time already that if Fractal took too long to launch a Compact (matx) North, another manufacturer would jump ahead of them and they would loose momentum. I think this is huge for Lian Li because the A3 is already very popular even without the wood front panel. And I don't really care that it looks like a copy of the North's front panel. This wood panel adds some elegance to this case while the original front panel was kind of boring, generic, soulless. At least imho

[@user-hp4vr2zg7v]

What you’re paying $15 for is really for the mesh which allows mounting the PSU fan in the front for intake plus more cooling options. $85 + $12 optional glass side panel is under $99 which makes it still a great deal. If you played with Lego’s growing up as a kid, you get it.

[@bwloawesome]

I think if they would've made this thing about 10mm wider and taller it would have been a slam dunk. The ability to mix and match just about enthusiast set of parts on the market, smallish form factor, stylish...

[@noon6]

Not interested in wood, but would buy a custom mesh front panel separately for sure

[@estebangardila]

Same

[@Malignant88]

I just got it, went from a 70-liter Fractal to this 26-liter A3 design. I love it the portability. I just had to change the motherboard, I still have a full power 5900x with a 6800-XT. Here is a tip, the PSU bracket should also allow for horizontal mounting. It's a very strong original design, I'm sure we're going to see some very cool development on this platform.

[@je5terc0re]

Why not to install AIO with the tubes to the left?

[@randalllawkin]

maybe exhaust fans? idk

[@JuXo]

@@randalllawkin there is no issue with that, i installed AIO on left

[@IlLarry]

The tubes hit the motherboard maybe?

[@JuXo]

@@IlLarry nothing hits anything, more than enough space

[@tarfeef_4268]

The best guess other than "they didn't consider that" would be "they didn't like the look of the tubes crossing themselves"? No GOOD reason, really. That would definitely help.

[@prinzseptimii9660]

just downsized my AM5 North/4070S build into the wooden A3, love it! it's like a North Mini. Just FYI, you can flip the psu so that it can intake fresh air through the wood mesh panel. Lian Li even suggests this on the website only for the wood model.

[@Katoom_]

instant buy, close to perfect case for me.

[@JAFOpty]

looks like a DIY modded case

[@retrin9856]

I love this case and the small mATX design. It just needs a bit more quality and compatibility improvements and a nicer io panel at the bottom.

[@EwanJP2001]

This just reaffirms my decision of purchasing a fractal North last week, thanks! 😅

[@punjabeeplaya]

So i fit a fractal iii 360, sfx psu, 4080 super, and three top fans in my A3. It was a really easy build too. AIO had to go on the side bracket, it would not fit on the top.

[@RedDogTouring]

Bad wood front panel aside, the A3 is such a great matx case. Sure you need to plan your parts carefully and the actual footprint size isn't anything special, but the case is less than 100aud (which is very cheap in aus), has very very good airflow even with tg side panel and can fit almost any hardware you want, including the new noctua without the side fan mount bracket. I think it's an S tier matx case if you like this non-traditional style of case. Although I can see how others might think differently.

[@ninetenduh]

I got the normal one, and Lian Li confirmed the Front panel will be sold separately, I am not a massive fan of wood front, but a massive fan of the mesh. The case itself is also amazing. ATX PSU, Artic Liquidfreezer 2 280 and a 6800XT all fit into it.

[@SilentRito]

did you try to flip the radiator mounting so that the tubes are on the mobo side instead of being on top of the PSU?

[@je5terc0re]

I don't get as well

[@SilentRito]

@@je5terc0re me neither, he spent so much time thinking about the PSU that he completely forgot all about the AIO itself

[@_AJAXXX]

Looks ugly that way

[@BlackAera]

Complains about misaligned wood pieces of Lian Li case. Shows Fractal Raspberry Pi case with also misaligned wood pieces.

[@wojtek-33]

Well one was a one joke of sorts and one is a production product.

[@SkaMacanan]

The Fractal Pi Case isn't available for retail... Yet.

[@ExitOnTheInside]

Looks awesome & its nice to see the case on the desk next to you & the screen for real world perspective (too many times have people stated SFF build & when the case is desked . . . . . . Its HUGE! Use a drill Pal & create more holes ; its so simple i get your explaining the default setup ; but! small , stylish , Full ATX PSU, GPU & 360mm RAD 👌 The Cable Management is a big deal , its almost like you need to purchase additional custom cables to alleviate the cabling issue!

[@WayStedYou]

What if you put the AIO tubes on the left instead

[@sergioaraujo7943]

Probably the io cover on the motherboard would interfere

[@sicr99]

This is what I did (Strix B650E-I), fit fine and could still install a 120mm rear fan.

[@_AJAXXX]

It looks unnatural

[@ChillBuilds]

I had some of the same complaints when I built in this, but I think you went a little bit overboard on the nitpicking. I'm surprised though; you thought the full-tower length with a shorter height was a positive, but I think for most people it's unnecessary to shrink the height.

[@avirtualworld4U]

Now that was a review held my attention fully. Wow your going to have a few design engineers knochen im thinking.

[@vladyarotsky5287]

Have you tryed Montech's Sky One Mini? It's smaller than A3 and is among the smallest reasonable mATX cases that can accomodate modern graphics cards and ATX power supply. Though it has rather limited AIO compatibility if any.

[@SJHD]

No aio compatibility and impossible to find anywhere. Also so stupid not having front intake for the psu, it will interfere with air coolers and fight for air. It looks taller than the a3 to me but shorter, its very nice but some weird choices

[@MannequinSmiles]

i have the white a3 and absolutely love it. I did get the etsy wooden panel about a month ago and makes it look great. Currently running cool all mesh side (i think looks way classier than glass panel) PNY rtx 4090 and 7800x3d fits just fine with noctua nh-d15. just make sure you get a motherboard that has the pci-e slot one step down from the standard (top pci location)

[@HardwareCanucks]

Great to hear! -D.

[@antipatik0]

What motherboard are you using?

[@MannequinSmiles]

@@antipatik0 I'm using the ASUS TUF GAMING B650M-PLUS WIFI. you can see the top pcie slot is a step lower than the "usual" top pci slot giving more room for larger cpu cooler. esp if you're using the offset mounting hardware which brings the cpu cooler even lower

[@Benny-tb3ci]

Does the mATX form factor really need every case to be a breakthrough and innovate? The issue with it is compatibility and ease of use. People want PCs with smaller footprints, people want the cheaper mATX motherboards. But people want their PSUs and GPUs and CPU coolers to fit without fiddling too much.

[@MrEcksDeah]

so mad! I just bought a new SFF case, wanted the A3 mATX but hated the front panel and aesthetics! Oh well, if I hate my 2000D maybe I'll swap it for this one.

[@Kelekona_808]

Fractal Morning Wood comment was /chef's kiss

[@randomdds]

I actually want a mini north...to match my workstation in a Fractal North

[@random-zr5km]

Great Video! Critical thinking 10/10!

[@TheSaas1980]

I've got too much going on in my system whereby SFF for me isn't possible. But i love the idea of one, especially this one with the wood frontage. Fractal North should have released something similar alongside the NORTH.

[@DapperMKVI]

Honestly, maybe it is just an mATX north, but I’m glad LianLi gave it to us since Fractal hasn’t. I’ve been wanting to go micro fit my next build so I can use an atx psu I have and because while I like my current sff build, I want something a little easier to work in.

[@airixxxx]

Please review the NCase M2 with all their variants! Best case coming IMO.

[@svn5994]

LOL. It's an M1Evo that's 166mm wide and if W360 involved it will never be the best in it's category.

[@Amaan_OW]

This is going to be my next case. Want to stick with air cooling and matx, the itx system in my meshroom is going to be super expensive to upgrade given the SFF tax. This is the goldilocks case to me, much smaller than ATX with nowhere close the compromise of itx. Can fit pretty big CPU coolers without relying on water, and cheaper ATX/matx parts, with big GPUs.

[@lezgobranden1707]

Precisely why I got one. Build was easy enough-- my only issue was the interior power cable was not a good length imo. Everything else is butter.

[@HasanM-v4y]

There aren't a lot of options in the mATX space so its good to see more and more cases. I would love to see a review of the GEEEK B20, its only 18.8L but still have good compatibility according to their website. I think it would be interesting.

[@waffle911]

Saw the thumbnail and thought "Sweet, Fractal Design finally remembered mATX exists!" Then looked closer and was like "Aw, that's not Fractal Design…" Seriously, FD has made mATX-sized ITX cases that were millimeters away from being mATX compliant. Why bother making them ITX at that point? Just give us the compact size and wider GPU compatibility of an mATX!

[@merdt23]

Fractal Morning Wood

[@treetontv]

I think you can remove the SFX PSU bracket from the large PSU mount bracket. There are few s rews holding it in placing allowing you to remove it. After removing it, you'll probably be able to attach it to the SSD bracket.

[@ololometer536]

2:08 - this two cases are absolutely the same in term of size. They have the same footprint and takes the same amount of space on your desk. Yes, the Corsair one is taller, but who cares if the space above the case is not usable anyway. Lian Li A3 is regular mATX case as any others, but it has poor airflow as all short cases. The one reason why this case is interesting is the non-glass left panel.

[@glorfindel4945]

I have this case and my D15 G2 just fits fine, I even have a few mm to spare. It aint't much, but it fits perfectly fine, even with the side bracket! Edit: Added 'side bracket'

[@alrizo1115]

I got wood this morning as well

[@kettusnuhveli]

Was never big on to the whole wood trend and all these cheap feeling marked trend chasing copycats aren’t helping it…

[@RadialSeeker113]

I think it looks sick

[@AlexxxPerales]

Well not by itself. It has to be a whole vibe. Get nice wood desk. Lots of plants. Leather chair, smoke your wood pipe, drink fine whiskey. Good case.

[@ThylineTheGay]

​@@AlexxxPerales I've heard some pretty.. disgusting.. things about tobacco smoke + computers

[@furythree]

Why would you be against more options and variety

[@ThylineTheGay]

@@furythree variety? But I can set my RGB lights to anything, why would I need anything else??? /j

[@NonLegitNation2]

on the product page for this case Lian Li says you actually CAN'T fit a 280 AIO on the top. It shows/says that the only mounting option for a 280 AIO is side mounted. I was going to go with tis case but since all the mounting is so weird I think I'm going to just stick with my o11 Air Mini.

[@TheFirefoxSystem]

Wouldn't it have been better to produce all the front panels ventilated and with a dust filter like the wooden one by default? Even if the manufacturer itself says it is not compatible, I think that by choosing a mATX motherboard with a not too high VRM heatsink, one HydroShift 360 could also fit. This would definitely solve the tubes/PSU interference and would allow the power supply to be mounted higher freeing up space for longer GPUs and/or cable management. Make a video with a HydroShift, please! 😄 Please! 🤩

[@GatorShawn]

Hah, I had just ordered a wooden insert panel from Etsy.

[@avirtualworld4U]

Alrighty after 9 days I went an bought one a great review sold me, looking at getting some tung oil for the wood use a SFX PSU. I just love the case. Got wood Update: I bought ATX PSU fits way cheaper (corsair e750 ATX ) 3 Antec 120x30ml fans now scratching me head do I wait for Core Ultra (oct10th) or grab 12900k for half price. However it works out the Lian Li Dan A3 is like a sculpture a work of Art fit and finish is spoton materials are superior and Beauty Beyond Belief, I've built 4 PC's in the last 20 years bought an sold many times that but this case is my sweetheart the wood the finish the fit wow. And I am a SFF old man this case fits me PERFECT my new forever case. Ten Yards to the outhouse By Doya think he'll make it Co-Starring Betty Won't. P.S. aint gona put nothing on the wood till I know for sure what to use if anything! man O man I like this case whew ($105) Newegg it is worth 2x that period.

[@rickroll1141]

Can i still fit a lian li strimer cable for 6700xt?

[@JackTotGaming]

I am also not big on wood front trend. I have built in the A3 twice now and it’s great for a budget case but with the Ncase M2 offering MATX support I can’t recommend the A3 to anyone wanting true SFF. The M2 is not only much smaller but also much more premium in regard to build quality. That front panel on the A3 really cheapens the entire case.

[@fane2323]

Ncase m2 is literally more than double of the dan a3

[@JackTotGaming]

@@fane2323 yes but it is almost double the quality too. The A3 has a place but make no mistake it is a budget case. The M2 is 15.67L where the A3 is 26.3L. SFF is always more expensive but for many its worth the cost. Many high end ATX cases are right there with pricing similar to the M2. I think Lian Li/Dan would have done well to increase the cost just a little and have a better looking/feeling front panel. Currently it is a very cheap feeling plastic piece

[@svn5994]

@@JackTotGaming It's really not double the quality. W360's QC is pathetic.

[@JackTotGaming]

@@svn5994IMO it is; MUCH more premium materials and feel

[@LordMustangGT93]

I bought a Dan case v2 on Kickstart. Nothing is better still in mini atx.

[@demofighter]

I have the A3 with a sfx power supply, it was a huge pain to get working, and I had to buy cable extensions. but I also set this case on it's face with the cables coming off the top.

[@jd31068]

Oh, the A3, sans wood, might just be my next case!

[@deviantbuilds]

One day, one company will be like well it's not an itx only case. Maybe give it a few more mm in width for cable management behind the motherboard tray.

[@mfelipetc]

About the PSU mount, nothing that a drill and/or a Dremel won't solve

[@rustyshackleford7200]

If they made it ATX power supply only people would complain why can't we use SFX? you're damned if you do and damned if you don't.

[@EffectualPoet]

No. You can do both, they just sucked at it.

This is nice! But what about the inverted version also shown at the Computex booth?

[@gammafilter]

Move your aio tube's to the other side......?

[@stitchilalu]

Yep would've completely fixed all of his complaints

[@YevgenLasman]

How wood is connected to the plate? Wondering if I can replace it with my own planks :)

[@robertmorrison4020]

I'd splurge for a carbon fiber front. Jus t like I'd pay extra for a carbon fiber top on the fractal era. Wood is cool and all but carbon fiber is what does it for me.

[@cds5067]

I don't like carbon fibre think it looks extremely tacky, and as an engineer not a fan of it as a material either, but you do you i guess.

[@EffectualPoet]

carbon fiber turns u on?

[@SalimSakic-y5g]

make your own front panel. you can potentially drill holes in psu bracket to fit the way u need

[@EffectualPoet]

fk that

[@SalimSakic-y5g]

@@EffectualPoet i might will see still waiting forfucking case

[@OfficialEthern1ty]

If they could make a slightly higher version for atx, that would be awesome!

[@NekoSauce]

Case look amazing

[@0XiDiZE]

Fingers still crossed for a real mATX North...

[@KK-fi6ms]

Respect to Asus, the unlikely pioneer of this kind of mATX case designs with AP201.

[@georgep.9222]

Will there also be a white version? (with preferably a lighter shade of wood)

[@danishqawiem4784]

hey i think i saw a comment saying they contacted Lian Li’s customer support and they said there will be no wood version for the white one :/

[@georgep.9222]

@@danishqawiem4784 Yeah... I also read something like that on Reddit yesterday, which is a real bummer.. : (

[@Bossoverload]

Do we know if there will be a white wood version as well? And how much longer must we wait?

[@i.b.u.9233]

Aparently wont, a lian li moderator sayed it in their own reddit page. Im very disapointed 😢

[@retrorevival1]

was never a fan of the North, this looks better. won't be swapping my A4-H20 annnyyytime soon though.

[@holehelo1797]

I wish they will sell the wood panel separately and also maybe a maple version so fit the white case better

[@justeddm]

I'm interested in pics of this particular build , did you post this elsewhere. I'm surprised about the PSU fan facing the front ( which I like ) when using the SSD bracket. Most builds I have seen it faces the back mesh. Is it possible only on this particular PSU ( Corsair sf850l) , or all other SFX/L PSUs once an atx bracket is applied.

[@ravijotsingh7831]

Do you think bro that I as a first time PC builder will be fine with DAN A3 or Asus Ap201 case???? I will be using non modular ATX PSU and M atx mobo with air cooler.

[@nikolakostic5667]

Great video! For this new version (with front mesh), if I use an sfx psu in the front and top-most position, can I also place a 120 intake fan at the front of the case below the PSU? Thanks!

[@Narveloz]

would be great if the wood is grey.

[@PolecanePC]

This seems like a nice case to use AsRock RX 7900 GRE Challenger in it, and also some air tower cooler instead of AIO

[@vdvd2090]

so how about people who don't want wood on their case, will lian li ever release a mesh front panel A3 without the wood bs?

[@RafaelSilva-yv3oh]

Can I buy the panel for my Dan A3?

[@RafaelSilva-yv3oh]

For those who care, realized Jakefacecustoms makes one like this on his Etsy page (not on his website though, for some reason), I didn't like his honeycomb style, but for this I'm down. Ordered one for $65

[@RedDogTouring]

This is a good quality budget case. Like half the price of other woods cases. You Can't expect the world.

[@AKG58Z]

Small cases are the way to go now

[@AGGPEE]

I might be looking at my next case 🤔

[@mc14474]

Would love to have confirmation on whether the Noctua NH-D15 G2 fits. I've seen at least one Reddit post saying that it does.

[@marchufnagel9068]

QuestionP: SFX or SFX-L if either will fit this one in my build?

[@razetechofficial]

Not gonna lie I kinda like the replacement wood panels for the Corsair 4000/5000🤷🏻‍♂️

[@ololometer536]

Just put a regular mesh panel on the front and it will be a best seller case.

[@The_Drumple]

I got the fractal terra a while back that case is great but yeah mesh for dust you be nice

[@rickroll1141]

Now only thing needed is the cover for the psu just like the ones in asus prime ap201 or even a Ips screen addition to cover up the power supply and the cables

[@sk8lucas]

So, basically a Sama-im01

[@c0vant693]

Will the Noctua NHD15 G1 fit with the tempered glass installed?

[@brentnora8128]

I would go for the wood edition.

[@suhy9861]

i just found my next case

[@i.b.u.9233]

Would be available in white with that wood front panel? The Black one doesnt match my room at all!

[@rakshitnasikkar6711]

Now with the front mesh it is not a deal breaker anymore. But the price should have remained the same. Get rid of the plastic front or replace that with the mesh plastic front.

[@pouyantalebi]

First question that comes to my mind is that why would people go for this tiny size instead of ATX?

[@cafub2650]

Price to performance can be better. Not every setup need a big tower. Smaller desk setup etc.

[@LanceJay-r9o]

With the North not satisfying my need for a cheaper smaller form factor without the SFF tax, I'll pay the $15 extra for the A3-wood. I just wish there was a lighter wood color.

[@RehctubNomis]

"I'm not comfortable with the bend in the AIO" - meanwhile us SFF users are making u bends = p