Lian Li Dan Cases A3 is FINALLY Here! Worth The Wait? | Micro ATX Gaming PC Build

#lianli #pcbuild #asuspcdiy - In what feels like an eternity of waiting, Lian Li's collaboration with Dan Cases has finally arrived! Introducing the A3, a 26.3L Micro ATX Powerhouse.
Timecodes, though I don't recommend skipping for visual narrative reasons! (Quality headphones or speakers recommended throughout)
00:00 - A Trippy Intro
01:08 - Dan Cases A3 Overview
02:20 - Build Hardware
02:49 - Motherboard Assembly
04:31 - Dan Cases A3 Assembly
05:18 - Thicc Mistakes Were Made
05:46 - Resuming Program...
08:13 - Airflow Visualization
08:49 - Cinematic & Desk Setup
10:55 - Coffee Thanks & Outtakes
If there's one thing we can count on Lian Li for it's producing a quality case. The Dan Cases A3 is no exception here, with quality metals used all around, soft opening mesh panels and plenty of space to accommodate even the largest of hardwares available on the market right now.
Whilst the Mesh panels might be a turn off for some, Lian Li plan to release glass side panels which can be purchased as a option for those seeking aesthetics over performance. With that being said, the mesh panels massively increase the overall airflow so that's something to consider depending on your hardware choices.
Final conclusion and temperatures following build hardware list:
Main parts included in the build:
(USA Amazon)
Case - Coming Soon...
GPU - amzn.to/3WSpfsm
CPU - amzn.to/4dT6xqC
CPU Cooler - amzn.to/3yuwYTb
Motherboard - amzn.to/3QS6y40
RAM - amzn.to/4dP5Q1m
NVME M.2 - amzn.to/4dTHX8L
PSU - amzn.to/3Ke8obU
7x Fans - amzn.to/3wKsozA
Fan splitters - amzn.to/3yxITQ7
Mouse - amzn.to/4bMs2Ye
Keyboard - amzn.to/4bNdDLd
Mouse Pad - amzn.to/3QURa6U
Monitor - amzn.to/4bKMlFk
Lights used to film this video:
Godox UL150ii - amzn.to/3kVOwka
Godox UL60 - amzn.to/3Ymetb2
Main parts included in the build:
(UK Amazon)
Case - Coming Soon...
GPU - amzn.to/44UuJEJ
CPU - amzn.to/3wOxwmn
CPU Cooler - amzn.to/44QODk6
Motherboard - amzn.to/4dPXRRC
RAM - amzn.to/3V8gTeM
NVME M.2 - amzn.to/4dPp2fg
PSU - amzn.to/3wKzDrj
7x Fans - amzn.to/3wOxzP5
Fan splitters - amzn.to/3WNZzwH
Mouse - amzn.to/3QWKh50
Keyboard - amzn.to/3UQreuu
Mouse Pad - amzn.to/44V1Ng4
Monitor - amzn.to/3wCi2BY
Lights used to film this video:
Godox UL150ii - amzn.to/3wUWFIx
Godox UL60 - amzn.to/3xaH6N7
As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.
--------
Temps & General Performance:
Ambient Room Temperature - 22.5c
Temps whilst Gaming at 1440p for 30 minutes (Spiderman Remastered)
GPU Average - 38c | Peak 41c
CPU Average - 47c | Peak 54c
Average FPS on High/Ultra Settings - 116fps
CPU IDLE - 30c
Stress Test (CPU-Z) at 160w - 67c
GPU IDLE - 35c
Stress Test (Furmark 2) - 68c
-------
With intake fans being on the bottom, the thickness of your GPU has to be considered. With the mesh panels however, you don't 'need' to install bottom intake fans at all as the cooler will draw in air through the perforated sides.
Lian Li x Dan Cases A3 has been a real treat to finally build with. Whilst I would've liked to see the original fabric front panel for additional PSU cooling, the plastic works well and helps to keep the costs down.
Could you see yourself with the Dan Cases A3 on your desk? Let's chat in the comments!
Special thanks to ‪@LIANLIHQ‬ for supporting this project.
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[@Mr_Matt_Lee]

To answer the question “Will the Arctic Freezer III 360 fit in this case?”…. 💀

[@martinmonsterbale1305]

Crazy how much fits but also how small they’ve made that case

[@Mr_Matt_Lee]

@@martinmonsterbale1305absolutely agreed. It’s not a tall case by any means, but the length and GPU support etc is awesome. To be fair, with slim fans fitted to the thick radiator the Freezer III would’ve fit. The cooling wouldn’t have been quite as wholesome though

[@blatant6500]

tbh, i do think it would fit. Maybe if the motherboard has an less taller io shield?

[@Mr_Matt_Lee]

@@blatant6500 it wouldn’t, honestly. The IO shield was the smallest of any motherboard I own and it still wouldn’t clear by quite a long shot. Perhaps you had a motherboard which has a removable IO plate there could be a slim chance… or just fit slim fans to the Freezer III instead 🫡

[@RATTU5_]

@@Mr_Matt_Lee maybe slim fans would have cleared it? Some of those 15-20mm thin ones 🤔

[@Tutku35]

exactly what we need more of! budget-friendly, small mATX cases like this!!!!!

[@Mr_Matt_Lee]

Yessss! You so know it ✌️

[@beneglo4773]

And psu's 😂

[@Stepher45]

My favorite part of your videos is the airflow visualization. It’s so useful to see. Awesome work.

[@sheshd]

Always answers the question when you see that phat ass GPU installed

[@Huonman06]

Yes more matx!!! These builds look so good

[@Mr_Matt_Lee]

I’m literally obsessed with mATX at this point and feel my channel is becoming solely about them 😅✌️

[@Audience003]

That Inception level transition 😍😍

[@Mr_Matt_Lee]

Heck yes! It took 3 hours for somebody to drop a comment referencing the intro transition, but here you are and I’m stoked! 😄👏

[@zero131056]

brilliantly done Matt

[@stufflike5844]

This guys editing is next level, no other tech youtuber can compare

[@daviddamasceno6063]

Buying parts that end up not fitting is genuinely one of my biggest fears, lol. Another amazing build. I like this trend of small, compact PCs.

[@Mr_Matt_Lee]

It’s a good thing that I I did it so you didn’t have to 😅💀 I agree though!

[@AgentKenshin]

PC part picker can really help you with some of this. They generally do the research to make sure components like coolers and other things fit inside cases. It is a good place to start, you can configure a system in a case and see if anything throws a conflict error.

[@drunkedhusky24]

Im glad they finally released this one, ive been waiting for this to change my big case with this one so i could take my pc easier to other places

[@Trasselkalle]

Ooo - the box robot below the TV makes me happy. Finally someone else that appreciates how expressive it is!

[@RXR25]

Damn thats a sick case, great video on this one. I love how you go over the cooling configurations in a clear and concise matter.

[@Mr_Matt_Lee]

Thank you. I’m glad you enjoy those sections of the videos as they take quite a lot of time to film and annotate 👌

[@Jibberish18]

Just want to say that the production value in your videos are through the roof. Great job.

[@deniskrutil445]

just amazing as always

[@michaelnikolovski7151]

Much love From Australia Matt. Bringing a minimalist cinematic to the video is so good - Love your videos mate

[@Mr_Matt_Lee]

Thank you 😄 Much love back at you from the UK my friend!

[@TheMathi78]

Hi Matt... You're excelling more and more with your videos every time. Really strong. 👍👍 I'm full of excitement and joy every time you post a new video. Love it 💯❤🙏

[@Mr_Matt_Lee]

This is the most wholesome comment 🫶 Thanks buddy!

[@CoffeeGameMovie]

I really like this barber shop like dark/coffee theme. Cheers!

[@melsandi1737]

its really relaxing watching this build wow

[@lastsonofthewest2444]

Absolutely spot on choice of components, and a very nice build. Going to buy one (even though not needed!) based entirely upon your video.

[@RYZEN7thGaming]

Another superb video mate 💯🔥👌🏻 Keep it up!

[@iogarchi]

Hey, I just started to watch your video and I couldn't wait to express this: How amazing was that introduction of your vide, I really loved it. Really original. Thank you for your amazing content.

[@mooncake8254]

Woooooooooooo! This looks amazing! Pro movie cinematic quality

[@teiji_ishida]

Really cool video. I love the airflow visualization part. I don't see anyone else doing that.

[@ArrowFunction]

Great video, Love the TV section at the start!

[@nandospc]

Wonderful Build 👏

[@kimyoungbum7890]

Love the m-atx content mate, keep it up!

[@ARUNMANOJ86]

such a neat build and airflow path chosen by Lian li for this very clever and very practical.. no nonsense RGBs in sight.

[@Mr_Matt_Lee]

Yessir! 👌 The design has been really well defined that’s for sure.

[@Helghast73]

Be a case worth looking at to do a build for a younger brother. Great stuff as always 👊

[@mcrazza]

Yes, mATX in SFF!!! Liking the stealth build with a sprinkle of RGB. 👍 👍

[@Mr_Matt_Lee]

Yessss! My ideal setup too, accent RGB without overpowering 🤌

[@surojitnathblackflag]

This is really good ❤

[@clamatac]

love it, keep going, thanks

[@mawandaeed]

Finally it's here, thanks matt .. great build. Please make air cooled build too.

[@studio1998clv]

Amazing video, good job

[@TechGaming809]

I like this one a lot,clean build

[@smartiejunky]

Man! Love watching your videos! Love the case and the simple design. Also the Arctic P12 Max are awesome. I've a build with the Asus Prime AP201 and it is just super quiet and cool. 😎

[@dirk_dirk_goose]

Thanks for the amazing video! I have been looking for a very nice SFF case my old case is to big! Looks wonderful for what I want so I can finally put a case on my desk!

[@KiriCattus]

This dudes playlist just HITS! I need the music from all the videos in a playlist x'D Keep up the great quality work! >:D

[@diditharyadi2929]

what a nice video dude 🤘

[@TheSakuraBirb]

I just came across your channel as this was the first video on this case. Your production is insane!! I was able to fully understand this case, and loved the airflow section. Music on point as well. Only thing I'm still left curious about is if phanteks t30 fans would fit in this beauty.

[@tme2711]

Looks great 😸

[@HeRoMaSTeR275]

nice edit 👍

[@MARK02118]

I like the look of small pc build simplistic and effective great case

[@WeezkaD]

Best PC build channel on KZbin.

[@angelodavis3990]

Amazing as always MrMattLee! ❤❤❤❤

[@Mr_Matt_Lee]

Thank you! ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@jonathonkindle4806]

Incredible video quality and editing EVERY time. Imagine being pulled in by a case video, lol.

[@tommsla123]

Perfect case for me. My next build

[@Custom_PC_Keebs]

Such a clean build (as always) ! Arctic freezer 360 definitely have clearance issues in some cases (even bigger ones). But it performs great so they say.

[@Garde538]

Sick tunes ❤

[@CX3Productions]

Cool intro and nice build. All that was missing was you pointing at yourself when you saw yourself on screen 😎

[@aeronybrek4696]

Ah the weekly dose of chill pc building vids… thanks bro!

[@Mr_Matt_Lee]

It’s a touch later than the usual upload but hopefully worth the wait 🤞

[@lkira4911]

Amazing 👏

[@cgworks0822]

watching this with sipping black coffee at rainy night is so damn perfect!

[@Mr_Matt_Lee]

This comment is so wholesomely wholesome ☕️

[@bigblack2295]

Great review 👍🙏

[@Mr_Matt_Lee]

Thanks! Stoked you enjoyed it 😎✌️

[@Garde538]

Sick PC❤

[@chrisdee]

Love it. I have the C4 SFX and love it so much. Its the best case in my Opinion!

[@mr_hancy4101]

Finally!! Its been so long!! (Its been 3 days extra)

[@Mr_Matt_Lee]

Man, the wait killed me too! 🫣

[@cheekster777]

Thank you Matt. ☕️

[@Mr_Matt_Lee]

You’re welcome 😎☕️

[@Fheral360]

The video was superb quality, top-notch no doubt! and I REALLY LOVED the case but I have a burning question, what is the song or the artist you used? I feel like that was a really nice cherry on the cake

[@darthhokum]

Perfect 👍

[@JohnmillerPowerlifting]

lian-li the goat of case builders

[@blackfox-musa06]

The case is small, but what's inside is a beast.

[@Mr_Matt_Lee]

This 🦾

[@BrainLeisure]

Damn it's beautiful. I kinda wish the stripes on the front were made of wood, would look awesome. Great video, thank U

[@SameerKitkule]

Man, Lian Li will always keep on making some of the best PC cases... The Dan Case A3 is a beautiful sight to behold, it's mesh side panels give it a mysterious look when you put all-black components in it... Your videos never fail to entertain me... Great job, @Mr_Matt_Lee .Keep on making such fantastic videos in the future... Love from India👍

[@RodrigoWRL]

É PRAZEROSO demais ver seus vídeos, top de vdd. parabéns pelo canal.

[@misterbear9211]

I'm impressed you can have a 3 slot card and still fit some fans underneath it. I just might reconfigure my nr200 into this one.

[@akshaynarang6445]

Such a cool build!! Awesome Job 👌🏻 Can you please build an Air cooled version with this case and like a big cooler like the NhD15, and an atx power supply. 😊

[@dylanmonahan5909]

Sent here by the Algorithm. Did not disappoint. This asthetic is pragmatic, elegant and minimalistic - love it! Great production 👌🏻 Personally I have a requirement for an additional PCIe lane with two rear panel slots (audio production card)... any case recommendations that approximate the A3 and would fit the audio card? Cheers

[@pdureska7814]

Seems like it would be a great case for air cooling. Plenty of air flow with all the panel perforations. And yeah i am a sucker for a tempered glass side panel which i think would be great as an ala carte addition if one so desires. Gotta see a little bling inside especially if its a MATX case ( and not a tiny airflow restricted SFF case).

[@venice9443]

Elegant! ^^ 🍵

[@WRATHOFW1LL]

Amazing video! I was waiting for this case....will probably get it still. but ended up with a Formd T1.... please make a video in that Formd T1 case Matt!

[@Mr_Matt_Lee]

If I had $1 for every time I’ve been asked to build in the Formd T1 I’d be retired 🫣 That being said, I’m trying to get one! It’s proving very difficult though. Rest assured, it will happen!

[@WRATHOFW1LL]

@@Mr_Matt_Lee they have them in stock! But I always look forward to all your videos, I always text my old co workers when you drop a new vid "yo Matt put up a new build!" lol.

[@moonlampstudio]

All your videos makes me want to drink a cup of coffee

[@mihaibitza5021]

Ha, ha! I guessed that the video with Lian Li A3 is coming. I deserve to be rewarded. 😮

[@Mr_Matt_Lee]

Rewarded huh? 🤔 what kind of reward would you like?!

[@mihaibitza5021]

Honestly, I'd like the black version. 😂

[@kittikoonduangkaewkad9310]

Finally!

[@alessandrobaggi]

Amazing as always Matt!! Surprised by P12 MAX. How is their noise and how do you compare them with A12X25?

[@kikierpel85]

Sehr schönes Gehäuse. Stehe eh voll auf mATX und könnte mir das gut für meinen nächsten Build vorstellen. 😊

[@extroex7744]

Custom loop?! That's the most intriguing question!

[@Jorge_RPG]

Nice video

[@semulicka]

the beautiful airflow tho .. i also using the P12 Max for my build imo it is the best fan you can get for a pc

[@MrSouthSioux]

Shhhhhh Matt. The dirty little secret is MATX is the sweet spot and since it isn't the most popular form factor you can save some bread by going with it over ATX or ITX. Soon as the manufacturers catch on they will raise the prices to match the trend. Let's keep it hush hush shall we?

[@Mr_Matt_Lee]

The secrets stays here 🤫

[@almosgugi6676]

HAHHAA... THE MYTH, THE LEGEND, he is back boys😂❤ ( 3 days )

[@Mr_Matt_Lee]

I climbed out of my coffee hole this morning with my chin held high 😂☕️

[@kofeyh]

Yassss tiny boxen. Let’s go.

[@Mr_Matt_Lee]

Heck yeahhhh! 🦾

[@KongXY]

great music!!

[@TheGloriousLord]

Matt you could add 1 smaller fan below the PSU there, to maximize air flow

[@TEBATONAKARA]

This is the perfect case that i need!!! just change my motherboard!!! s2

[@felipeprenholato2301]

Looks good :). Love the front input at bottom. In other line of cases, I would love to see something similar to NCORE 100 for MATX boards with really good ventilation :).

[@Mr_Matt_Lee]

Yeah for sure! I love the front bottom IO ports. It’s where they should always be by default 😅

[@felipeprenholato2301]

@@Mr_Matt_Lee I think that companies must made then modular enought to move around the borders. My PC is in the wall, IO ports on top wouldn't work haha. But for people that use under the table is usefull.

[@Michael-pf1in]

Money and time spent to sit in a chair and watch a screen. Life is crazy. Dope video as always.

[@danr.1299]

Glad to see the GPU has a whole 1.6789mm clearance before rubbing against the intake fans.

[@sweeleangloh]

Wow!! I want the RAMs! 😋😍

[@nihren2406]

Man I wish this was available when I built my current rig last year. I thought having the biggest case and more upgrade options would be fantastic, but it's such a hassle to do anything with because it's so massive. A small form factor is what I'll probably do next and this case looks great, though I am concerned about GPU clearance so I'll have to double check on that when the time comes if I go with this case. I currently use a 4-slot 4090 and it definitely doesn't seem like it'd fit here.

[@MirelRC]

At first, I thought that this was another Mini ITX only case. But this is exactly what I want for my next mATX build. I am a bit sad that it can't fit the sweet baby Arctic Liquid Freezer III at least the 240 or 360mm. For 280mm I was already certain that it wouldn't fit =)). I wish they made the case a little wider to fit those thick boys from Arctic‚ both the 240/360 and 280mm.

[@iBeaver1973]

I was exactly looking forward to seeing the arctic cooler freezer III (240) fit in this optimized for liquid cooling case... or any miniitx case ... so, with the cooler master n200p (similar as this case) I installed my freezer III on the bottom, installed glass side panel, and now lay it on its side (glass down) so intake on the right.... radiator is blowing out left.

[@richard-mai]

In the front panel metal as well?

[@deanjohn9203]

Another Great production! I just stumbled on your videos after looking for a Fractal Terra and really like what you put together. Only black or white. Doesn't look like the front ports can be at the top unless I flip the whole unit upside down - anything wrong with doing that? I want to hang it below my FlexiSpot. FD Terra or this??? Now I'm on the fence, the Jade is really calling to me... Also, this vid would've really been great if you had a Grendel Hunter Rose porcelain statue instead of that grl! (I'll sell you mine!)

[@Hatsunari_Kamado]

Nice build Matt! The unexpected AIO change made this build almost all-Asus lol

[@Mr_Matt_Lee]

When it didn’t fit, I almost scrapped the footage and started again. Showing the errors can be educational though so I chose to leave it in 😇 I see what you mean though! Haha

[@tortuegeniale3044]

Hi Matt, good Job 👍 I have a beginner's question for the specialist that you are 😇 : Do the graphics card fans come into opposition with the 3 fans placed at the bottom of the case? if so, does it really make sense for general cooling ?? I would be curious to see the smoke test with the graphics card fans running at full speed

[@Aria_Daisy]

PC 너무 이쁘네요 ^^

[@Mr_Matt_Lee]

💙🖤

[@nitishtiwari8772]

Hey Matt, I love your clean and minimalistic builds and this one is no exception. However, I noticed that this build has a -ve airflow (more air out than in) which will result in more than usual dust build up over time. This is why a +ve airflow is the ideal way to counter this issue which also allows more cool air coming inside for better cooling. Also, since there are no intake fans in the front and the bottom fans have been covered by the the gpu, there is no direct cool airflow coming towards the motherboard which I think is not ideal. Wouldn't it be better if the rear exhaust fan is flipped to act as an intake fan which will result in a +ve airflow in the case and better cooling ? Or am I missing something ?

[@honggong8716]

Is installing psu fan facing the inner side of case better for cooling? I'm planning to buy this case but I don't know which direction psu should face.

[@maxv9872]

Very interesting case! Have you looked into or tested side radiator mounting at all?

[@CakePC_Jake86]

Im glad I was wrong and it wasnt the deepcool ch160.. .The builld looks great Music was great also. I liked this one alot. And the price of the case at $69 is incredible. all around win.

[@gpredd1]

4 sticks of ram, WOW. Nice. ❤

[@XHeavygunX]

I have mine ordered. I’m wanting to test and see how portable this case can be.

[@Dr_cHeNGo]

watching your videos are so satisfying! dont know why... but hey.. who cares!! :)