SFF/ITX is DEAD! - Lian Li x Dan Case A3 MATX

[@GearSeekers]

Hey everyone. We're leaving for Computex in Taiwan in about 6 days and have a lot of other stuff to film and edit before we leave. We have an air-cooled build with testing planned after we return. Stay Casual

[@fidenciociprian6151]

Hello, could you review the jonsbo z20 please there isn't any videos on it and I really want to see the Temps

[@Moon24]

Please push the limit with the fan favourite Deepcool assassin IV!

[@danmac_au]

I'm back on my bullshit buying PC parts so I'll probably be watching more. Glad you're still here 😊

[@275dpr]

I just built one a month ago and I'm still looking at builds and parts lol.

[@DatOneGuy901]

same...i literally bought like 300 dollars worth of parts last night cause i feel like building a ITX pc again just to sell.

[@KlaireGearSeekers]

Welcome back!

[@sig3ldunc4nI]

Bro same… I’ve already spent way too much money.

[@Synophic]

and lift it away…

[@AdamChalmers]

The visualizations of power supply vs. GPU clearance were really great. That production quality is so helpful.

[@KlaireGearSeekers]

Nick did such a great job with them!

[@kirkforeland4148]

SFF/ITX is certainly not dead, we are talking about 26.3 L case here.

[@skorpysk]

yeah well Clickbait is the name of the game, here

[@drewnewby]

Obviously, this channel isn't about building 5 L office PCs. I'd gladly use a 20+ L case like this, than a mini-ITX gaming case around 15 L. Just for avoiding the cost and hassle of dealing with SFX / SFF components.

[@2TrainJones]

We have Optimum Tech and ETA PRIME for the real ITX guys

[@the12gaugeshotty]

@@drewnewby what's the "cost" of dealing with SFF components? ITX motherboards and SFX power supplies aren't any more expensive than their ATX counterparts. I mean you have $500+ ATX motherboards and $300+ ATX power supplies. Nothing SFF costs that much. Really....

[@kingbuklau8635]

@@the12gaugeshotty ITX components/cases are on average more expensive than their MATX/ATX counterparts. It's just a fact there isn't any discussion to be had. There is also fewer amount of options for ITX.

[@mcrazza]

SFF mATX is where it's at. Going ITX is typically expensive from the case, mobo and PSU. The A3 offers the best of both worlds: it offers the reduced size of ITX SFF without the financial penalty (PSU being the exception) and the compatibility and popularity of mATX.

[@triliner254]

@@baysidejr Asus ap201

[@Riktamorty]

That’s your opinion. I just ordered a fractal terra 4070ti super build and spent only $1675. This is with ddr5 CL30, platinum SFX power supply, 7800x3d. B650i MOBO (mid tier and still amazing) It’s about what you know. What prices you can get / finesse, and your desired outcomes. These video titles are purely marketing. I got lucky with the 4070ti super brand new for $680.

[@the12gaugeshotty]

There are $500+ ATX motherboards and $300+ ATX power supplies. What's typically expensive for going ITX? I just went SFF and sold my ASUS ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 that I paid $350 for and replaced it with a $190 ASUS ROG Strix B760-I.

[@jeremyg2236]

@@baysidejr matx size are all standard size, if they reduce it, it won't be matx anymore......same goes of ITX and ATX motherboard.........idk what are you talking about

[@jeremyg2236]

@@baysidejr Meshroom S also exist

[@HamzaElgarrab]

10:51 bruh...

[@justanooblooking5217]

bruh..

[@idlan5472]

he probably use it behind the scene lmao

[@flyingpj]

Nick was having too much fun with that B-hole I mean B-roll

[@cajunsands]

HaHa Ramming it!

[@GearSeekers]

You gotta do it

[@dennisvillamor2806]

This is the gear I've been seeking all along. This'll be my endgame PC case (for the 3rd time).

[@user-hp4vr2zg7v]

19:03 I made the mistake of not paying attention to the placement of the PCIe slot on my MSI B650M-A Pro series after I ordered it so now I have to return it for a board with a top PCIe slot in order to fit my 4090 with fans on the bottom for intake. You’re correct when you said to watch videos first before buying, because you were the only one who pointed that out, good on you mate.

[@ariscanela1]

you litterally inspired me to walk out and go to micro center an pick up this case with a new matx board and sfx power supply and i went to work, so glad with my build. Much thanks to you, i used the same gpu and omg i wish i installed it before the psu haha.

[@virtualb01]

Like other posters, I'm back researching computer parts since building is fun! I was looking for this channel but didn't know the name and happened upon it and I can honestly say this is one of the top few good channels for PC builders. Thanks for what you do!

[@EnergeticTK]

I just found out about this case and you guys are releasing a video about it the same day!! Very excited!

[@nsuinteger-au]

Its good to see budget friendly back to basics cases are returning. I know you hated the CH160, but I absolutely frigging love that case. The most time it took for me in that case was to re think of the cable routing and it made all the difference for me and so much cleaner and simpler. (number of screws didn't bother me lol, but I get it that it can be annoying for someone that does lot of pcs...) Cheers!

[@JohnyMcNeal]

CH160 can't house all mATX boards tho.

[@nsuinteger-au]

@@JohnyMcNeal It's advertised as mini-itx case, just because "some" matx board fit it in, does not mean it has poor support for all matx.

[@eliadbu]

this makes a lot of sense, you could build smaller system on the cheap. it might no be the smallest PC out there, but you can use cheap mATX motherboards, normal AIO or air cooler and it can even support regular ATX (albeit with some considerations), and it cost 69$. I can see low - mid budget build inside with 2 fans GPU, ATX PSU and some, mATX mobo with i5/r5 CPU and budget CPU tower, add couple of fans ram and storage and you are good to go.

[@chy.0190]

This is not small, its as long as most full towers. There are smaller matx cases out there.

[@eliadbu]

@@chy.0190 yes it is long but pretty narrow and low. You measure size in 3 dimensions not just one, so volume is your general metric for size, at 26.3 it's pretty small for mATX. If you are limited by length, then yes it is not the case for you, but for other metric it's comparatively small .

[@Weezedog]

I think the closest comparison would be to the ASUS AP201 and not the NR200. Both are MATX full mesh short towers with similar volumes and similarly priced as well.

[@UnfitToLive]

It's funny, cause he has a review of the ap201 titled "mATX is not dead!"

[@drewnewby]

Well actuallyyy...This is 26 L, the NR200 is 20 L, and the AP201 is 33 L, but point taken.

[@Weezedog]

@@drewnewby The AP201 is definitely taller, allows a top radiator and fans without covering any of the motherboard. The A3-MATX seems more versatile with many PSU mounting options and a side radiator mounting bracket, and slightly smaller and cheaper (but lacks a ventilated front panel).

[@cheikhtidianendiaye4286]

The New silverstone Sugo 17 is nearly the same size but much more expensive and the jonsbo D31 is a good competitor....

[@drewnewby]

@Weezedog Agreed, all good points. Just mentioning, volume wise it's a split down the middle.

[@bradenarnold]

I genuinely love the music. I watch your videos while I work and the music actually helps me focus. Love the 4 hours of music that you have! Oh yeah, great video, as usual.

[@AxR558]

The only nit-pick I have with this case is its footprint. I went to SFF to free up desk space and the A3 appears to take up a similar amount of desk space as a Meshify 2 Compact. The only dimension it really saves space in is vertical which isn't really limited for a lot of people with a case on top of their desk. I do love the design, flexibility and price of it though, I'm sure it'll sell well. With all that said, I'd seriously consider it if I decide to go mATX for my next build - which is entirely dependant on there being decent mATX motherboard options at that point.

[@kleinbottled79]

I liked your comment because the point about not freeing up desk space is a good one. As I user of the Meshify 2 Compact, I will point out that this case is limited to video cards with a length of less than 341mm iirc; maybe a bit more if you don't run a lower front fan. So if this case can allow a longer GPU within the same footprint that's gonna be a decent win for some people.

[@usefullname]

Thank you for this. Great format and attention to detail. I feel you really nailed the cinematic, the aestetic theme, and the sound.. I know you take pride in the music, happy to report it was great here.

[@medowucha]

For those wondering: NO, SFF is _NOT_ based on the mainboard factor, but the case outer dimensions, ie. the volume. There are 5L mATX builds out there, and they are totally valid SFF. An ATX board in a Meshroom S / Meshlicious ("Mesh-ATX" by SG Custom) is totally valid - its simply the case size, NOT the components! Eg. I've been contemplating a 11L build in a mixed console / sandwich-style, with most of the components of my current workstation, which are residing in the MFF goat, ie. the Asus Prime AP201 (thats 33L). So: mATX Z690 MB, 13700k, 64 GB, 2 x 2 TB NVMe, RX 6800, plus a 280 AIO (Silent Loop 2) and the Corsair SF750 (replacing the Seasonic PX 550). It would require quite a bit of work, esp. mounting options for the radiator and vertical GPU, but its completely valid SFF PC territory. cu, w0lf.

[@earlbond2929]

Which is better this case compared to ASUS Prime AP201 MicroATX Case? Thanks.

[@MultiRanman]

That's a great case! The price is very nice. I'm tempted as I prefer smaller SFF cases. What I would love is this for a smaller NAS. I'd like one more 3.5 drive bay. Also, is there a reason why MATX cases don't adopt a sandwich style layout? In other words, I'd like the spine to move, much like what the Fractal Terra so I could potentially have the option for standard or sandwich.

[@mariano3113]

+1 on the Front Panel matching the Wall Panel theme Looking forward to a follow-up video with Your Gaming PC transplant Also: You are toning down nicely!

[@inmypaants]

I think having an optional mesh front panel and 140mm mounting bracket would have been elite.

[@Gaming_Scales]

Still not sure if I should go with this or the nr200p. My main selling point on the A3 is the top AIO support. Also m-atx boards are nice. Other review videos on the A3 say that building in this case are an extreme challenge, as using one large component changes the compatibility for every other part. All in all, which if the two cases would be best for future compatibility, ease of use, water cooling potential, and overall aesthetics?

[@notchipotle]

finally mATX is getting more love from the industry, the most reasonable form factor for 99% of people

[@ninetenduh]

This is honestly the case I was waiting for. I got an ATX PSU, a 280 AIO several 140mm fans, 2 SSD, and a 330mm GPU. When I mount the ATX PSU in the Upper front position I can fit 2 140 in the top, a 280 AIO on the side panel, my GPU and 3 slim 120mm in the bottom. And the price is just fantastic.

[@S1L3nCe]

The production level of this channel is exquisite 💙💜

[@pokepokepoke64]

I feel like matx peaked back with the nzxt h400, that thing could do 4 140mm front fans, dual 280mm rads up front, 280mm rad up top with slim fans and a 120mm rad in the back while still looking good unlike this, even though it has ok volume use. the ncase m1 and nr200 can both fit small matx boards so a long version of those would have been perfect

[@paulworster3683]

I have SSUPD Meshlicious and love it. its really well put together, small stylish and can fit most cards right now. But i have to say i am taken with this one! Originally i was going to buy a 011 Air Mini but eventually went the SFF route as i felt it was too big and i will eventually make it a AM4 TV PC. However! with each graphics card generation getting bigger, this case looks like (at least for me) that it might be the sweet spot / inbetweeny for a workstation future build. Subject to new cases at computex 24 / 25 ofcourse.

[@Juice_VI]

@22:05 please make that video about transplanting your gaming PC into this case. Would love to see that.

[@wrenchviking8527]

My issue with these cases is that they use just as much desk space as a normal mid-tower case. The footprint is essentially the same. Hoping that someone will basically do the same concept, but turned vertically to reduce the actual footprint. So far the Tower 300 is the closest we have to that.

[@IroxX0]

excellent review, so detailed with all the orientations- I left a more comprehensive critique under the A50 video and this one here compared is just excellent, very well done. I understand that maybe not every video is worth putting so much time into it but wow it shows

[@Melt.Like.Butter]

This case is a dream for us M-ATX Lovers. But maaaaaaaan, my next project is going to be a Project Zero board, sadly, it doesn't look like it's going to fit here without modifications. Great reviews as always, thank you Nick.

[@Dr_cHeNGo]

great video as always!! i would like to see a size comparison between the asus ap201 and the lian li a3matx. I own the ap201 and love it. but since the announcement of the a3matx Im interested in a new build! :) .. very clean and stylish build from you!

[@TeaQuoffee]

I'm glad more sfx cases are coming to market it really helps me determine what is available for me when I downsize.

[@saiya8078]

17:00 Really appreciate you showing an actual size comparison. Talking about units doesn't visually show how big a case is. I own an NR200 and yes, finding a cost efficient SFX mobo is a real pain. Also everything is a squeeze with larger GPUs, even with an SFX PSU.

[@sense083]

Kudos on making this video. It’s so informative with all the measurements on screen for layout options. Huge thanks for that. Definitely helps visualize options and gave me the confidence to buy.

[@TaintedBrain]

Only just got past two minutes and already "away from the caaaaaaaase" had been said six times. 😀 Great video. Thanks.

[@SUSHI4lyf]

I know the NH-D15 is 165mm on paper. But real world scenarios, do you think it will fit and all panels will close?

[@taytayaxolatte]

@@SUSHI4lyf if you use the mesh side panel itll touch it and make it flex slightly, but it would fit.

[@Alex-rf4wu]

Hey Nick what are you most excited for at computex this year? Just curious to know.

[@CrazyCranker]

The answer to my GPU headache and saved me from upgrading to fit my tiny TU150. I had looked at this nifty little ACC X11 ITX A4 MINI Case but, it's over $250. plus $90.0 shipping. Lian Li to the rescue once again! :)

[@devinconnor5398]

Sooooooooo now you make the exact case ive been trying, to find/modify other cases, to make after I spend the money and do the build in my Nr200p v2. 😂😂😂 Nice case though, Lian Li and Dan Case you guys rock! Thank you Gear Seekers for always bringing the heat with high quality build videos! 😊

[@chrisbullock6477]

I've been looking for a different case to replace my Coolermaster NRP200Max the pump makes more noise than I was hoping and I've been wanting to upgrade to a different more efficient cooler for m,y 7950X-3d / 4090 build

[@vlcglavni6608]

Staying comfortable in my Silverstone FT03 matx

[@chrisbullock6477]

I'm assuming you can also use Mini Itx as well and have even more room.

[@martiiylbj7696]

Hey ! it's a super cool video, you did a really good job ! Do you think the Jonson D31 (without screen) his a better deal than the lian li A3 ? What are the biggest differences ?

[@justeddm]

Matx is just the right size.. Itx is good with expensive parts great case great build, thanks 👍

[@HonestHans365]

Thanks for showing how different GPUs fit inside the case

[@constantinosschinas4503]

Would a Corsair RMX Shift ATX PSU make things better with it's side port placement?

[@BlackLustWarrior]

You've convinced me. I was on the fence about going for this case, but it looks super flexible. I'm trying to size-down my current build for a minimal look and I think this is the winner!

[@mitch5662]

Do you need to vertical mount your GPU if using an ITX board?

[@rodhester2166]

great camera work and as always great review. cheers..

[@gucky4717]

It is a very good case for the highest performance desktop hardware without compromises in the smallest form factor possible.

[@gucky4717]

I do have a NR200P and I do have a 5800X3D and a 4090 in it, but it had to be the smallest 4090 with the founders edition to fit nicely. And it doesn't do µATX. ITX boards don't really have much choices, I found my perfect fit in ITX AM4, but I can't find such a good one in AM5.

[@elteacher0223]

Matx is just another option. the real battle is between ATX and Mini ITX. and we all know that Mini ITX is only for deep pockets . the only reason why I went for matx is because I need a lot of Fast Storage and I found and matx that support 5 NVMe SSDs, and also the air volume is bigger, that translates into internal components running cooler -better thermals for internal components-, if not mini itx is my preference!!!

[@abduktedtemplar]

Wish this case had an inverted mobo option so i could place it on my left. There are apparently very few cases that support the left side orientation where the window is on the right side of the case.

[@SniffersCreepers]

I had used a similar case like A3 and its Tecware Fusion. in terms of compatibility, I'll have no problem building on this Tecware Fusion (1st version) costs around $60 and it could fit matx/itx mobos and atx/sfx psu but the only difference is A3 can fit larger gpus,165mm air coolers & a full 360mm rad I had only used matx motherboards and I planned to switch to small form factor but the choices for matx sff cases are very limited and itx is quite (sometimes very) expensive I'm looking forward to upgrading with A3. (and it's freakishly budget friendly too)

[@_K4OS]

super noob question here, but does PRIME B550M-A WIFI II fits on this case? Thanks for answering.

[@DonPromillo_99]

What's the song you've been using during the build montage?

[@GlobalSourcing]

He makes his own music

[@exodream8411]

@@GlobalSourcing It's a remix of breakfast by Leonardo Pancaldi, but I really need that remix, it's awesome! xD (And I need this case too.)

[@emmabentley7945]

Picked this case up a few days ago, downsizing my 14900k build to match my smaller desk, it’s a lovely case.

[@maxgattringer8]

I already have two 140 mm fans and one 120 mm. I would like to reuse them, because they are premium bequiet-fans and don't want to buy new ones. What would be the best configuration to install them? The bottom only supports 120mm, so I thought i could mount the one I have under the GPU and the two at the top to create some negative pressure (and maybe a litte chimney-effect). The only problem I wonder about is increased dust-suction inside the case. What do you guys think?

[@stancartmankenny]

does the front panel have any ventillation? Or does the psu's intake have to be inside the case?

[@Kanti12311]

I'm keeping an eye on this!! Been trying to build a compact PC like this. Now I just need 5090 to come out!

[@chrisbullock6477]

Good bye cooler master NRP-200. I can't wait to see air cooling performance with this case.

[@hyetoch]

Excellent video and song! I am really considering switching to that case when it's available.

[@everwake242]

best review of a case I have seen, should have seen it before ordering parts :D

[@cottontails]

My graphics card is 10mm thicker than yours, do you think mine will still fit with 3 fans at the bottom?

[@59.9fps]

ITX is not dead. Such motherboards often have much better VRMs comparable to ATX ones, whereas m-ATX boards often skimp on that. But SFF cases and PSU do not make sense when we have these excellent cases. I built my first ITX in a Silverstone Sugo 14, with 10600k, Noctua NH-D15, 6800 xt Sapphire Nitro+ (with 2 separate PCIE cables), and NZXT C850. All fitted fine, though the D15 could not accommodate the 2nd fan without moving the case fan outside and zip-tied. The wisdom from that build is that it is not enough if everything fits - a little breathing room for replacing components goes a long way in quality of life. Cases like this one, or the Asus AP201, are much better without being too large; neither look out of place when kept next to the TV in living room (major use case for ITX IMO). Also, airflow is much better compared to crammed components. The Asus AP201, gold standard of this form factor, has only couple of advantages - CPU cooler can be up to 170mm, 5 mm higher than this one, but that extra space can accommodate a Noctua NH-D15 v2 (168mm). The other advantage is the front of AP201 is also a mesh, so the PSU intake fan can point towards that instead of not so cool motherboard side. However, A3 supports up to 415mm GPU but AP201 only 338mm, while being a 33L case compared to 26L here.

[@BenyaminLorit]

I was ready to dismiss this case because Lian Li and Dan Case almost automatically means "expensive" but I'm so surprised to see that reasonable pricetag.

[@ramonpuls]

I have a similar build, but using 6x of the v2 uni fans. There are so many cables needed for the controller. Is it necessary? So I have two cables (from each daisy chain of fans) going into the controller. USB cable, sata, and two others leaving the controller. Is there another way? Ie without the controller

[@Chang-77777]

19:10 Excellent Video and Everything Said is all perfect with facts❤. I would like to ask about the GPU slot. If I have the ITX motherboard, then will it be okay to install 3 120mmx25mm fan like you did essentially for 4080? Thank you very much

[@DK_lma]

Wouldnt it be thermally better to have the Fans on the bottom to be normal ones and the ones on the top reverse ones? Because heat always goes upwards, but please educate me if im wrong :)

[@j.a.velarde5901]

Can this case accomodate an ATX AMB motherboard, like the "ASUS ROG Strix B650E-F", please?

[@loganwhite6173]

finally! a MATX case that can fit my xfx 7900xtx

[@rzkrdn8650]

Dissapointed with the limitations of CH160 considering its volume and my current components (my psu is just 10mm short). And the unclean looking "prime" on the white TG variant lol. And there it is, this case is what i'm looking for!

[@ebrahiemcassim]

Finally a new M-ATX case!

[@chanthanh3489]

wonder why not front mesh panel, would be better with some more airflow

[@Fausto_moh]

This is the perfect downsizing case. For someone who already has a pc and wants to shrink the size down with the least amount of new parts this is perfect

[@neochen3464]

are your original 6 pin cable long enough to connect top left CPU cable port ?

[@xtraflo]

I don't like that the front panel is just cheap plastic. I wonder if there are Replacement face panels?

[@KingItachi8660]

Would the asus strix 4090 fit?

[@ashdoglsu]

Would this case be ok for a first build ?

[@40ozofdeath65]

19:01 so what motherboard should I use then? The same one u have or what’s better? If I want the same exact build

[@psocques]

How did you connect the 8pin 12v for cpu? Included cable with the sf1000l is entirely too short

[@scudsturm1]

did u pull it away from the case? 😀

[@Moon24]

Hey Nick. Nice video as always. I have an Assassin 4 CPU cooler. Looking at the specs it looks like there's a 1mm slack. Should I risk it?

[@Lorkran]

Thanks for the review, I thought about building an assembly on this case, but I changed my mind and will build in Lian Li O11 Dynamic Mini.

[@mr_cramberry]

Sweet case. Thanks for the review. It would of been nice if Lian li provided a cable shrowd to hide the cables stuffed into the corner or back😂

[@asherwright7263]

is this better, compatibility and thermals wise, than the asus ap201?

[@gavinpaull1793]

Seriously considering doing basically this same build except with a 7950x3d for neural network training/testing + gaming.

[@kevinmazzini5532]

This is what it means to clarify and put in detail. thank you

[@feherm]

question: arctic III 280mm aio will fit on top? on the lian li website i dont see information for radiator thickness, 140mm fans will be ok or block the motherboard top heatsink?

[@stephancardenas-navarro127]

This is the M-ATX case I was looking for since some years ago. Only downside that does not make sense for me is the front panel... Seeing how the other panels are perforated and you can mount any kind of thing like in the Jonsbo D31 or the Asus Ap201 its just nonsense that this frontal panel is made of plain plastic and does not meet any structural or aestethic function. I'm thinking about using this case to transplant my actual rig and order a custom made wood front panel similar to the North from Fractal Design and even some wood feet so they can match

[@dommendoza]

why no intake fan?. all fan exhaust? direction. it must be on the GPU intake fan

[@welcometofijiboy382]

where did you get the one with the glass panel, on amazon i can only find the mesh option

[@jboy1757]

How about a video showing 280 rad on side? Where would sfx psu be placed?

[@puIsart]

Can I put two 360 mm radiators in this case for custom GPU and CPU water cooling? Does the lower and upper panel support the 360 radiator?

[@synergyiii]

You've added memory twice in part picker link fyi. Why did you choose a 1000w psu?

[@GearSeekers]

Because the board has 4 DIMM slots and 4 populated slots and memory is sold in kits of 2

[@frallorfrallor3410]

lian li never stop impressing me

[@superboy305]

Damn your shots and music selections are always A1

[@zackvyle]

Can a GPU of 325mm and a ATX PSU (RM850X) be able to fit in this case?

[@BRIO3210]

@@zackvyle gpu length clearance is up to 334mm with an ATX PSU mounted

[@OntarioGuy430]

2:00 I think at the fan filter part you missed an opportunity to say it is there just in case you wanted to pull it away from the case! 2:10