Lian Li Launches A3-mATX Case with Steel Mesh Panels and Minimalistic Design

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Image: Lian Li

Lian Li has partnered with DAN Cases to produce the A3-mATX, a new PC case for M-ATX and ITX motherboards that features side and top panels with steel mesh. Coming in both black and white color options, the new case is available now for $69.99 MSRP at retailers that include Newegg. Caseking, and Overclockers UK.

Product and purchase links:

Features

  • M-ATX case collaboration with Daniel Hansen from DAN Cases and LIAN LI
  • High-performance mesh panels at the top and both sides
  • ATX / SFX PSU mounting bracket adjustable with 5 different heights on both the front and right side
  • Supports 4.5 slots GPUs up to 415mm in length, AIOs up to 360mm, and up to 10 x 120mm fans
  • Glass side panel and vertical GPU mounting are available as additional accessories
  • Available in black and white at MSRP $69.99

Specifications:

ModelA3-mATX
Case TypeMicroATX Chassis
Dimensions(D) 443 x (W) 194 x (H) 321.5 mm
ColorBlack / White
MaterialSteel
Motherboard SupportM-ATX / MINI-ITX
Expansion Slot4
StorageTray: 2 x 2.5” SSD
 Bottom: 1 x 2.5” SSD / 1 x 3.5” HDD
GPU Length Clearance415mm (Max.)
CPU Cooler Height Clearance165mm (Max.)
PSUATX / SFX / SFX-L (Max. 220mm)
Fan Support(Top) 3 x 120mm / 2 x 140mm
(Side) 3 x 120mm / 2 x 140mm
(Bottom) 3 x 120mm / 2 x 140mm
(Rear) 1 x 120 mm
Radiator Support(Top) 360 / 280 / 240
(Side) 360 / 280 / 240
(Bottom) 280 / 240
I/O PORTS1 x Power Button
2 x USB 3.0
1 x USB type C
1 x Audio
1 x Microphone
Dust Filters1 x Bottom

Lian Li on its new case:

Featuring high-performance mesh panels at the top and both sides, the A3-mATX ensures optimal airflow and cooling for your compact system. The PSU mounting bracket that supports ATX and SFX power supplies is adjustable at 5 different heights, creating different clearance scenarios that allow this micro-ATX chassis to house larger components, enhancing flexibility. The case supports a wide range of hardware, including 4.5 slots GPUs up to 415mm in length, up to 360mm AIOs, and up to 10 x 120mm fans in total. A glass side panel and vertical GPU mounting kit are available as optional accessories, providing users with great levels of aesthetic customization.

Even with its micro-ATX footprint, the A3-mATX does not slack on what components it can fit. The possibility of accommodating 4.5 slots GPUs up to 415mm in length promises the option of going for high-end GPUs. AIOs up to 360mm can be installed on both the top and the left side for sufficient cooling, and the maximum capacity of 10 x 120mm fans for rigorous gaming sessions.

The PSU mounting bracket of the A3-mATX offers unparalleled versatility with its multiple mounting locations. Both the front and the right side of the case can house the PSU in five different height settings. Compatible PSU sizes include ATX, SFX, and SFX-L with a maximum length of 220mm. The hard drive mounting tray is also highly versatile with a total of 4 different settings on the front and the right side. Depending on the different configurations of the PSU, the compatibility of the GPU, radiator, and cooling fans changes accordingly, allowing users to express true freedom when building.

The A3-mATX even with the volume being just over 26L, boasts 3 high-performance mesh panels on the top and both sides of the case, providing ample airflow for this compact chassis. The top panel is secured by 2 easy to remove thumb screws, while the side panels can be quickly removed with their toolless mounting mechanism. The reinforced plastic front panel goes for a modern, minimalist look, also detachable thanks to toolless mounting. A magnetic dust filter is provided at the bottom of the case, covering the entire bottom opening to keep your build nice and tidy.

Two additional accessories are available for the A3-mATX, starting with a tempered glass left-side panel to provide users with an unrestricted view of their PC build, and a vertical GPU kit that allows users to opt for direct air intake for their graphics card from the left-side panel. Both accessories are available in black and in white, at an MSRP of $12.99 and $49.99 respectively.

Source

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Discussion (16 replies)

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Peter_Brosdahl
Peter_Brosdahl 👍 1

Wow! I really like these. I was on the fence with ordering a Sharkoon C20 ITX since it's now on Amazon but for $320(ouch!).

At $70, and capable of even longer GPU plus the AIOs, it's pretty much a done deal. I just need to double check the specs a bit more before I order one. Just checked the Newegg link and it says they don't release until 6/11.

Peter_Brosdahl
Peter_Brosdahl

Okay so I might actually do this but I'll have to think about it. After checking the Lian Li product page it appears there are about a dozen or more configurations you can do with it but in order to fit this:

[URL unfurl="true"]https://www.zotac.com/us/product/graphics_card/zotac-gaming-geforce-rtx-4080-super-amp-extreme-airo-16gb-gddr6x#spec[/URL]

and a 360 AIO at the top, I'll have to get this:

[URL unfurl="true"]https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C3TCHDDX/?tag=thefpsreview-20[/URL]

@Paul_Johnson did a review of the non-5.0 12VHPWR version that is essentially the same.

[URL unfurl="true"]https://www.thefpsreview.com/2021/06/17/silverstone-sx1000-1000w-sfx-l-power-supply-review/7/[/URL]

The PSU would set me back an extra $270+tax which hurts a little but the other pros of this case is that despite its minute size I could still add a fan here and there as needed. Otherwise just imagine the CPU/Motherboard/NVMe setup like my other rigs going into it and that's it.

Brian_B

The last 2 Lian Li cases I have purchased have been bottom tier junk with a Lian Li logo on the front. No where near the all aluminum, premium quality cases that I remembered back from the 00's. The knockoff Newegg house-brand cases (Rosewill) were seriously much better quality.

Lian Li has partnered with DAN Cases to produce the A3-mATX

I don't know who DAN is, but I'm not exactly expecting much here.

LazyGamer
LazyGamer 👍 1

"Brian_B, post: 85576, member: 96" wrote:

I don't know who DAN is, but I'm not exactly expecting much here.


Dan cases has been much bigger in the ITX / toaster scene. This A3-mATX is as much noteworthy for being a new case as it is being larger than most of what they've done.

In this relationship, Lian Li is really just the manufacturer, though probably had input in terms of manufacturability.

"Brian_B, post: 85576, member: 96" wrote:

The last 2 Lian Li cases I have purchased have been bottom tier junk with a Lian Li logo on the front. No where near the all aluminum, premium quality cases that I remembered back from the 00's.


I had a PC-61 (I think) that was a nice aluminum build, but I think that trend is long past. Cases are pretty light if they're not three sides of tempered glass, and if they are all glass, using aluminum won't make much difference.

I will say that I haven't used anything from them lately aside from my O11-D XL, and I didn't really have any complaints about the case itself other than it not being particularly good for cooling without a custom loop.

Niner51
Niner51 👍 1

Here is a nice overview of the case [embedded media]

Peter_Brosdahl
Peter_Brosdahl 👍 2

"Niner51, post: 85578, member: 106" wrote:

Here is a nice overview of the case [embedded media]


Thanks! Fantastic video and this was going to be my next step in research and it pretty much nailed all my questions/concerns. I pretty much had figured it all out but it was really nice to see in a video review and more or less agree with everything he covered in the video. Yep, I'm gonna do it!

For reference for anyone wondering, this is going to replace my last Coolermaster HAF case. The end of an era that's spanned almost two decades where I've done more builds in the 932 and X than I can remember. Ironically the HAF X reached its limit when I put the GPU listed above in and the riveted drive cage was in the way and I had to use a hammer/channel locks, and needle nose pliers to bend it to get the GPU in and even then it's not quite right.

I'll take pics when its done and I can't wait. One of the many reasons for doing this is that as I'm getting older it's just too much of a pia to move these things around and while tempered glass is pretty I'm far more interested in mesh on all sides, plus the options for the parts I'm going to use.

Niner51
Niner51 👍 1

"Peter_Brosdahl, post: 85579, member: 87" wrote:

One of the many reasons for doing this is that as I'm getting older it's just too much of a pia to move these things around


That's why I put my 7000X/D cases in storage due to their weight. I've always thought about a SFF build, but man my hands are large and the essential tremors in my hands make putting things together like this harder and harder.

Peter_Brosdahl
Peter_Brosdahl 👍 1

"Niner51, post: 85606, member: 106" wrote:

but man my hands are large and the essential tremors in my hands make putting things together like this harder and harder.


Mine as well and factor in arthritis and it gets even more fun. I like how this, and some other new smaller cases are in between ITX and ATX now. Lian Li is calling this Micro form factor which I suppose fits since it doesn't quite conform to one or the other. I like how I can stick with using a mATX board, as long as the main PCIe isn't towards the bottom of the board since I really didn't want to have to buy another board on top of everything else plus, for me, the MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi ProSeries have proven to be very good boards so far. This design looks like, with some planning, building in it isn't going to be a huge challenge.

Denpepe
Denpepe 👍 3

Linus from LTT built in this case recently with a wee handicap too make it more fun
[embedded media]

Peter_Brosdahl
Peter_Brosdahl 👍 2

I'm so very psyched that it'll be delivered tomorrow! I'm not 100% sure I'll have the energy to do the transfer into it. It'll depend on when it gets delivered but hopefully, I'll have the energy to get it done before the weekend is over and I'll post pics in the PC cases section.

Peter_Brosdahl
Peter_Brosdahl 👍 1

Watched the above videos again in prep for this build, along with about a half dozen others but I thought this one was pretty good as well. I liked how it showed a 360 AIO, 4080 SUPER FE, and then used the optional side bracket to add 2 x 240mm fans for intake and, get this, even tested a 14900K!

[embedded media]

DrezKill
DrezKill 👍 2

"Peter_Brosdahl, post: 86095, member: 87" wrote:

Watched the above videos again in prep for this build, along with about a half dozen others but I thought this one was pretty good as well. I liked how it showed a 360 AIO, 4080 SUPER FE, and then used the optional side bracket to add 2 x 240mm fans for intake and, get this, even tested a 14900K!



[embedded media]


It would be nice if my local Micro Center had these, cuz I can't get a good idea of a case's size from videos and pics. I'd like to see it in person.

Denpepe

"DrezKill, post: 86098, member: 230" wrote:

It would be nice if my local Micro Center had these, cuz I can't get a good idea of a case's size from videos and pics. I'd like to see it in person.


If you want small yet have enough space fopr a good sized GPU, check this out https://singularitycomputers.com/product/phantom-2-itx-case/

Peter_Brosdahl
Peter_Brosdahl 👍 2

Just a heads up that I've started posting pics of the new build in the cases section.

Tsing Mui
News poster at The FPS Review.

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