(update 10/2021)
so after using this case with new build for about 6 months now, I have to say I still love it, and have still had good experiences when contacting support.
I've also discovered that, depending the AIO you buy and the size of your VRM heatsink, you can actually fit a 280 AIO at the top of the case.
I have found one apparent glaring issue, though it only matters if you care about RGB.
not sure what the exact issue is, but the built in rgb controller in the rgb version is quite limited. I replaced the front fans with some really high CFM ones, because I wanted to maximize the air coming into the case.
unfortunately, I found out the hard way that lian li used a custom connection for the RGB connection to the controller. not only that, they don't apparently sell any cable kits to convert them to standard argb connections. I found one that looked like it worked, but again after ordering found out the hard way again that they were for a completely different proprietary connector they apparently use on their other fans and AIO.
to add to the fun, while there is a standard argb connector on one cable coming off the controller for the light bar, you really can't hang too many many more additional devices.
I actually found out, with some experimental splicing, that the controller really can't handle more than like 4 or 5 total devices before it causes some of the devices to start flickering, and if you add to many, will go nuts or just get stuck on one color.
even tried adding a controller, but it seems to be with the signal line from what I can tell.
I ended up having to just abandon the built in controller all together and use the motherboard headers.
otherwise, still a nice case and really like working in it, as it's plenty big and flexible.
Original review
so far this case has exceeded my expectations in size, appearance and performance.
it is larger that my old case, but not obnoxiously so, which made it very easy to work in and to the route the cables so they're hidden away. it was hard to gauge from the online video reviews just how big/small it would be (was concerned actually it may be a bit smaller than I wanted) but I think it's just right.
the lighting effects look great, even if you don't have a motherboard that can control them, and the mesh sort of causes a bit of color shift on it's own when you look at it from different angles, which makes it stand out even more.
it's tough to say how well this performs vs the non-rgb model, which reviewers have rated one of the best for air flow, but it feels like it's moving a lot of air and my CPU and GPU temps dropped by about 3 degrees each compared to the old case they were in.
I only have a couple concerns/grips
1. be careful if you plan on putting a radiator on top, cause depending on your memory and the size of the radiator, it will either be a very tight fit or not fit at all. there are however several builds on pcpartpicker showing folks that successfully mounted them up there so it's clearly doable if you're careful about the parts you select.
2. looks like my case, while otherwise in perfect condition, has one broken usb port. so have submitted RMA request and will get to see how responsive they are to issues. stuff like this happens to any company, the difference with the good ones is how they respond to them. so we'll see if they earn the fifth star.
...update: well, they earned the 5th star, and frankly probably deserve a sixth for the support. I contacted them late in the day Monday, got a response that evening requesting some more details from me, and later the next day parts were shipped and arrived by Friday.
and to add to it, they shipped from out the country, and the parts actually arrived before other items that shipped the same day from within the US...just crazy.
as I mentioned in the original review, stuff happens and I'm fine with that, but companies can easily make the situation better or worse for users based on their response. And in that regard, Lian Li is awesome
fantastic case, great value, and fantastic support.
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 2 |
|---|
