Lian Li Lancool 205 Mid-Tower Case Review
Peter Donnell / 3 years ago
How Much Does it Cost?
The Lian Li Lancool 205 is available now with an MSRP of just £64.99, which is a really good price for what you get. However, at the time of writing, it was actually down to just £49.99, which is a freaking steal. Of course, keep an eye out for deals, but this is good value for money, even at the MSRP. It’s available in black or white, and there’s also a mesh version with RGB fans for £79.99, as well as a micro ATX version for £49.99.
Overview
Lian Li is one of the biggest and most respected case makers in the world. They’ve had countless awards from me over the last decade (OK, maybe not really countless, I just can’t be bothered to count them), and from many others around the world. It’s not exactly surprising then that this case is pretty excellent. Albeit they’ve not done anything that their rivals aren’t doing, it’s a bit by the numbers really. You get a tempered glass window, a couple of pre-installed fans, dust filters, good hardware support, a PSU shroud, and some stealth SSD mounts. However, what is impressive is the overall quality you get for such a small price.
The build quality is superb, especially for a case that can be bought for as little as £50. Sure, the Steel is a bit thinner than on their more premium Lancool II, but it’s certainly more robust than the usual fair in this price range. The flush mounting tempered glass window looks gorgeous, and I love the split panel design, allowing me access to under the shroud from both sides of the case.
There are four drive mounts, cable routing holes everywhere you need them, and for the most part, the panels and fittings are all tool-free and easy to access. It’s a case that would compliment a high-end build in the hands of an experienced system builder. However, even for an affordable PC from a first-time PC builder, I think it’s going to offer something for everyone.
Should I Buy One?
While I think the enthusiast gamers out there would enjoy the mesh version more, thanks to its higher airflow and RGB fans, I can’t dismiss the excellent value of the Lancool 205. No-name import brands sell for the same price, and without a doubt, Lian Li is a far cool name to have next to your desk that most. High-end thrills at pocket money prices, what’s not to love!?
