Lian Li Lancool II Review – The Ultimate Mid-Tower?
Peter Donnell / 5 years ago
How Much Does it Cost?
The Lian Li Lancool II is available now with an MSRP of just $89.99 for the black model and $94.99 for the white model. Plus, you can get the vertical GPU kit for just $49.99, which is decent given the build quality, riser cable, etc. The aRGB strip is just $11.99, the Hot-Swap kit is $14.99, the Type-C cable $11.99 and the anti-sag kit is just $7.99. Honestly, though, most of you won’t need the optional gear, but it’s certainly nice to have options. You can check for up to date UK prices here and US here.
Overview
I already knew this is one of the best cases I’ve ever seen. As I said in the introduction, I spend some time tinkering with one in Taiwan when we visited Lian Li’s booth at Computex 2019. We even gave it an award there and then. Boy, how embarrassing it would be if it didn’t earn one today and we hated it. Fortunately, Lian Li has nothing to worry about, I love this case even more today than I ever did before. I’m already thinking I need two more of them to replace all the other cases in the house… yup, I really do like it.
Engineering
Lian Li has always been at the cutting edge when it comes to fantastic case designs. They may have stepped back from only making them from Aluminium, but honestly, it’s the best thing they ever did. This case is every bit as well made as the super expensive behemoths of years gone by. However, this one is affordable to you and me, and still delivers the premium features we would expect on a case twice the price.
The panels snap and lock into place firmly, the thumbscrews don’t snap up on the panels, the dust filters are robust and easily accessed. Even little things like the uber-strong magnetic side panel mounts. It’s all in the details, and there’s plenty of them here.
Not sure why the type-C cable isn’t standard though, but I guess they really wanted to keep the price below $100 right out of the box. Order that cable when you buy one, it’s a good idea to have it I think.
Style
It’s a great looking case, and I dare anyone to deny that. Sure, style is very subjective, but for current market trends, I think the Lancool II is perfectly in tune with today’s market. A big of RGB, tempered glass and lots of ease of use features to help it handle the latest and greatest hardware. Not only that but also present and showcase that hardware with style.
Should I Buy One?
Honestly, I can’t think of a case of this quality. It’s not something that translates into pictures, but it has a robust and reassuring build quality that makes it a joy to use. It’s a stunning design, easy to use, plenty of features, and there are some interesting optional extras. Easily one of the best cases ever made and I really mean EVER made.