Lian Li O11D Mini V2 PC Case Review
Meet the Lian Li O11D Mini V2
Meet the Lian Li O11D Mini V2
Lian Li has revamped its O11D Mini PC case with a new V2 variant, giving PC builders more options while retaining the case’s small form factor (SSF) brilliance. Today, we will be reviewing the standard model of this case, although it should be noted that the “Flow” model, which costs $10 more, ships with five reverse-blade fans.
The idea behind this case is simple. Give PC builders more options without making this case HUGE. Lian Li wants its new O11D Mini to be more versatile, and it has succeeded.
Lian Li O11D Mini V1 VS V2
Size-wise, the new O11D Mini is almost as small as its predecessor. Overall, the case is about 12mm taller, 4mm wider, and 4mm deeper. These changes add over 2.3 litres of volume to this case, although it would be difficult to spot the size difference without having both PC cases side by side.
These changes have a HUGE impact. Unlike the original, Lian Li’s new V2 model now supports full-sized ATX power supplies. The original only supported SFX/SFX-L PSUs. Beyond that, this new version can now support a top mounted liquid cooling radiator (240mm or 360mm) when used with ATX motherboards.
Slanted Intake Fans
Many users of the original O11D Mini vertically mounted their graphics cards. This placed their GPUs close to the case’s tempered glass side panel, limiting airflow. With their new V2 model, Lian Li has worked around this by slanting their bottom-mounted 120mm fans. This change directs airflow more optimally for users with vertically mounted GPUs. Furthermore, it makes Lian Li’s UNI TL fans (the ones with the built-in LCD screens) more visible.
Motherboard Support
The O11D V2 supports ATX, M-ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards. It also supports back-connect ATX-sized motherboards, allowing users of this case to give their PCs a “no cable” aesthetic.
Note that this case can have Mini ITX and Micro ATX motherboards mounted at various heights. This added level of adjustment allows users to position their motherboards more optimally, allowing for larger liquid cooling radiators at the top of the case.
If MATX and Mini ITX motherboards are mounted in low mode, the case’s top radiator clearance is increased. This can allow PC builders to use thicker fans or liquid cooling radiators. Furthermore, it enables 280mm radiators to be mounted without offset brackets.
Intake Optimisation
The O11D Mini V2 supports two side-mounted fans. These fans can be positioned in various ways to direct airflow to optimal locations. Blanking plates are provided to minimise backdraft. Users of this case can test their fans in various mounting positions to see which locations give them the best CPU/GPU thermals.
Removable fan mounting plates
To make fan/radiator installation easier, the bottom and top fan mounting plates on the O11D Mini V2 can be removed. This can also make the installation of motherboards easier. Note that this case’s front glass panel can also be removed.
Movable IO
Note that users of the O11D Mini V2 can choose to have this case’s IO connectors mounted at the top or bottom of the case. This allows users to mount their IO where it is easiest to access. Note that removing this case’s bottom IO gives more area for this case’s bottom fans to breathe through.
Lian Li O11D Mini V2 Pricing (Buy the Flow version!)
With an MSRP of $89.99, the Lian Li O11D Mini V2 is an affordable case. However, its flow variant is a bargain for $99.99. This model ships with five reverse-flow 120mm fans. That’s $2 per fan. Even if you plan to replace these fans, that’s a bargain price for five fans. Even if I planned to use my own fans inside this case, I’d be temped to buy this case’s Flow model just to have some reverse-flow fans as spares.
In the UK, Overclockers UK has its case’s standard model available for £75.95 and its Flow model available for £83.99.
