In this article we will see the review of the Lian Li O11 Dynamic Mini Snow Edition. A case that combines a great passion for design with some really interesting technical choices! Unfortunately, there are some small flaws, but as you will discover we will see a review divided between mind and heart
When choosing the case for your PC, there are so many factors to take into account. We have the aesthetic impact, the components that can be inserted, the airflow and the connections that are provided. In short, choosing the best home that’s right for us is never a simple affair. And if you come across a case that is capable of overturning all the rules of the game, it becomes even more difficult.
What happens with the Lian Li O11 Dynamic Mini Snow Edition is just that. Because or thanks to this case we have challenged all our preconceptions and if that were not enough we have also questioned some laws of basic physics. Are you curious? Read on to find out more.
Charming, elegant and adaptable | O11 Dynamic Mini Snow Edition review
The three adjectives chosen in the title just above can alone give a clear idea of the latest arrival among the mini houses branded Lian Li.
Metal frame, aluminum and glass inserts. Three elements that combined with wisdom they give life to something that is more than a case. This O11D Mini is a conglomeration of design and technology. The series of dust filters, the possible expansions and the absolute modularity allow us to make the cabinet really everything that comes to mind (or almost).
The case you are reading about is available in two color variants (black and white). Obviously the Snow Edition in our possession is white.
For both variants, tempered glass was chosen without chromatic alterations as in other models. In reality, the glass, once the protective films have been removed, will make you doubt its existence. We ourselves have occasionally wondered if we had forgotten the glass when in reality it was obviously in its place.
Inside the package we obviously find our case, a series of accessories to mount any type of motherboard, a complete set of screws and an instruction booklet. No additional fans unfortunately.
The lack of fans inside the package is a real shame, especially in consideration of the fact that Lian Li’s fans are, on an aesthetic level, probably the best that can be installed on this case.
However, it is interesting to find two metal selections available for a possible waterblock.
What we find on the outside | O11 Dynamic Mini Snow Edition review
The whole structure is made of light but solid metal. With this choice, it was possible to find the right compromise between lightness and solidity.
Just above there are the notification LEDs, the power button, but not the reset one and the input / output for microphone and headphones. There are also three USB sockets, two 3.0 type A and one 3.1 type C.
A choice that we did not like in its entirety is that of having inserted a single 3.5mm audio jack which alone has to make up for two jobs.. Therefore, if you have headphones with separate jacks you will need to get an adapter or you will necessarily have to use the output located on your motherboard.
The peculiarity of this case is certainly the fact of finding two glass panels that leave both the right side and the front visible. The glass bulkhead removal system is really well thought out. To remove the two glass panels, simply remove the two screws that lock the top panel and the panel itself. By doing so, simply slide the panels upwards and the removal will be completed.
The glass panels follow a guide and hook onto the structure without any additional locking system.
Returning to the top panel, we can see the first of the four dust filters. The filter attaches to the frame with a magnet. The same system is also exploited by the two filters placed on the rear panel. The system chosen for the filter at the base of the case, which develops like a drawer, is different.
Still talking about the top, it is possible to install (3) 120mm or (2) 140mm fans. If, on the other hand, you intend to mount a radiator, the supported measures are: 280mm and 360mm. Unfortunately, however, it is not possible to mount radiators on the top if you choose to use an ATX type mobo. Or better it will be possible to do it only with radiators and low profile RAM.
On the side you can instead choose to mount a 280mm radiator or two 120 or 140mm fans.
As for the lower part, the possibilities are to mount a 240mm or 360mm radiator or three 120mm or two 140mm fans.
In our tests we therefore opted to first mount a 360 down radiator and then a 280mm radiator placed on the side. The rest of the fans were arranged accordingly.
Too bad for the rear fan slot which can only be 120mm.
Interior and installation
As for the interior and the installation we are faced with a case, which as you have been able to read, offers many possibilities even if very often you will have to make some compromises.
Installing an ATX motherboard is possible but definitely not the most recommended choice. When it comes to 3.5-inch HDDs, you have a lot of possibilities. They can be installed in a compartment where the power supply is usually housed in homes for some years now. This is possible as the power supply in this cabinet returns to occupy a slot in the upper rear. Be careful though SFX form factor power supply required.
For 2.5-inch HHDs you can choose to use one of the two slots mentioned above (using the supplied adapter) or choose to place them on the bar that cuts the back of the case.
Speaking of rear, it is worth mentioning the great convenience of having a case that has a lot of space between the rear panel and the frame where the motherboard is installed.. In this way, and with the help of the aforementioned bar (see photo), cable management will be greatly simplified. The two slits provided with sheaths that allow the passage of cables, hiding everything else, are also very useful to the cause.
No problem whatsoever in installing even the latest generation video cards. In addition, with a separately purchased kit, you are given the option to mount your VGA vertically.
In short, thanks also to the cable management system, we were able to maintain an aesthetic cleanliness and at the same time we were able to work in favor of the already excellent airflow.
Conclusions
In conclusion we can say that this O11 Dynamic Mini Snow Edition is one of the most beautiful cases we have worked on. The aesthetic factor in plain sight, but also the parts that will only be seen in the assembly phase, is truly remarkable.
We are very sorry that we have to make many compromises to be able to obtain a configuration with mobo ATX, despite the myriad of possibilities and variants that are offered.
The “narrow case” measurements have sometimes tested our patience in trying to hide every single cable. The double glazing combined with the narrow gorges made us puzzled but in the end the result paid off for every minute spent.
In conclusion we would like to recommend this cabinet to all people who have a strong sense of aesthetics and who are ready to overlook the listed defects. Once you have overcome the wall of choosing the correct components, you will have a PC that will hardly go unnoticed.
The O11 Dynamic Mini Snow Edition cabinet by Lian Li is an agglomeration of elegance, beauty and engineering that offers countless possibilities despite some limitations that will be forgiven when the work is completed.
Points in favor
- A very elegant case
- Excellent airflow and lots of dust filters
- Lots of mounting possibilities …
Points against
- … not always with the possibility of exploiting them
- Not suitable for beginners
- We would have liked to have seen some fans supplied