Lian Li O11D Mini V2 Review

Lian Li showed us an early version of their O11D Mini V2 six months ago at CES and then we saw the finished product at Computex, so you can understand we have been eagerly awaiting its launch. In today's review we look at a bazillion options and features of this compact ATX case and bemoan the fact we Brits don't think much of Micro ATX, which is a pity as it is clearly the best motherboard form factor on the planet.

Specification:

• Motherboard support: ATX, ATX Back-Connect, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX.
• Expansion slots: 5.
• Included fans: None (Flow version comes with 5x 120mm reverse flow PWM fans)
• Fan mounts: 2x 120mm front, 3x 120/2x 140mm roof, 1x 120mm rear, 3x 120mm floor.
• Radiator mounts: 240mm front, 280mm/360mm roof, 240mm side.
• Bottom radiator: 280mm or 360mm depending in M-ATX mode.
• 5.25-inch optical drive bays: None.
• Internal drive bays: 2x 2.5-inch , 2x 2.5-inch/3.5-inch.
• Dimensions: 392mm H x 424mm D x 273mm W.

Testing

To put this case through its cooling paces we will be using a test system consisting of an AMD Ryzen 9 9950X, Palit RTX 5080 and an SSD. This system allows us to produce a substantial amount of heat and effectively test the Lian Li O11D Mini V2's cooling capabilities.

Test System:

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X
• CPU Cooler: Lian Li Hydroshift LCD 360 Fanless + 3x Lian Li Uni Fan TL Wireless 120
• Case fans: 4x Lian Li Uni Fan TL Wireless LCD 120
• Motherboard: MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi
• Memory: 32GB G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB DDR5-6000
• Graphics card: Palit RTX 5080 Gamerock OC 16GB
• Power supply: Lian Li Edge EG0850G
• SSD: Crucial T700 M.2 NVMe
• OS: Windows 11 Pro

Cooling Performance

Cooling Performance Overview

The Lian Li O11D Mini V2 works well however it is clear the relatively small size has an impact on airflow. Each time we increased fan speed we saw a reduction in CPU temperature and as you will see in our video this moved to a point where the PC was intolerably loud. Compromise is the name of the game.

Closing Thoughts

The new Lian Li O11D Mini V2 is a success but it isn't quite a great success, and the issue in our view is that most people use an ATX motherboard which will effectively fill the main compartment of the case. If you use a Micro ATX motherboard instead the situation changes for the better.

We love the clean look of the frameless glass and the ability to add cooling at the top, bottom, back and side of the case gives you plenty of options.  The price is also appealing, however you need to factor in the necessary cooling hardware.

If you buy the Flow version is comes with non-ARGB fans, though this case was clearly intended as a showcase for fancy lighting. We suggest you buy the fanless version and add plenty of bling.

MSRP for Lian Li O11D Mini V2 is £75.99 inc VAT and will be available from OCUK HERE.

Pros:

• We love the looks and clean finish.
• Decent air flow and cooling
• Front IO panel can be moved from the front of the case to the top.
• Neat option for moving a Micro-ATX motherboard downwards in the main chamber.

Cons:

• Top of case is tight for space with a 360mm cooler
• You need to use a Micro ATX motherboard to get most from this case.

KitGuru says: The updates Lian Li has made to the O11D Mini V2 work superbly well.

Become a Patron!