Lian Li A3-mATX Case Review: Premium Micro-ATX Solution for PC Builders

The Lian Li A3-mATX Case is a collaboration between Lian Li and renowned SFF designer Dan Cases, promising high airflow in a compact 26.3-litre package. After building in dozens of cases over the years, I was keen to see if this premium micro-ATX chassis lives up to the hype surrounding small form factor builds, or if it’s another case of style over substance.

Lian Li A3-mATX MD Micro-ATX PC Case - White with Modular Design and High Airflow Support

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.7 (549 reviews)

£75.43

• HIGH AIRFLOW: The mini PC case supplies your gaming hardware with fresh air thanks to mesh panels. You can install up to ten fans to ensure optimal air circulation for all components.
• SMALL CASE, LOTS OF SPACE: The Lian Li DAN Cases A3-mATX is perfect for an SFF build. Despite its compact size, it offers 26.3 litres of space for high-performance gaming hardware.
• HIGH CUSTOMISABILITY: The mATX case supports both ATX and SFX power supplies, which can be flexibly mounted in two positions, making it easy to install a variety of gaming components.
• VERSATILE PORTS: Connect all your favourite peripherals to the front I/O of the Lian Li case, which features two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, one USB-C 3.1 port, as well as audio jacks.
• MADE FOR WATER COOLING: The mini PC case supports 360mm radiators, allowing you to equip your system with powerful water cooling for maximum performance and low temperatures.

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Price checked: 10 Jan 2026 | Affiliate link

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Lian Li A3-mATX Case Specs Overview

The A3-mATX is a collaboration between Lian Li and Dan Cases, the designer behind the popular DAN A4-SFX. This partnership aims to bring Dan’s airflow-focused design philosophy to the micro-ATX form factor, and the specifications certainly look promising on paper.

At 26.3 litres, the A3-mATX sits in an interesting position between true SFF cases and traditional micro-ATX towers. The dimensions are 280mm (W) × 338mm (H) × 355mm (D), making it noticeably smaller than standard micro-ATX cases whilst offering significantly more flexibility than mini-ITX options. Lian Li has clearly prioritised airflow here, with mesh panels dominating the front, top, and side panels.

One specification that immediately stands out is the support for both ATX and SFX power supplies with flexible mounting positions. This is genuinely useful, as it allows you to optimise cable management based on your PSU choice. I’ve built in plenty of cases where PSU placement was an afterthought, so this flexibility is refreshing.

Lian Li A3-mATX Case Airflow & Thermals

Having tested airflow in everything from budget mesh cases to premium tempered glass showcases, I can confidently say the Lian Li A3-mATX takes thermals seriously. The full mesh front, top, and side panels provide unrestricted airflow, and the case supports an impressive fan configuration for its compact size.

The case supports up to ten 120mm fans total, which is frankly overkill for most builds but demonstrates the cooling potential here. You can mount three 120mm fans at the front, three at the top, three on the side bracket, and one at the rear. More realistically, a configuration of three front intake, two top exhaust, and one rear exhaust will handle even power-hungry components like the RTX 4090 or Ryzen 9 7950X without breaking a sweat.

The mesh quality is noticeably finer than budget cases I’ve tested, such as the GAMDIAS TALOS E3. This provides better dust filtration whilst maintaining excellent airflow. The magnetic dust filters on the front and top are easy to remove and clean, though I’d have preferred a bottom filter that slides out rather than requiring you to tip the case. The side mesh panel is unfiltered, which makes sense given it’s designed for additional cooling rather than primary intake.

For water cooling enthusiasts, the A3-mATX supports 360mm radiators at both the front and top positions. This is genuinely impressive for a case this size. I tested fitment with a 360mm AIO at the front, and whilst it does reduce GPU clearance slightly, there’s still room for cards up to 280mm with a front-mounted radiator. Top-mounting a 360mm rad is the better option if you’re running a longer GPU, though you’ll need to check clearance with taller motherboard heatsinks.

According to testing from Gamers Nexus, mesh-front cases consistently outperform solid-front designs by 5-10°C on CPU and GPU temperatures under load. The A3-mATX’s full mesh design puts it firmly in the high-airflow category, making it suitable for overclocked systems or components with high thermal output.

Component Compatibility in the Lian Li A3-mATX Case

Clearances can make or break a compact case. I’ve had builds where a few millimetres meant the difference between a clean installation and having to return components. The A3-mATX handles compatibility better than most micro-ATX cases I’ve tested, though there are some caveats worth knowing before you buy.

The 335mm GPU clearance is generous for a case this size, though it’s worth noting this is without a front-mounted radiator. If you’re planning a front AIO setup, you’ll lose approximately 55mm of clearance depending on radiator and fan thickness. This still leaves room for most modern GPUs, but measure your specific card before committing to this configuration.

CPU cooler clearance of 165mm is exactly what you need for high-end air coolers like the Noctua NH-D15 or Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4. I tested with an NH-D15, and fitment was perfect with no interference from the side panel. This is significantly better clearance than you’ll find in the MSI MAG PANO M100L PZ, which maxes out at 158mm.

The flexible PSU mounting is genuinely clever. You can mount an ATX PSU in the traditional rear position, or relocate it to a front bracket to improve cable management or accommodate longer GPUs. With an SFX PSU, you gain even more flexibility. I tested with a Corsair SF750, and the additional space behind the motherboard tray made cable routing significantly easier. This is the kind of thoughtful design that separates premium cases from budget alternatives.

One minor limitation is the maximum PSU length of 200mm with ATX units. Most modern power supplies fall within this limit, but if you’re running an older or particularly long unit, double-check the specifications. SFX users won’t have any concerns here.

Build Experience with the Lian Li A3-mATX Case

I’ve bled on enough cheap cases to appreciate quality construction and thoughtful design. The A3-mATX delivers a build experience that justifies its premium positioning, though it’s not without minor frustrations.

Panel removal is tool-less and satisfying. The side panels attach via thumbscrews and lift off cleanly without the flex or poor fitment I’ve experienced with budget cases like the GAMDIAS AURA GC1. The aluminium construction feels premium, and crucially, there are no sharp edges anywhere. After years of minor cuts from cheap steel cases, this is genuinely appreciated.

Cable management space is adequate rather than generous. With approximately 25mm behind the motherboard tray, you’ll need to be methodical with routing, particularly if you’re using a thicker ATX PSU. The case includes several cable tie points and a couple of velcro straps, which helps. I found it easier to route cables as I installed components rather than trying to tidy everything at the end. The lack of a PSU shroud means your cable management is somewhat visible through the mesh, so take your time here.

The modular interior design is excellent. You can remove the GPU support bracket, PSU mount, and various fan brackets as needed. This makes installation significantly easier than cases with fixed layouts. The motherboard standoffs come pre-installed for micro-ATX boards, and Lian Li includes additional standoffs for mini-ITX if needed.

One frustration is the lack of included fans. At this price point, I’d expect at least two quality fans to get you started. Budgeting for six to eight fans on top of the case cost pushes this into expensive territory. The included hardware pack is comprehensive otherwise, with plenty of screws, standoffs, and cable ties.

Front I/O & Storage Options

The front I/O panel is mounted on the top edge of the case, angled slightly forward for easy access. It’s a sensible layout that works well whether the case is on a desk or floor.

The inclusion of USB-C is essential in 2026, and it’s good to see Lian Li hasn’t skimped here. The USB-A ports are USB 3.0 rather than the older 2.0 standard, which is appropriate for a premium case. The combined audio jack is fine for most users, though audiophiles might prefer separate headphone and microphone connections.

The power button is a simple metal affair with no RGB lighting, which fits the understated aesthetic. There’s no reset button, which I don’t miss, and no RGB controls since this isn’t an RGB-focused case. The I/O panel feels solid with no flex or cheap plastics.

Storage options are adequate for most modern builds. The two 3.5-inch bays are mounted on a removable bracket behind the motherboard tray, which you can remove entirely if you’re running an all-SSD setup. The four 2.5-inch mounts are distributed around the case, with two behind the motherboard tray and two on the PSU bracket. This is sufficient for most users, though content creators with extensive storage needs might find it limiting. Most builders in 2026 are running M.2 NVMe drives anyway, so the emphasis on 2.5-inch SSD support makes sense.

Alternatives to the Lian Li A3-mATX Case

The A3-mATX occupies a premium position in the micro-ATX market, but there are several alternatives worth considering depending on your priorities and budget.

The Fractal Design Meshify C Mini is probably the closest competitor, offering excellent airflow and build quality at a slightly lower price. It includes two fans and has a more traditional layout, though it lacks the flexible PSU mounting of the A3-mATX. The mesh front isn’t quite as open as the A3-mATX, but it still delivers strong thermal performance.

For budget-conscious builders, the Cooler Master NR400 offers mesh airflow and decent build quality at nearly half the price. You’ll sacrifice some premium features and the aluminium construction, but it’s a solid choice if you’re prioritising value. It includes two fans, which the A3-mATX should have done at its price point.

The MSI MAG PANO M100L PZ takes a different approach with its panoramic glass design. If aesthetics matter more than ultimate airflow, it’s worth considering, though thermals won’t match the A3-mATX. The similar pricing makes this a direct style-versus-substance comparison.

What sets the A3-mATX apart is the combination of compact size, full mesh design, and flexible component support. The 360mm radiator support at both front and top positions is rare in a case this small, and the dual PSU mounting options provide genuine versatility. If these features align with your build requirements, the premium is justified.