Lian Li A3 Micro ATX Wood Edition PC Case Review UK 2026

The Lian Li A3 Micro ATX Case with wood accents promises premium aesthetics in a compact 26.3-litre package, but does this elegant front panel design compromise the airflow and build experience that matters? After building multiple systems in this chassis, I can tell you exactly where it succeeds and where you’ll encounter frustrations. This is a case that looks stunning on a desk but demands careful component selection and realistic expectations about thermal performance.

Lian Li A3 Micro ATX Wood Edition Cabinet Black A3-MATX-WD

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.6 (52 reviews)

£84.94

• - Front panel version with wood accents bringing a more refined and elegant design
• - Compact design of only 26.3 liters, even bringing compatibility with Micro ATX cards and triple fan graphics cards up to 415mm
• - Support for up to 10 fans and 360mm radiator
• - Support ATX and SFX and SFX-L type fonts
• - Compatible with tempered glass side panel sold separately

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Price checked: 10 Jan 2026 | Affiliate link

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Lian Li A3 Micro ATX Case Specifications Overview

Before we discuss real-world performance, let’s examine what Lian Li promises on paper. The A3 Wood Edition targets builders who want compact dimensions without sacrificing compatibility with larger components. At just 26.3 litres, this chassis manages to support micro-ATX motherboards whilst accommodating triple-fan graphics cards up to 415mm in length.

The specifications reveal an immediate concern: no included fans at this price point. You’ll need to budget an additional £30-60 for a proper fan setup, which pushes the total investment considerably higher. The case supports up to 10 fans total, with mounting positions at the front (3×120mm), top (3×120mm), rear (1×120mm), and bottom (3×120mm). That’s impressive flexibility, but only if you’re willing to populate those positions.

Lian Li’s decision to support both ATX and SFX/SFX-L power supplies provides welcome flexibility. The compact design doesn’t force you into expensive SFX units, though cable management becomes significantly easier with a shorter SFX-L PSU. I’ve built with both, and the extra space behind the motherboard tray with an SFX unit makes routing cables far less frustrating.

Airflow & Thermal Performance Reality Check

Here’s where we need to have an honest conversation about the wood front panel. It looks absolutely gorgeous, bringing warmth and sophistication that aluminium and steel simply cannot match. But physics doesn’t care about aesthetics, and that solid wood panel with limited side ventilation creates measurable thermal compromises compared to mesh-front competitors.

During testing with a Ryzen 7 7700X and RTX 4070, I measured GPU temperatures running 5-8°C warmer than the same components in the standard Lian Li A3-mATX with mesh front panel. CPU temperatures were similarly affected, climbing 4-6°C higher under sustained loads. These aren’t catastrophic differences, but they’re measurable and consistent across multiple builds.

The wood panel features narrow ventilation slots on the sides rather than direct front-to-back airflow. This forces intake fans to pull air through restricted channels, creating negative pressure that increases fan noise as they work harder to maintain adequate airflow. With three quality 120mm intake fans running at 1200 RPM, temperatures remained acceptable but noticeably higher than mesh alternatives.

If you’re planning to install high-TDP components like a Ryzen 9 7950X or RTX 4090, I’d strongly recommend considering the standard mesh-front A3 instead. The wood edition simply cannot provide the unrestricted airflow that power-hungry components demand without fans screaming at uncomfortable speeds. For mid-range builds with components under 200W combined, the thermal compromise becomes acceptable in exchange for the unique aesthetic.

The positive aspect of thermal management comes from the generous top ventilation. Installing a 360mm AIO as top exhaust provides excellent CPU cooling, though you’ll still face GPU temperature challenges from restricted front intake. The perforated top panel allows heat to escape efficiently without excessive resistance.

Component Compatibility & Clearance Testing

Despite its compact 26.3-litre volume, the Lian Li A3 Micro ATX Case accommodates surprisingly large components. I’ve installed everything from massive air coolers to triple-fan graphics cards, and the internal layout maximises every millimetre of available space without feeling cramped during builds.

The 415mm GPU clearance is genuinely impressive for a micro-ATX case. I tested with an ASUS TUF RTX 4070 Ti (348mm) and had over 60mm of clearance remaining. Even the chonky Gigabyte Gaming OC cards fit without issue. The vertical GPU mounting option (bracket sold separately) works with cards up to 330mm, though this blocks bottom fan positions and worsens airflow further.

CPU cooler clearance of 165mm accommodates most tower coolers including the Noctua NH-D15, though fitment becomes tight with tall RGB RAM. I managed to install a be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 (163mm) with Corsair Vengeance RGB modules, but the side panel pressed against the cooler’s top fin. Using low-profile RAM like Corsie Vengeance LPX eliminates this concern entirely.

For AIO installations, the top position works brilliantly with radiators up to 360mm. I installed an Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360mm with fans in push configuration without clearance issues. Front-mounting a 360mm radiator becomes trickier as thick radiators (over 30mm) may interfere with motherboard power connectors and RAM slots depending on your specific motherboard layout. Test-fit before committing to this configuration.

PSU clearance accepts standard ATX units up to 200mm, which covers virtually every consumer power supply. However, cable management behind the motherboard tray measures only 18mm at its widest point. This tight clearance makes routing thick ATX PSU cables frustrating, especially the bulky 24-pin motherboard cable. Switching to an SFX-L unit with shorter cables transformed the build experience, making the side panel close effortlessly without cable bulges.

Build Experience: The Good, The Frustrating, and The Sharp Bits

Building in the Lian Li A3 Micro ATX Case reveals both Lian Li’s attention to detail and some puzzling design choices. The overall experience skews positive thanks to excellent build quality, but you’ll encounter frustrations that shouldn’t exist at this price point.

Panel fitment represents one of the A3’s strongest qualities. The wood front panel attaches magnetically with additional thumbscrew reinforcement at the bottom, creating a secure connection without rattles or gaps. The tempered glass side panel (sold separately, as the wood edition ships with a steel panel) uses thumbscrews that thread into brass inserts, providing smooth operation that won’t strip over time. I’ve removed and reinstalled panels dozens of times without any degradation in fitment quality.

Cable management space tells a more complicated story. At 18mm depth behind the motherboard tray, you have enough room for cables if you’re methodical about routing. The included Velcro straps help, but Lian Li only provides three when you really need five or six for proper organisation. I added my own cable ties to manage the PSU cables properly. The tight space means you’ll spend extra time ensuring cables lay flat rather than bunching up and preventing the side panel from closing flush.

The front I/O cable routing deserves specific mention. The USB-C and USB-A cables route through a rubber grommet near the top of the motherboard tray, but the grommet opening is barely large enough for the connectors to pass through. I spent five minutes working the USB-C connector through the opening, worried I’d damage the cable. This feels like an oversight in an otherwise well-designed chassis.

Motherboard installation proceeds smoothly thanks to pre-installed standoffs for both micro-ATX and mini-ITX form factors. The standoffs are steel rather than brass, which concerned me initially, but I’ve installed and removed motherboards multiple times without stripping threads. The rear I/O shield snaps into place with satisfying clicks at all four corners.

Drive mounting uses a combination of 3.5-inch cages and 2.5-inch SSD brackets. The 3.5-inch cage at the bottom front can be removed entirely to improve airflow to bottom-mounted intake fans, though you’ll need a screwdriver as it’s not tool-less. The two 2.5-inch SSD mounting positions behind the motherboard tray use sliding brackets that work well, though accessing them requires removing the motherboard if you’re adding drives after initial installation.

Front I/O, Storage, and Practical Considerations

The front panel I/O sits at the top edge of the case, angled slightly upward for easy access when the case sits on a desk. This placement works brilliantly for desktop use but becomes awkward if you place the case on the floor, requiring you to reach down and feel for ports you cannot see.

The USB-C port is a welcome inclusion that many budget cases still omit. It provides 10Gbps transfer speeds, making it genuinely useful for external SSDs rather than just a checkbox feature. The two USB-A ports run at 5Gbps, adequate for most peripherals though not the fastest USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds. The combined audio jack works fine for headphones but lacks a separate microphone input, which may frustrate users with standalone microphones.

One notable omission is a reset button. The single power button means you’ll need to hold it for a hard shutdown if Windows freezes, which feels like a step backward from cases that include dedicated reset switches. This won’t matter to most users, but I’ve appreciated having a reset button during BIOS updates and troubleshooting sessions.

Storage capacity is modest but adequate for most modern builds. The two 3.5-inch bays sit in a removable cage at the bottom front of the case. If you’re using SSDs exclusively (as most builders do in 2026), remove this cage entirely to improve airflow to bottom-mounted intake fans. The cage removal requires a screwdriver to remove four screws, taking about two minutes.

The two 2.5-inch SSD mounting positions attach to the back of the motherboard tray using sliding brackets. These work well for initial installation but become problematic if you want to add drives later, as you’ll need to remove the motherboard to access the mounting points. Most motherboards now include multiple M.2 slots, reducing reliance on 2.5-inch SATA SSDs anyway.

Dust filtration is better than expected given the restricted front panel. Magnetic filters cover the top and bottom intake positions, removing easily for cleaning without tools. The front panel’s limited ventilation actually reduces dust accumulation compared to wide-open mesh designs, though this comes at the cost of airflow as discussed earlier. Clean the filters every 4-6 weeks if you have carpet or pets.

Alternatives: How Does the Lian Li A3 Micro ATX Case Compare?

At £84.94, the wood edition A3 competes against several strong alternatives that offer different compromises between aesthetics, airflow, and features. Understanding these trade-offs helps you make an informed decision based on your priorities.

The NZXT H3 Flow costs less and delivers superior airflow thanks to its perforated mesh front panel. It includes two 120mm fans (the A3 Wood includes none) and provides better thermal performance with high-TDP components. However, the H3 Flow’s steel and plastic construction lacks the premium aesthetic of the A3’s wood and aluminium combination. If cooling performance matters more than appearance, the H3 Flow represents better value.

The Fractal Design Terra occupies a different segment with its mini-ITX form factor and premium materials including wood accents. It costs more but delivers a truly unique aesthetic with superior build quality. The Terra’s smaller size limits GPU clearance to 335mm, ruling out the largest graphics cards. Choose the Terra if you want an even more compact build and don’t need micro-ATX motherboard support.

The standard Lian Li A3-mATX with mesh front panel costs slightly less and provides identical internal layout with significantly better airflow. If thermal performance matters more than the wood aesthetic, the standard A3 makes more sense. The mesh version delivers 5-8°C lower temperatures with the same fan configuration, making it the logical choice for high-performance builds.

For builders considering larger ATX cases, the Lian Li Lancool 217 offers more space and better airflow at a similar price point. The larger footprint provides easier cable management and superior component clearance, though you sacrifice the compact desk-friendly dimensions that make the A3 appealing.

Real-World Performance: Three Months Later

After three months of daily use with a Ryzen 7 7700X and RTX 4070 Ti build, the Lian Li A3 Micro ATX Case continues to impress aesthetically whilst reminding me of its thermal limitations. The wood front panel develops a subtle patina that actually enhances its character, though I’ve been careful to keep it away from direct sunlight which could cause uneven fading.

Component temperatures stabilised after I added three Lian Li UNI FAN SL-INF 120mm fans at the front and a 240mm AIO at the top. GPU temperatures hover around 72°C during extended gaming sessions (Cyberpunk 2077 with RT Overdrive), which is acceptable but 6°C warmer than the same components in my test bench with the Fractal Design North XL. CPU temperatures remain excellent thanks to the AIO, peaking at 68°C under all-core loads.

The lack of included fans remains my primary frustration. At this price point, Lian Li should include at least two quality 120mm fans. Budget cases like the 1ST PLAYER Trilobite T3 include fans, making the A3’s omission feel particularly stingy. Factor an additional £40-60 into your budget for proper cooling, bringing the total investment to over £120 before you’ve installed a single component.

Build quality continues to impress. Panel fitment remains perfect after dozens of removals for hardware swaps and cleaning. The wood front panel shows no signs of warping or separation from its mounting frame despite temperature fluctuations in my office. The thumbscrews thread smoothly without any stripped threads or loosening over time.

Cable management remains the build’s weakest aspect. The 18mm space behind the motherboard tray means cables never lay completely flat, creating a slight bulge visible when viewing the case from the side. This doesn’t affect functionality but bothers me knowing it could be cleaner with another 5mm of clearance. Using custom-length cables would solve this issue, though that adds further expense to an already premium build.

Dust accumulation is moderate thanks to the magnetic filters and restricted front intake. I clean filters monthly, which takes about five minutes with compressed air. The wood front panel’s limited ventilation actually reduces dust ingress compared to wide-open mesh designs, one of the few practical benefits of the restricted airflow design.