Small form factor PCs are alluring, packing high-performance hardware into a compact space. While appealing, these builds often present challenges: component compatibility, thermal management, higher component costs, and intricate cable routing. Lian Li’s A3-mATX case, co-developed with Dan Cases, addresses these hurdles. Not quite an ITX case, but significantly smaller than a typical mATX tower, the A3-mATX offers impressive compatibility for its size, accommodating micro-ATX motherboards, 360mm radiators, ATX power supplies, and even four-slot graphics cards. And it achieves this at a surprisingly affordable price.
The Lian Li A3-mATX case with blue RGB lights.A fully built Lian Li A3-mATX showcasing its compact design and RGB lighting.
Specifications and Pricing
The A3-mATX boasts an impressive array of features for its $70 price tag. Available in black and white, a premium Wood Edition with a walnut-trimmed, mesh-filtered front panel is also offered for $80. This functional and aesthetic upgrade enhances airflow. Lian Li also offers a tempered glass side panel ($13) and a vertical GPU mounting bracket with a PCIe Gen 4.0 riser cable ($50), sold separately. This modular approach allows users to customize their setup and control costs.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Case Type | Micro-ATX/Mini-ITX |
| Dimensions | 304 x 194 x 443mm (12.66 x 7.64 x 17.8 inches) |
| CPU Cooler Height | 165mm |
| Max GPU Support | 415mm, 4-slot |
| Storage | 2x 2.5″ SSD, 1x 2.5″/3.5″ HDD |
| Front I/O | 2x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1x USB 3.1 Type-C, Audio In/Out |
| PSU Support | SFX, SFX-L, ATX |
| Top Fans | Up to 3x 120mm, 2x 140mm |
| Bottom Fans | Up to 3x 120mm, 2x 140mm |
| Rear Fan | 1x 120mm |
| Side Fans | Up to 3x 120mm, 2x 140mm |
| Price | $70 ($80 for Wood Edition) |
Design and Features
At 26.3 liters, the A3-mATX is compact, particularly in height, compared to standard mATX cases. Its steel mesh panels on the sides and top, combined with ventilation from the bottom and rear, promote airflow. The plastic front panel, while feeling slightly less premium, is addressed by the optional wood version.
The Lian Li A3-mATX next to the Deepcool CH370 mATX tower case.Size comparison highlighting the A3-mATX’s compact form factor.
The A3-mATX echoes the layout of cases like the Cooler Master NR200P and Asus Prime AP201 but offers superior versatility. Its extensive internal configuration options and support for large components truly live up to its “compatibility is strong” tagline.
Cooling options are plentiful. The case supports multiple fan configurations on the top, bottom, rear, and side, along with radiator support up to 360mm on top and 280mm on the side. The 165mm CPU cooler clearance accommodates high-performance air coolers and AIOs.
The front panel of the Lian Li A3-mATX case in white.The clean aesthetic of the A3-mATX’s white front panel.
The A3-mATX’s airflow design draws air in from the bottom, filtered by a magnetic mesh, and exhausts it through the top and rear. Its remarkable 415mm GPU length support is constrained only by PSU choice and placement. The case supports SFX, SFX-L, and ATX PSUs, with a removable and repositionable mounting bracket. Similarly, a removable tray accommodates two 2.5″ SSDs. Lian Li provides a comprehensive compatibility infographic detailing various configurations.
The Lian Li A3-mATX case in white placed on a table.The A3-mATX in white, demonstrating its compact footprint.
SFX power supply unit configuration on the Lian Li A3-mATX. 
ATX power supply unit configuration on the Lian Li A3-mATX.Different PSU configuration options within the A3-mATX.
The front I/O offers convenient connectivity, and the included PSU power extension cable simplifies cable management. Overall, the A3-mATX exhibits excellent build quality, with thoughtful details like all-white cabling.
Front panel I/O on the Lian Li A3-mATX case.Close-up of the front I/O ports, offering a good selection of connectivity options.
Building Experience
While seemingly straightforward, building in the A3-mATX presents some cable management challenges. Careful planning is crucial, particularly for fan and RGB controllers. Due to limited space behind the motherboard tray, pre-planning cable routes is essential. Opting for components with streamlined cabling, like Corsair’s iCUE Link fans, can significantly simplify the process. Choosing an SFX or SFX-L PSU also provides more flexibility.
The Lian Li A3-mATX case with the side panel removed.Internal view of the A3-mATX showcasing the component layout and potential cable routing challenges.
Performance and Cooling
The A3-mATX’s cooling performance is impressive. With an optimized fan configuration, the case maintained reasonable temperatures even under stress tests. Surprisingly, the tempered glass side panel had minimal impact on thermals, offering a good balance between aesthetics and performance. The mesh side panel, while promoting slightly better cooling, introduces more fan noise.
CPU performance in the Lian Li A3-mATXCPU temperature performance during stress testing.
Performance for the GPU inside the Lian Li A3-mATX.GPU temperature performance during stress testing.
Conclusion
The Lian Li A3-mATX excels in offering broad compatibility in a compact footprint. Its build quality, modularity, and cooling performance are commendable. While cable management requires careful planning, the end result is a powerful and space-saving PC. The A3-mATX is a compelling choice for experienced builders seeking a compact yet versatile mATX case.
