Lian Li O11 Vision Review: A Fresh Perspective on Tempered Glass Cases
Lian Li, once known as a high-end aluminum PC case manufacturer, has significantly expanded its influence in the component industry over the last decade. With popular products like the O11 case range, Strimer RGB PSU cables, the Galahad II Trinity cooler, and innovative case fans with LCD screens, Lian Li continues to impress. The O11 Vision, their latest PC case offering, is a testament to this innovation, featuring an almost entirely tempered glass design. Priced at $140, the O11 Vision raises the question: is Lian Li revolutionizing design, or merely iterating on a familiar concept?
The O11 Vision: A Unique Collaboration with PCMR
Lian Li's O11 Vision is a departure from the usual O11 series, created in collaboration with the PC Master Race (PCMR) community. This partnership aimed to create a case with maximum visibility from multiple angles. The Vision's design allows for almost complete disassembly, simplifying the building process significantly.
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Removable Motherboard Tray and Flexible Cooling Options
A standout feature of the O11 Vision is its removable motherboard tray, a rarity in modern cases. This tray can be positioned either low or high within the case, enhancing cooling flexibility. In low mode, the case supports up to 2x 120mm fans or a 240mm radiator at the rear. In high mode, it accommodates up to 3x 140mm fans or a 420mm radiator, an unusual feature for mid-tower cases.
Innovative PCIe Bracket Design
Lian Li's flair for unusual PCIe brackets is evident in the O11 Vision. Although it lacks the external GPU fan mount of the Lancool 216, the Vision introduces Micro ATX mode, allowing for optimal GPU placement thanks to its 6+1 expansion slot layout.
Case Aesthetics and Build Quality
The O11 Vision's design might feel somewhat unexciting, especially in the black version we tested, which has a notably dark tint. This, combined with the extensive use of thumbscrews and externally visible screws, gives the case a distinct but somewhat bleak appearance. The front IO is positioned at the bottom, featuring two USB Type-A ports, a Type-C port, and an audio jack, with the power button on the brushed aluminum column.
Internal Layout and Storage Capacity
The O11 Vision measures 19 x 12 x 18.2 inches (HWD). Its dual-chamber design offers ample space for cable management and storage. It can accommodate three 2.5-inch SSDs behind the motherboard tray and two 3.5- or 2.5-inch drives in the hard drive cage.
Ease of Assembly and Test Build Experience
The case's design allows for near-complete disassembly, making the building process exceptionally straightforward. Our test build was completed in under half an hour, a notably quick assembly time.
Testing Hardware Specifications
Our test setup included Intel’s 12th Gen Alder Lake Core i7-12700KF, cooled by a Noctua U12s air cooler. The graphics card was a Gigabyte RTX 3070 Ti Gaming OC, and the motherboard was the MSI Pro Z690-A WIFI.
Acoustic Performance Testing
Our acoustic tests involved three scenarios: CPU full load, CPU and GPU full load, and optimized mode. The CPU full load test ran the CPU and case fans at maximum speed. For the CPU and GPU full load test, the Gigabyte RTX 3070 Ti Gaming OC's fans were set to 75% speed, as 100% fan speed is excessively loud and uncommon in gaming scenarios. In optimized mode, the GPU fan ran at 30% speed, with CPU and case fans at their lowest operational speeds.
Conclusion: Lian Li O11 Vision's Place in the PC Case Market
The Lian Li O11 Vision stands out with its tempered glass design and innovative features like the removable motherboard tray and flexible cooling options. While its aesthetic may not appeal to all, its practical design elements and ease of assembly make it a strong contender in the mid-tower case market. The O11 Vision represents Lian Li's continued commitment to innovation, even if it treads familiar ground in some aspects. At a $140 price point, it offers a unique blend of visibility, functionality, and customization potential for PC builders and enthusiasts.
