Lian Li PC-O11 Air Mini: A Detailed Review and Comparison

Specifications Overview

The PC-O11 Air Mini is a Mid-Tower ATX case compatible with Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, and ATX motherboards. Measuring 15.1 x 11.3 x 15.7 inches, it supports a maximum GPU length of 14.6 inches and CPU cooler height of 6.6 inches. Notably, it has no external bays but offers 4x 3.5-inch and 2x 2.5-inch internal bays, along with 7 or 5 expansion slots. The front I/O includes 2x USB 3.0 ports, USB-C, and a 3.5 mm Audio/Mic Combo, and it's equipped with 1x Tempered Glass Panel and a variety of fan configurations.

Reasons to Buy and Avoid

Pros

• Enhanced Cooling: The O11 Air Mini is equipped with 3 PWM fans, improving its cooling capabilities.
• ATX Support: It supports ATX boards and power supplies, offering flexibility for different builds.
• Affordability: Priced at $110, it provides a good balance of features and price.

Cons

• Material Change: The Air Mini has switched from aluminum panels to steel, which might not be to everyone's taste.
• ITX Focus Lost: The new design is less ITX-focused compared to its predecessor.
• Air Filter Design: The bottom air filter implementation remains unattractive and could be improved.

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Exterior Features

The O11 Air Mini's exterior boasts a more mature, business-like appearance with its steel mesh panel front and glass side panel. The top and right-side panels are no longer aluminum, a compromise likely made to maintain the price point. The top IO is upgraded with aluminum and includes two USB 3.0 ports, a USB Type-C port, and a headphone/mic combo jack. To access the interior, the top and right-side panels can be easily removed with thumbscrews, and the glass and front mesh panels lift off.

Interior and Layout

Inside, the O11 Air Mini can accommodate up to an ATX motherboard with ample space for radiators and fans. It comes pre-installed with two 140mm PWM fans at the front and a single 120mm PWM fan at the rear. The case supports a variety of radiator sizes and configurations. One downside is the unattractive, yet practical, single filter at the bottom of the case.

Adjustable Rear IO

Initially configured as an ATX case, the O11 Air Mini's rear IO can be adjusted, similar to the O11D Mini. However, it doesn't support a pure ITX layout, stopping at a Micro-ATX configuration with five expansion slots. This change still allows for sufficient radiator space while being more user-friendly for various motherboard sizes.

Comparison with O11D Mini

The O11D Mini and the O11 Air Mini differ significantly in several areas:

• Front Panel: The Air Mini replaces the glass front panel of the O11D Mini with a mesh one and includes three fans.
• Rear IO Modularity: The Air Mini has less modularity in the motherboard's rear IO and slightly less width in the main compartment.
• Dimensions: The Air Mini is wider to accommodate ATX PSUs, an upgrade over the SFF-L layout in the O11D Mini, but is also slightly taller and shallower.

Conclusion

The Lian Li PC-O11 Air Mini represents a departure from the O11D Mini, offering a more straightforward and approachable design for first-time builders. While it may not be the modular paradise its predecessor was, the O11 Air Mini serves as a tidy, efficient ATX case with an unusual layout. Its improved cooling, ATX support, and affordability make it a compelling option, despite some drawbacks in material choice and design elements. Whether it's worthy of a spot on the Best PC Cases list depends on individual preferences and requirements, but it's certainly a strong contender.