LIAN LI LANCOOL 216 E-ATX Mid Tower PC Case - High Airflow RGB Gaming Computer Case with Mesh Panels, 2x160mm & 1x140mm PWM Fans, PCIe Fan Bracket - Perfect for Gaming Rigs & Streaming PCs (Black)

In order to cool down my latest PC I needed to invest in a future proof airflow case. When I previously upgraded I had moved from an older Corair 3000 non RGB into a Cooler Master MasterBox MB520 RGB. The Corsair was too large for my needs and the Cooler Master was a good deal. As well I found it fairly easy to work on and had descent reviews. However, it was just too crowded due to its small form factor. No matter what fans or software curve I threw at it, it just couldn't keep up with the heat disipation of the new generation hardware I installed. The GPU generated the most heat somewhere between 75C and 80C. The CoolerMaster L240 liquid cooler kept the CPU between 70C and 80C during long game sessions but that was still way too hot for my liking. I reused this cooler from my previous upgrade with the intention of buying a 360 AIO cooler, but that would mean I needed a new case.So, the problem with the MasterBox was airflow. It was impeded by the front shroud that had side filtered ports and not direct airflow from the front. Combine that with the added L240 liquid cooler to the front and the airflow dropped considerably across the Mobo. It didn't have the room to move the cooler to the top of the chassis. Not to mention the glass side panel would almost get too hot to touch around the GPU. I knew I had to upgrade the case and spent weeks reading and watching reviews online. The choices were endless but there are a few good unbiased reviews if you do enough research. Watch out for the sponsored crowd.There were 3 cases I had settled on during my research. The Fractal Design Torrent RGB, the Corsair 4000D and the Lian Li Lancool 216 RGB. The Corsair had the most user reviews as it's a really great case but I had already gone down the Corsair path and wanted a change. I had my heart set on the Torrent but it was over my price range and not available in Canada at the time. So, the Lancool 216 fit the bill perfectly since it was also on sale. Bonus! Now, I know some of you will bauk at the 160mm front fans specific to Lian Li, but under the front shroud is an adjustable bracket that accepts 140mm & 120mm fans for those of you already invested in RGB. Also, the front panel power and usb module can be moved from the top to the side of the chassis easily. This was a bonus for me as the chassis sits on my desk and I don't have to stretch to find the power button on the top of the chassis anymore. Unfortuneately the power and reset are not illuminated, a small sacrifice IMO and not a deal breaker.The next thing was the ability to install a 360 AIO liquid cooler at the top which in theory would not impede the airflow front to back. However, you can add an AIO to the front if you have need for it, just be mindful of your cross wind airflow. The velcro cable tie downs were well positioned and the built in ARGB fan hub was another welcomed bonus. Adding two additional 120mm fans that blow upward from the lower secton of the case allowed me to push more air toward the GPU from the bottom. However, one fan is restricted a bit from the PSU also at the bottom. None the less it gave me the lighting look that I wanted. Also to add, I removed the 3.5" hard drive bay for the additional cable management space and to not impede the airflow to the lower fans. All in all this has been the best case I have ever purchased or worked on in 32 years of building PCs.To add, I did upgrade to a Corsair H150i Capellix XT 360 AIO cooler which btw was a breeze to install on the removable top plate of the Lancool 216 case, another added bonus. Lian Li did a great job with this case and I'm very impressed with it's performance so far. My CPU and GPU are now running well below previous temps which will help me stretch the life of these components. Idle temps are somwhere between 32C and 37C for the CPU and GPU while writing this story. I really hope this helps anyone in their decision if looking to buy an airflow case. I think you will like the Lian Li Lancool 216 RGB, I just wish the 140mm rear exhaust fan was an ARGB and not just a standard fan. I guess that's my only beef with the manufacturer, but I have a new Corsair 140mm ARGB on its way and with the included Corsair commander that came with the 360 AIO cooler I have spares for power and lighting.All the best and good luck with your next build. Peace out!