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Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid) vs Lian Li LANCOOL 217

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against PC cases at a similar price

The Lian Li LANCOOL 217 scores 7.4/10 overall, ahead of the Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid) at 7.2/10.

The Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid) leads on build and ease of building and noise.

The Lian Li LANCOOL 217 leads on space and compatibility and value.

They score the same on airflow and cooling.

Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid)

Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid)

7.2/10verdict: good, not the best

The Meshify 3 Black Solid is for builders who want a mesh-fronted ATX mid-tower with strong airflow and a plain steel-sided look. It suits air-cooled and radiator-cooled builds where cooling matters more than a glass window. It's best for people whose graphics card fits within 349 mm.

Typically about £124.90 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Lian Li LANCOOL 217

Lian Li LANCOOL 217

7.4/10verdict: good, not the best

The Lian Li LANCOOL 217 is for builders who want a mesh-front mid-tower with plenty of fans already fitted. It suits people fitting a long graphics card, a large air cooler or a 360 mm radiator in the top. It also suits anyone planning a vertical GPU mount, since Lian Li lists the case as supported by its VG4 kit.

Typically about £109.99 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightFractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid)Lian Li LANCOOL 217
Airflow and cooling30%8/108/10
Build and ease of building20%8/107/10
Space and compatibility20%6/108/10
Noise15%6/105/10
Value15%7/108/10
Overall7.2/107.4/10

Specifications

SpecFractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid)Lian Li LANCOOL 217
Case type (mid tower, Micro-ATX, small form factor…)ATX mid-towerMid-tower
Motherboard sizes supported (E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX)E-ATX, ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITXE-ATX, EEB (back-connect compatible)
Maximum graphics card length (mm)349 mm380 mm (max)
Maximum CPU cooler height (mm)173 mm180 mm (max)
Power supply type supported (ATX or SFX) and maximum PSU length (mm)ATX only, maximum PSU length 180 mmATX; max length 220 mm in standard mode, 180 mm when rotated
Radiator support (e.g. 360mm top, 280mm front)Front 280/360 mm; top 240/280 mm; rear 120 mmTop: 360 / 280 / 240 mm
Fans included and fan mountsThree Momentum 14 included at front; front 3x 120/140 mm, top 2x 120/140 mm, rear 1x 120 mm5 pre-installed, including two 170 mm front fans

Strengths and weaknesses

Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid)

  • + Mesh front with GPU air guide and three fans fitted
  • + Tool-less panels and captive thumbscrews ease building
  • + Front, top and rear radiator mounts with brackets included
  • − 349 mm GPU length limit draws owner complaints
  • − Front radiator makes power cable routing harder
  • − PSU bay is ATX only, maximum 180 mm long

Skip it if:

  • Buyers with a graphics card longer than 349 mm
  • Anyone who wants a glass side panel to show off parts
  • Builders using a non-ATX power supply or one longer than 180 mm
Read the full Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid) review ›

Lian Li LANCOOL 217

  • + Five fans pre-installed, including two 170 mm front fans
  • + 380 mm GPU room with anti-sag bracket included
  • + Takes E-ATX and EEB boards plus 360 mm top radiator
  • − PSU length limit drops to 180 mm when rotated
  • − CPU cooler height is capped at 180 mm

Skip it if:

  • Buyers with a CPU cooler taller than 180 mm
  • Buyers with a power supply longer than 220 mm
  • Anyone who wants a solid-panel case chosen for quiet running
Read the full Lian Li LANCOOL 217 review ›

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