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Fractal Design Pop Air 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 Pop Air at 6.5/10.

The Lian Li LANCOOL 217 leads on airflow and cooling and value.

They score the same on build and ease of building, space and compatibility and noise.

Fractal Design Pop Air

Fractal Design Pop Air

6.5/10verdict: good, not the best

The Pop Air is for builders who want a mesh-fronted ATX mid-tower with room for large graphics cards and radiators. It suits people who plan to add or swap fans for better cooling. It is less suited to anyone who wants a quiet case or relies on the stock fans.

Typically about £80 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 Pop AirLian Li LANCOOL 217
Airflow and cooling30%6/108/10
Build and ease of building20%7/107/10
Space and compatibility20%8/108/10
Noise15%5/105/10
Value15%6/108/10
Overall6.5/107.4/10

Specifications

SpecFractal Design Pop AirLian Li LANCOOL 217
Case type (mid tower, Micro-ATX, small form factor…)Mid-tower ATXMid-tower
Motherboard sizes supported (E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX)ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITXE-ATX, EEB (back-connect compatible)
Maximum graphics card length (mm)405 mm380 mm (max)
Maximum CPU cooler height (mm)170 mm180 mm (max)
Power supply type supported (ATX or SFX) and maximum PSU length (mm)ATX only; PSU max length 170 mmATX; max length 220 mm in standard mode, 180 mm when rotated
Radiator support (e.g. 360mm top, 280mm front)Top 120, 240 mm; front 120, 240, 280 mm; rear 120 mmTop: 360 / 280 / 240 mm
Fans included and fan mountsFront 2x 120/140 mm; top 2x 120/140 mm; rear 1x 120 mm; included 2x Aspect 12 (front), 1x Aspect 12 (rear)5 pre-installed, including two 170 mm front fans
Drive bays (3.5 and 2.5 inch)2x dedicated 2.5" mounts; 3x combined 3.5"/2.5" mounts; 2x 5.25" mountsnot listed

Strengths and weaknesses

Fractal Design Pop Air

  • + Honeycomb mesh front with dust filter
  • + Fits 405 mm GPUs and 280 mm front radiator
  • + Cable ties and pass-through holes ready to use
  • − Included fans criticised for weak airflow
  • − Only 19 mm of cable routing space
  • − RGB fans measured at 39 dBA at 85% power

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want a quiet build without changing the stock fans
  • Anyone who needs a PSU longer than 170 mm
  • Builders who want lots of cable routing space behind the tray
Read the full Fractal Design Pop Air 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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