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Lian Li LANCOOL 217 vs MSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOW

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 MSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOW at 7.1/10.

The Lian Li LANCOOL 217 leads on build and ease of building and space and compatibility.

The MSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOW leads on value.

They score the same on airflow and cooling and noise.

Lian Li LANCOOL 217

Lian Li LANCOOL 217

7.4/10verdict: buy

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 itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

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

MSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOW

MSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOW

7.1/10verdict: buy

The MSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOW is for builders who want a mesh-fronted ATX mid tower with plenty of fans already fitted. It suits gaming and general-purpose desktops where cooling matters more than silence. It also fits anyone who wants a glass side panel without buying extra fans.

Typically about £54.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at 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

CriterionWeightLian Li LANCOOL 217MSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOW
Airflow and cooling30%8/108/10
Build and ease of building20%7/106/10
Space and compatibility20%8/107/10
Noise15%5/105/10
Value15%8/109/10
Overall7.4/107.1/10

Specifications

SpecLian Li LANCOOL 217MSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOW
Case typeMid-towerMid Tower
Board sizesE-ATX, EEB (back-connect compatible)ATX / Micro-ATX / Mini-ITX
Max GPU length380 mm (max)330 mm (12.99 in)
Max cooler height180 mm (max)160 mm (6.29 in), listed by MSI as maximum CPU cooler length; not verified as a height measurement
PSU supportATX; max length 220 mm in standard mode, 180 mm when rotatedATX, maximum PSU length 200 mm (7.87 in) without 2.5"/3.5" HDD tray installation
RadiatorsTop: 360 / 280 / 240 mmFront 120/140/240 mm; Top 120/240 mm; Rear 120 mm
Fans5 pre-installed, including two 170 mm front fansSix auto-RGB 120 mm fans pre-installed (front 3, top 2, rear 1). Support: front 3x120 or 2x140, top 2x120 or 2x140, rear 1x120, plus 2x120 on PSU shroud
Drive baysnot listed3 x 2.5 inch and 2 x 2.5/3.5 inch

Strengths and weaknesses

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 ›

MSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOW

  • + Six 120 mm fans included
  • + Mesh front panel with praised airflow
  • + Radiator support at front, top and rear
  • − Owners complain about fan RGB control
  • − PSU length limit of 200 mm is tied to HDD tray
  • − Front I/O is two USB-A ports only

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want a quiet case with a solid front panel
  • Builders planning a 280 mm or 360 mm radiator
  • Anyone who needs many 3.5 inch bays or lots of front USB ports
Read the full MSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOW review ›

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