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Lian Li LANCOOL 217 vs NZXT H6 Flow

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 NZXT H6 Flow at 7.2/10.

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

The NZXT H6 Flow leads on build and ease of building.

They score the same on airflow and cooling and noise.

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

NZXT H6 Flow

NZXT H6 Flow

7.2/10verdict: good, not the best

The NZXT H6 Flow is for builders who want a mid-tower with strong cooling and an easy build. It suits gaming and general desktop systems with a graphics card, an air cooler or a top-mounted radiator, and only a few drives. It is less suited to storage-heavy builds or anyone who wants a quiet system at full fan speed.

Typically about £84.98 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

CriterionWeightLian Li LANCOOL 217NZXT H6 Flow
Airflow and cooling30%8/108/10
Build and ease of building20%7/108/10
Space and compatibility20%8/107/10
Noise15%5/105/10
Value15%8/107/10
Overall7.4/107.2/10

Specifications

SpecLian Li LANCOOL 217NZXT H6 Flow
Case type (mid tower, Micro-ATX, small form factor…)Mid-towerMid-tower, dual-chamber
Motherboard sizes supported (E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX)E-ATX, EEB (back-connect compatible)ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
Maximum graphics card length (mm)380 mm (max)Up to 365 mm (14.4 in)
Maximum CPU cooler height (mm)180 mm (max)Up to 163 mm (6.4 in)
Power supply type supported (ATX or SFX) and maximum PSU length (mm)ATX; max length 220 mm in standard mode, 180 mm when rotatedATX power supply type, up to 200 mm PSU clearance
Radiator support (e.g. 360mm top, 280mm front)Top: 360 / 280 / 240 mmTop up to 360 mm; rear up to 120 mm; top radiators up to 30 mm thick
Fans included and fan mounts5 pre-installed, including two 170 mm front fansThree pre-installed F120Q 120 mm fans in the front-right position, 1,200 ± 240 RPM, 62.18 CFM, 25.1 dBA; top takes three 120 mm or two 140 mm; rear 120 mm included; bottom takes two 140 mm intake

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 ›

NZXT H6 Flow

  • + Four fans included, with room for a 360 mm top radiator
  • + Owners praise thermal performance and easy cable management
  • + Fits GPUs up to 365 mm and coolers up to 163 mm
  • − Owners report limited drive storage support
  • − Owners report fan noise at high speed
  • − GPU temperatures rise when lower fan mounts are filled

Skip it if:

  • Builders who need space for several storage drives
  • Buyers who want a quiet system with the fans at full speed
  • Anyone who wants a fan or RGB controller included in the box
Read the full NZXT H6 Flow review ›

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