[Hardware] Lian Li PC-O11 Air Mini Review: An Easy, Sophisticated Alternative

[Mr.BaZzAr]

 

OUR VERDICT
Lian Li’s PC-O11D Mini is now available in an ‘Air’ variant with an additional intake and included fans. In case the score didn’t give it away, we quite like it.

FOR
+ Includes 3 PWM Fans
+ More cooling options
+ Supports ATX PSU
+ Compact-ish, for an ATX case
+ Affordable at $110
AGAINST
- Ditches aluminum panels for steel
- No longer as ITX-focused
- Ugly bottom air filter implementation remains
Back in 2018 Lian Li introduced its PC-O11 Dynamic chassis, designed in collaboration with Der8auer, and it quickly went on to become a classic that still sells well. Then, just under a year ago the company dropped the O11D Mini, shrinking the chassis into a more cheerful format. It still fit ATX boards, but could be modified to be a cooling-focused ITX board too, or anything in between. 

Now, Lian Li is introducing the O11 Air Mini – a variant of the chassis that has an extra front intake and includes fans – at the same $110 price point. Well, the O11D Mini was priced at $99, but the tariffs have pulled that price up, too.  

So, let's dig in and find out what the differences are, whether the O11D Air Mini is an improvement, which you should get if you’re considering the variants, and whether the Air Mini is worthy of a spot on our Best PC Cases list. 

Specifications 
Type    Mid-Tower ATX
Motherboard Support    Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX
Dimensions (HxWxD)    15.1 x 11.3 x 15.7 inches (384 x 288 x 400 mm)
Max GPU Length    14.6 inches (362 mm)
CPU Cooler Height    6.6 inches (167 mm)
Max PSU Length    7.9 inches (200 mm)
External Bays    ✗ 
Internal Bays    4x 3.5-inch, 2x 2.5-inch
Expansion Slots    7x or 5x
Front I/O    2x USB 3.0, USB-C, 3.5 mm Audio/Mic Combo
Other    1x Tempered Glass Panel
Front Fans    2x 140 mm (Up to 2x 140mm)
Rear Fans    1x 120mm (Up to 1x 120mm)
Top Fans    None (Up to 2x 140mm)
Bottom Fans    None (Up to 2x 140mm)
Side Fans    None (Up to 2x 120mm)
RGB    No
Damping    No
Features
Image 1 of 4
Lian Li O11 Mini Air

(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom's Hardware)
Lian Li O11 Mini Air

(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom's Hardware)
Lian Li O11 Mini Air

(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom's Hardware)
Lian Li O11 Mini Air

(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom's Hardware)
Looking around the outside of the O11 Air Mini , the first thing that stands out about the chassis are its tidy looks. Whereas the original O11D Mini had a glass side and front panel, the steel mesh panel at the front of the O11 Air Mini looks cleaner, almost like the case grew up and pulled on a suit – it’s a much more business-like appearance, offering a more sophisticated look as opposed to the O11D Mini’s playfulness.

Lian Li O11 Mini Air

(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom's Hardware)
The glass side panel remains, as does the aluminum strip at the front, but the top and right-side panels are no longer made of aluminum. This isn’t a real issue, but I did like the aluminum panel on the O11D Mini, as it was a big upgrade over the original O11D’s steel panels, especially considering the case’s low price point. That said, this case keeps the same price, does replace the top IO shield strip with aluminum instead of the scratchy acrylic strip on the previous case, and this case comes with three fans – so it’s understandable that a compromise had to be made somewhere. Also, the perforated steel mesh contrasts quite nicely next to the aluminum – I quite like the look.

Lian Li O11 Mini Air

(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom's Hardware)
Top IO comprises two USB 3.0 ports, a USB Type-C port and a headphone/mic combo jack. A power button is also present, with blue illumination around it. 

To remove the top and right-side panel, one simply undoes the thumbscrews at the back of the case and they slide right off. The glass side and front mesh panels then come off by simply lifting them out of place, exposing the case’s interior.

Lian Li O11 Mini Air

(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom's Hardware)
The case only has one filter, at the bottom, and it keeps the same, not-so-pretty plastic handle as the O11D Mini. This is visible on the side, and although practical, a little unsightly.

Other than that, you will rely on the mesh of the top, front and side panels for filtration, though I expect these will do a good enough job as the mesh there is quite fine.

Internal Layout
Lian Li O11 Mini Air

(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom's Hardware)
Once inside, you’ll spot room for up to an ATX motherboard in the main compartment, along with room for radiators and fans along the top, front, bottom and side. Two 140mm PWM fans come installed at the front intake, while the rear exhaust carries a single 120mm PWM spinner. 

In this main compartment, CPU coolers can be up to 6.6 inches (167mm) tall and GPUs up to 14.3 inches (362mm) long. 

There is tons of radiator space here, too: At the top, bottom, and front of the case, you can mount up to 280mm radiators, and the side intake/exhaust spot will happily accommodate a 240mm radiator.

Advertisement