Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh Mid-Tower vs Lian Li LANCOOL II Mesh C (2026): Key Differences
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You are comparing the lian li mesh airflow atx PC case vs lancool ii mesh c. Both are mid-tower chassis with tempered glass side panels and pre-installed PWM fans. They share a focus on airflow and cable management. The main difference is motherboard support. One supports ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini-ITX. The other supports E-ATX. This affects which motherboards fit inside.
Key differences
| Aspect | Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh Mid-Tower Case | Lian Li LANCOOL II Mesh C Mid-Tower Case |
|---|---|---|
| Motherboard Support | ATX, Micro ATX, Mini-ITX | E-ATX |
| Tower Size | Mid-Tower | Mid-Tower |
| Side Panel | Tempered Glass | 4mm Tempered Glass |
| Included Fans | 2x 140mm, 1x 120mm | 2x 140mm, 1x 120mm |
| Weight | 15.5 pounds | 26.5 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh Mid-Tower Case if
- You need support for standard ATX, Micro ATX, or Mini-ITX motherboards.
- You prefer a lighter case that is easier to move.
Choose Lian Li LANCOOL II Mesh C Mid-Tower Case if
- You plan to use an E-ATX motherboard.
- You want robust steel craftsmanship and a heavier, more durable build.
Verdict: Choose the Lancool 205 Mesh if you stick to standard ATX or smaller form factors and want a lighter chassis. Pick the LANCOOL II Mesh C if you require E-ATX support and prefer a sturdier steel build. Both offer similar fan configurations and tempered glass visibility.
Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh vs LANCOOL II Mesh C
Motherboard support
The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh supports ATX, Micro ATx, and Mini-ITX motherboards. This covers the most common form factors for mid-tower builds. The Lian Li LANCOOL II Mesh C goes further by supporting E-ATX motherboards. This extra compatibility is useful if you plan to use larger, enthusiast-grade boards with more expansion slots. If you need space for a wide motherboard, the LANCOOL II Mesh C is the better choice. Otherwise, both cases handle standard ATX boards without issue. The additional support in the LANCOOL II Mesh C gives it a clear advantage for builders who want maximum flexibility.
Included fans
Both cases come with pre-installed PWM fans to help with airflow right out of the box. The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh includes three fans: two 140mm units at the front and one 120mm unit at the rear. The Lian Li LANCOOL II Mesh C also includes three fans: two 140mm fans at the front and one 120mm fan at the rear. The configuration is identical in terms of size and quantity. Both setups provide strong front intake and rear exhaust capabilities. Since the fan count and sizes are the same, neither case has an edge in this category. You get the same basic cooling foundation from both options.
Lighting features
The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh includes ARGB fans that support seven color and seven lighting modes. You can control these modes using a C/M button on the top of the case. The case also syncs to the motherboard in the eighth mode. The Lian Li LANCOOL II Mesh C includes RGB lighting to enhance visual appeal, but the data does not specify the exact control methods or sync capabilities for the lighting. The Lancool 205 Mesh provides more detailed control options for your lighting setup. If you want specific manual control over colors and modes, the Lancool 205 Mesh is the stronger option.
Weight and build
The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh weighs 15.5 pounds. The Lian Li LANCOOL II Mesh C weighs 26.5 pounds. The LANCOOL II Mesh C is significantly heavier, which often indicates a thicker or more robust steel construction. The features for the LANCOOL II Mesh C mention exquisite steel craftsmanship and robust durability. This extra weight suggests a sturdier chassis that may resist flex better. The Lancool 205 Mesh is lighter and may be easier to move during installation. For pure durability and rigidity, the heavier LANCOOL II Mesh C has the advantage.
Storage capacity
The Lian Li LANCOOL II Mesh C is designed for extensive storage needs. It features a modular drive cage and side-mounted SSD bays that can accommodate up to nine drives. The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh includes removable SSD mounting brackets and a bottom side panel HDD bay. The data for the Lancool 205 Mesh does not specify a total drive capacity limit. The LANCOOL II Mesh C explicitly supports more drives with its modular cage and side mounts. If you need to install many storage devices, the LANCOOL II Mesh C offers a higher confirmed capacity. The Lancool 205 Mesh storage details are less specific.
Which Lian Li Mesh Case Fits You
User with large E-ATX motherboard
The LANCOOL II Mesh C supports E-ATX motherboards. This extra space accommodates larger boards with expanded VRM heatsinks. You get robust steel construction and four fan bracket options. The side-mounted SSD bays and modular drive cage help manage storage for high-end builds.
User with standard ATX or smaller board
The Lancool 205 Mesh supports ATX, Micro ATx, and Mini-ITX. It includes three ARGB PWM fans with dedicated C/M button control. The magnetic dust filters and tempered glass side panel offer clean aesthetics. Removable SSD brackets and swappable top fan brackets simplify installation.
User wanting lighter weight for transport
The Lancool 205 Mesh weighs 15.5 pounds. This is significantly lighter than the LANCOOL II Mesh C, which weighs 26.5 pounds. If you move your PC often, the lighter chassis reduces strain. It still provides ATX support and ARGB lighting control via the top button.
User prioritizing drive capacity
The LANCOOL II Mesh C supports up to nine drives. It uses a modular drive cage and side-mounted SSD bays. This configuration offers more storage flexibility than the Lancool 205 Mesh. You gain additional exhaust vent holes and optimized airflow for thermal performance in dense builds.
The products compared
Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh Mid-Tower Case
Best for: ATX builders seeking included ARGB fans
- Motherboard Support
- ATX, Micro ATX, Mini-ITX
- Case Type
- Mid-Tower
- Side Panel
- Tempered Glass
- Use
- Gaming
- Lighting
- ARGB
- Dimensions
- 29.2 × 29.2 × 11.6 inches
View on Amazon: Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh Mid-Tower Case Affiliate link
This mid-tower chassis supports standard ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards behind a tempered glass side panel. It features a mesh front panel, magnetic dust filters on the top and bottom, and three pre-installed ARGB PWM fans. You get top I/O ports with two USB 3.0 connections and integrated lighting controls for standard ATX gaming builds.
Pros
- Includes three pre-installed ARGB PWM fans (two 140mm front, one 120mm rear)
- Mesh front panel paired with top and bottom magnetic dust filters
- Swappable top fan brackets and removable SSD mounting brackets
Cons
- Motherboard support tops out at standard ATX with no E-ATX compatibility
- Top I/O panel lacks a USB Type-C port
Good fit if
- You build with a standard ATX, Micro ATX, or Mini-ITX motherboard.
- You want pre-installed PWM ARGB fans with integrated top-panel button control.
- You require removable brackets for top fans and storage drives.
Skip if
- You plan to install an oversized E-ATX motherboard.
- You need a front-panel USB Type-C port for external devices.
Verdict: Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh Mid-Tower Case suits standard ATX builders who prioritize out-of-the-box airflow with three included ARGB PWM fans over E-ATX motherboard support.
Lian Li LANCOOL II Mesh C Mid-Tower Case
Best for: E-ATX builds with high storage needs
- Motherboard Support
- E-ATX
- Case Type
- Mid Tower
- Side Panel
- 4mm Tempered Glass
- Included Fans
- 2x 140mm PWM, 1x 120mm PWM
- Dimensions
- 22 × 22 × 12 inches
- Weight
- 26.5 pounds
View on Amazon: Lian Li LANCOOL II Mesh C Mid-Tower Case Affiliate link
The Lian Li LANCOOL II MESH C is a mid-tower case supporting E-ATX motherboards. It includes three pre-installed fans: two 140mm PWM units in the front and one 120mm PWM at the rear. A 4mm tempered glass side panel provides a clear view of your components. The design features flip panels for easy access and a modular drive cage that holds up to nine drives. This case suits builders who need robust airflow and ample storage options.
Pros
- Supports E-ATX motherboards
- Pre-installed 2x 140mm and 1x 120mm PWM fans
- 4mm tempered glass side panel
- Accommodates up to 9 drives
Cons
- Heavier build at 26.5 pounds
- Limited to black and white color options
- No mention of included RGB controller
Good fit if
- You need support for large E-ATX motherboards
- You want pre-installed front fans for airflow
- You require extensive drive capacity
Skip if
- You prefer a compact Mini-ITX form factor
- You need pre-installed RGB lighting control
- You want a lightweight case under 20 pounds
Verdict: Lian Li LANCOOL II MESH C Mid-Tower is a solid choice for builders prioritizing airflow and storage. It fits those who need E-ATX support and a clear view of their hardware.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh Mid-Tower Case | Lian Li LANCOOL II Mesh C Mid-Tower Case |
|---|---|---|
| Motherboard Support | ATX, Micro ATX, Mini-ITX | E-ATX |
| Case Type | Mid-Tower | Mid Tower |
| Side Panel | Tempered Glass | 4mm Tempered Glass |
| Included Fans | not stated | 2x 140mm PWM, 1x 120mm PWM |
| Tower Size | Mid-Tower | Mid-Tower |
| Fan Size | not stated | 140mm |
| Use | Gaming | not stated |
| Lighting | ARGB | not stated |
| Dimensions | 29.2 × 29.2 × 11.6 inches | 22 × 22 × 12 inches |
| Weight | 15.5 pounds | 26.5 pounds |
| Size | Mid-tower Case | not stated |
| Color | LANCOOL 205 MESH RGB - ATX - Black | Black |
| Model | G99OE764X00 | LAN2MPX.50 |
Frequently asked questions
Which case has better airflow for gaming?
Both cases prioritize airflow, but the LANCOOL II Mesh C is built for heavier loads. It supports 140mm fans, which move more air than the 120mm fans in the Lancool 205 Mesh. This makes the LANCOOL II Mesh C better for high-end components that generate significant heat during intense gaming sessions.
Can I use an E-ATX motherboard in the Lancool 205 Mesh?
No, the Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh only supports ATX motherboards. It does not accommodate the larger E-ATX form factor. If you plan to use an E-ATX board, you must choose the LANCOOL II Mesh C instead, as it is designed to fit those larger motherboards securely.
Does the Lancool 205 Mesh come with RGB fans?
Yes, the Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh includes ARGB lighting. This feature allows you to customize the colors of your build without buying additional fans. It is ideal for users who want visible lighting effects as a primary part of their build aesthetic.
Which case is lighter to move around?
The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh is significantly lighter. It weighs 15.5 pounds, while the LANCOOL II Mesh C weighs 26.5 pounds. The difference is over 11 pounds. You will find the Lancool 205 Mesh easier to lift and reposition if you need to move your PC often.
Do both cases have tempered glass side panels?
Yes, both chassis feature tempered glass side panels. This design choice allows you to see the internal components of your build clearly. You can showcase your hardware and lighting setup through the transparent panel on either case without removing the side cover.
Which case is better for high storage needs?
The LANCOOL II Mesh C is better for storage. It is rated as best for E-ATX builds with high storage needs. It includes side-mounted SSD bays that help you install multiple drives without cluttering the main cable management area. The Lancool 205 Mesh focuses more on lighting and standard ATX builds.