Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh Mid-Tower vs Lian Li LANCOOL III E-ATX Mid-Tower: Spec Comparison
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You are comparing the lian li mesh airflow atx PC case vs lancool iii e atx PC case to decide which mid-tower chassis fits your build. Both models feature tempered glass side panels and focus on gaming performance with integrated RGB lighting. The main difference lies in motherboard compatibility and airflow design. The Lancool 205 Mesh supports standard ATX boards, while the LANCOOL III expands support to E-ATX. You also get different fan configurations and physical dimensions to consider.
Key differences
| Aspect | Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh Mid-Tower Case | Lian Li LANCOOL III E-ATX Mid-Tower Case |
|---|---|---|
| Motherboard Support | ATX, Micro ATX, Mini-ITX | E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX |
| Included Fans | 3 ARGB PWM Fans | 4 x 140mm PWM |
| Weight | 15.5 pounds | 31.1 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh Mid-Tower Case if
- You need a lighter case that is easier to handle during installation.
- You are building with a standard ATX motherboard and want pre-installed ARGB fans.
Choose Lian Li LANCOOL III E-ATX Mid-Tower Case if
- You require support for larger E-ATX motherboards.
- You prefer a heavier, more solid steel frame with hinged tempered glass doors for easier access.
Verdict: The Lancool 205 Mesh is the practical choice for standard ATX builders who value a lighter chassis and included ARGB lighting. The LANCOOL III is better suited for those needing E-ATX compatibility and a more robust, spacious build environment. Your decision depends on whether motherboard size or chassis weight is your primary constraint.
Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh vs LANCOOL III
Motherboard support
The Lian Li LANCOOL III supports E-ATX motherboards with a width under 280mm, along with standard ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX formats. This makes it suitable for larger enthusiast boards. The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh supports ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards. It does not list E-ATX compatibility. If you plan to use a full-size E-ATX board, the LANCOOL III is the only option that accommodates it. Both cases handle standard ATX and smaller form factors equally well.
Included fans
The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh comes with three fans pre-installed. This includes two 140mm fans at the front and one 120mm fan at the rear. The Lian Li LANCOOL III includes four 140mm PWM fans. This configuration provides more front intake capacity out of the box. Having four 140mm fans generally offers better airflow potential for high-heat components. You may need to purchase additional fans for the Lancool 205 Mesh to match the intake density of the LANCOOL III.
Dimensions and weight
The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh measures 29.2 inches in length, 11.6 inches in height, and 29.2 inches in width. It weighs 15.5 pounds. The Lian Li LANCOOL III measures 25.9 inches in length, 12.9 inches in height, and 23 inches in width. It weighs 31.1 pounds. The LANCOOL III is significantly heavier and more compact in length. The Lancool 205 Mesh is lighter but extends further forward. Your desk space and weight tolerance will determine which footprint works better for your setup.
Side panel design
Both cases feature tempered glass side panels for viewing internal components. The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh uses a standard tempered glass side panel. The Lian Li LANCOOL III features hinged tempered glass doors. These doors drop down to allow easier access to the interior. The LANCOOL III also includes aluminum door handles for a premium feel. The hinged design on the LANCOOL III may offer more convenience during component swaps compared to the standard panel on the Lancool 205 Mesh.
Cable management
The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh provides extra space behind the motherboard tray for hidden cable organization. It includes removable SSD mounting brackets and swappable top fan brackets. The Lian Li LANCOOL III features upgraded cable management with toolless magnetic cable cover doors. It also includes swinging cable covers and a well-organized layout for hubs. The LANCOOL III offers more specialized tools for hiding cables neatly. The Lancool 205 Mesh relies on standard behind-the-tray routing.
Which Lian Li Case Fits Your Build
Enthusiasts needing E-ATX motherboard support
The LANCOOL III supports E-ATX motherboards up to 280mm wide. This extra width accommodates larger enthusiast boards that the Lancool 205 Mesh cannot fit. If your build uses a large motherboard, this case provides the necessary physical space and mounting options for a secure installation.
Users wanting pre-installed ARGB fans
The Lancool 205 Mesh comes with three ARGB PWM fans already installed. It includes two 140mm front fans and one 120mm rear fan. This setup offers immediate airflow and lighting without needing to purchase additional fans separately, providing a complete cooling and aesthetic solution out of the box.
Builders prioritizing easy component access
The LANCOOL III features hinged tempered glass doors that drop down for easy access. It also includes drop-down PSU doors and swinging cable covers. These mechanical design elements simplify the installation process, allowing you to reach components and manage cables without removing side panels or struggling with tight spaces.
Those preferring a lighter, compact mid-tower
The Lancool 205 Mesh weighs 15.5 pounds, significantly lighter than the 31.1-pound LANCOOL III. Its dimensions are also more compact in height and width. If you need a case that is easier to move or fits into smaller desk setups, the lighter weight and smaller footprint are practical advantages.
The products compared
Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh Mid-Tower Case
Best for: standard ATX airflow builds with included 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
The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh is a mid-tower chassis designed for ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards. It comes with three pre-installed ARGB PWM fans, featuring two 140mm front intakes and one 120mm rear exhaust. A mesh front panel provides open airflow alongside top and bottom magnetic dust filters. It suits you if you want factory cooling in a standard mid-tower build.
Pros
- Includes three ARGB PWM fans with two 140mm front intakes and one 120mm rear exhaust
- Mesh front panel paired with magnetic top and bottom dust filters
- Swappable top fan bracket and removable SSD mounting brackets
- Integrated top C/M button for onboard fan lighting mode selection
Cons
- Motherboard support maxes out at standard ATX with no E-ATX clearance
- Top I/O panel lacks a USB Type-C port
Good fit if
- You use a standard ATX, Micro ATX, or Mini-ITX motherboard.
- You want pre-installed 140mm and 120mm PWM fans out of the box.
- You prefer hardware button lighting control with motherboard sync capability.
Skip if
- You plan to build with an E-ATX motherboard.
- You require a native top-panel USB Type-C port.
Verdict: Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh Mid-Tower Case suits builders assembling an ATX system who want pre-installed 140mm intake fans and direct mesh ventilation. It offers practical component modularity without requiring the footprint of an oversized chassis.
Lian Li LANCOOL III E-ATX Mid-Tower Case
Best for: E-ATX builds with high airflow needs
- Motherboard Support
- E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
- Case Type
- Mid-Tower
- Side Panel
- Tempered Glass
- Included Fans
- 4 x 140mm PWM
- Use
- Gaming
- Lighting
- RGB
View on Amazon: Lian Li LANCOOL III E-ATX Mid-Tower Case Affiliate link
The Lian Li LANCOOL III is an E-ATX mid-tower case featuring a heavy-duty steel frame and 4.0mm hinged tempered glass doors. It includes four 140mm PWM fans for high airflow and supports large GPUs and extensive storage. This spacious build suits builders needing room for E-ATX motherboards and complex cable management setups.
Pros
- Supports E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards
- Includes four 140mm PWM fans for cooling
- Hinged tempered glass doors for easy access
- Supports up to 12 x 2.5" SSDs or 4 x 3.5" HDDs
- Toolless magnetic cable cover doors for neat routing
Cons
- Heavier at 31.1 pounds compared to standard mid-towers
- Larger dimensions require more desk or floor space
- RGB lighting is supported but not directly addressable per the data
Good fit if
- You need E-ATX motherboard support
- You want hinged tempered glass doors for easy access
- You require extensive storage options for multiple drives
Skip if
- You prefer a compact Mini-ITX build
- You want a lighter case for frequent moves
- You need a smaller footprint for tight spaces
Verdict: Lian Li LANCOOL III E-ATX Mid-Tower fits builders who need E-ATX support and easy access via hinged glass doors. It is ideal for those prioritizing spacious cable management and high airflow with included 140mm fans.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh Mid-Tower Case | Lian Li LANCOOL III E-ATX Mid-Tower Case |
|---|---|---|
| Motherboard Support | ATX, Micro ATX, Mini-ITX | E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX |
| Case Type | Mid-Tower | Mid-Tower |
| Side Panel | Tempered Glass | Tempered Glass |
| Included Fans | not stated | 4 x 140mm PWM |
| Tower Size | Mid-Tower | not stated |
| Use | Gaming | Gaming |
| Lighting | ARGB | RGB |
| Dimensions | 29.2 × 29.2 × 11.6 inches | 25.9 × 23 × 12.9 inches |
| Weight | 15.5 pounds | 31.1 pounds |
| Size | Mid-tower Case | Mid-tower Case |
| Color | LANCOOL 205 MESH RGB - ATX - Black | Black |
| Model | G99OE764X00 | PC-LAN3RX |
Frequently asked questions
Which case is better for standard ATX builds?
The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh is the better choice for standard ATX builds. It supports ATX motherboards and focuses on reliable airflow. This mid-tower chassis is designed for gamers who want a practical option without the bulk of an E-ATX chassis. It includes pre-installed fans and offers easy cable management for standard builds.
Does the Lancool III fit E-ATX motherboards?
Yes, the Lian Li LANCOOL III supports E-ATX motherboards. It accommodates boards with a width under 280mm. This makes it ideal for enthusiasts using larger motherboards. The Lancool 205 Mesh only supports standard ATX, so the LANCOOL III is necessary if you plan to use an E-ATX board.
How do the dimensions of these two cases compare?
The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh measures 29.2 inches in width and length, with a height of 11.6 inches. The LANCOOL III is wider at 23 inches but taller at 12.9 inches and deeper at 25.9 inches. The LANCOOL III is also significantly heavier, weighing 31.1 pounds compared to 15.5 pounds for the Lancool 205 Mesh.
What type of side panels do both cases have?
Both cases feature tempered glass side panels. This allows you to view the internal components and RGB lighting of your build. The Lancool 205 Mesh is described as having a mesh front for airflow, while the LANCOOL III uses hinged glass doors for easy access. Both designs prioritize aesthetics and visibility.
Which case includes pre-installed fans for better airflow?
The Lian Li LANCOOL III is ideal for high airflow needs. It includes 140mm fans to help with cooling. The Lancool 205 Mesh also offers good airflow and comes with pre-installed fans. Both cases focus on gaming performance, but the LANCOOL III is specifically noted for its spacious cable management and high airflow capabilities.
Can the Lancool 205 Mesh support E-ATX boards?
No, the Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh only supports ATX motherboards. It is not designed for the larger E-ATX form factor. If you need to install an E-ATX motherboard, you must choose the LANCOOL III. The Lancool 205 Mesh is strictly for standard ATX builds.
What is the weight difference between the two cases?
The Lian Li LANCOOL III is much heavier than the Lancool 205 Mesh. The LANCOOL III weighs 31.1 pounds, while the Lancool 205 Mesh weighs 15.5 pounds. This significant weight difference reflects the LANCOOL III's larger size and E-ATX support. You should consider this if you plan to move the case often.