Cooler Master vs Lian Li: PC Cases Compared by Specs
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This guide compares the Cooler Master N200 and the Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh. We examine the lian li vs cooler master PC case options to help you choose. Both cases prioritize airflow with mesh front panels and support compact builds. The main difference lies in their form factor. The Cooler Master is a mini tower for smaller motherboards. The Lian Li is a mid-tower that accommodates larger ATX boards and includes pre-installed RGB fans.
Key differences
| Aspect | Cooler Master N200 Mesh Mini-Tower | Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh Mid-Tower Case |
|---|---|---|
| Tower Size | Mini Tower | Mid-Tower |
| Motherboard Support | mATX, Mini-ITX | ATX, mATX, Mini-ITX |
| Side Panel | Not listed | Tempered Glass |
| Fans | Not listed | 3 ARGB PWM Fans Pre-Installed |
| Radiator Support | 240mm | Not listed |
| Weight | 9.5 pounds | 15.5 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Cooler Master N200 Mesh Mini-Tower if
- You need a compact case that fits easily into small desks or tight spaces.
- You are building with mATX or Mini-ITX motherboards only.
- You prefer a lighter chassis that is easier to move and install.
Choose Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh Mid-Tower Case if
- You want to use a standard ATX motherboard for greater expandability.
- You want pre-installed RGB fans and a tempered glass side panel for visibility.
- You need extra space behind the motherboard tray for cable management.
Verdict: The Cooler Master N200 is the practical choice for small form factor builds where space is limited. The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh suits users who want a larger mid-tower with better aesthetics and standard ATX support. Choose based on your motherboard size and desired case dimensions.
Cooler Master vs Lian Li Specs
Motherboard Support
The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh supports ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards, offering flexibility for larger builds. The Cooler Master N200 is a Mini Tower that supports Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX, but it does not list standard ATX compatibility in its specifications. If you plan to use a full-size ATX board, the Lian Li case is the necessary choice. The Cooler Master is strictly for smaller form factors. This difference in motherboard support defines the maximum size of your system components.
Tower Size
The Cooler Master N200 is a Mini Tower with dimensions of 7.9 inches wide, 14.9 inches high, and 17.5 inches long. It weighs 9.5 pounds. The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh is a Mid-Tower measuring 11.6 inches wide, 29.2 inches high, and 29.2 inches long, weighing 15.5 pounds. The Lian Li case is significantly larger and heavier. This size difference impacts desk space requirements and the overall footprint of your gaming setup. You must choose based on your available space.
Side Panel
The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh features a tempered glass side panel. This allows you to view the internal components and lighting effects. The specifications for the Cooler Master N200 do not mention a tempered glass side panel. Without this detail, you cannot assume it has a glass window for visibility. If showcasing your hardware is important to you, the Lian Li case provides that aesthetic benefit through its glass panel design.
Lighting
The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh comes with three pre-installed ARGB PWM fans. It includes two 140mm front fans and one 120mm rear fan. The case also features a C/M button for lighting control and motherboard sync. The Cooler Master N200 specifications do not list any pre-installed fans or ARGB lighting features. If you want immediate RGB illumination and fan control out of the box, the Lian Li case offers this hardware. The Cooler Master relies on your own component choices.
Radiator Support
The Cooler Master N200 supports a 240mm liquid CPU water cooling kit in the front of the case. The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh specifications do not explicitly list radiator support dimensions in the provided data. While the Lian Li case is liquid cooling ready, specific radiator size limits are not detailed here. The Cooler Master clearly states its 240mm compatibility. If you are building a compact water-cooled system, the Cooler Master provides confirmed support for this specific radiator size.
Choose your case by build needs
Building with a large ATX motherboard
You need a case that fits standard ATX boards. The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh supports ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini-ITX formats. The Cooler Master N200 only supports Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX. If your mainboard is full-size, the Lian Li is the only option that provides the necessary physical space for installation.
Wanting tempered glass side panel view
The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh includes a tempered glass side panel. This allows you to see your internal components clearly. The Cooler Master N200 data does not mention a glass panel. If showcasing your hardware is important, the Lian Li offers this visual feature while the Cooler Master does not list it.
Preferring compact mini tower form factor
The Cooler Master N200 is a Mini Tower with smaller dimensions. It measures 14.9 inches in height and weighs 9.5 pounds. The Lian Li is a larger Mid-Tower weighing 15.5 pounds. If you have limited desk space or prefer a smaller footprint, the Cooler Master provides a more compact chassis design.
Need pre-installed RGB fans and sync
The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh comes with three ARGB PWM fans pre-installed. It includes a C/M button for lighting control and motherboard sync. The Cooler Master N200 data does not list included fans or RGB features. If you want immediate lighting effects and control without buying extra parts, the Lian Li is the better choice.
The products compared
Cooler Master N200 Mesh Mini-Tower
Best for: compact mATX and Mini-ITX builds
- Motherboard Support
- mATX, Mini-ITX
- Case Type
- Mini Tower
- Radiator Support
- 240mm
- Max GPU Length
- 355mm (14 inches)
- Dimensions
- 17.5 × 7.9 × 14.9 inches
- Weight
- 9.5 pounds
View on Amazon: Cooler Master N200 Mesh Mini-Tower Affiliate link
The Cooler Master N200 is a Mini Tower case supporting mATX and Mini-ITX motherboards. It features a fully meshed front panel for airflow. The case accommodates GPUs up to 355mm long and CPU coolers up to 160mm high. You can install a 240mm radiator in the front. It holds up to three 3.5-inch HDDs and four 2.5-inch SSDs. This compact design suits users with limited desk space who still need decent expandability.
Pros
- Full mesh front panel for airflow
- Supports 240mm front radiator
- Holds up to seven drives total
- Accepts GPUs up to 355mm long
Cons
- Only supports mATX and Mini-ITX boards
- No ATX motherboard compatibility
- Smaller internal volume than mid-towers
Good fit if
- You need a compact case for small desks
- You use mATX or Mini-ITX motherboards
- You want front-mounted liquid cooling
Skip if
- You require full ATX motherboard support
- You need extensive drive bays for large storage arrays
- You want a mid-tower chassis
Verdict: Cooler Master N200 Mini Tower fits users with mATX or Mini-ITX builds who need a compact footprint. It offers solid cooling options for its size but cannot accommodate larger ATX boards.
Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh Mid-Tower Case
Best for: Standard ATX builds needing pre-installed ARGB cooling
- 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. It includes three ARGB PWM fans—two 140 mm intake fans and one 120 mm exhaust fan—along with a mesh front panel and tempered glass side window. You get integrated lighting controls and top-mounted USB 3.0 ports. It suits builders wanting high airflow and full motherboard flexibility.
Pros
- Includes two 140 mm and one 120 mm ARGB PWM fans
- Supports ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards
- Full mesh front panel with magnetic top and bottom dust filters
- Tempered glass side panel for interior hardware visibility
Cons
- Top I/O panel lacks a USB Type-C port
- Weighs 15.5 pounds before installing components
Good fit if
- You build with a standard ATX motherboard
- You want pre-installed 140 mm and 120 mm ARGB fans
- You prefer a tempered glass side panel to display components
Skip if
- You need a compact mini-tower chassis
- You require a front-panel USB Type-C port
Verdict: Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh ATX Mid-Tower Case delivers three pre-installed PWM fans, versatile ATX motherboard compatibility, and direct airflow for gaming rigs. It fits builders planning full-size desktop assemblies who want integrated fan lighting controls without buying separate fans.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Cooler Master N200 Mesh Mini-Tower | Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh Mid-Tower Case |
|---|---|---|
| Motherboard Support | mATX, Mini-ITX | ATX, Micro ATX, Mini-ITX |
| Case Type | Mini Tower | Mid-Tower |
| Side Panel | not stated | Tempered Glass |
| Radiator Support | 240mm | not stated |
| Max GPU Length | 355mm (14 inches) | not stated |
| Tower Size | Mini-Tower | Mid-Tower |
| Use | not stated | Gaming |
| Lighting | not stated | ARGB |
| Dimensions | 17.5 × 7.9 × 14.9 inches | 29.2 × 29.2 × 11.6 inches |
| Weight | 9.5 pounds | 15.5 pounds |
| Size | N200 | Mid-tower Case |
| Color | N200 | LANCOOL 205 MESH RGB - ATX - Black |
| Model | NSE-200-KKN1 | G99OE764X00 |
Frequently asked questions
Which case is better for small desks?
The Cooler Master N200 Mesh is better for tight spaces. It measures 7.9 inches wide and 14.9 inches tall. This Mini-Tower footprint saves desk space compared to mid-towers. The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh is significantly larger at 29.2 inches in multiple dimensions. You should choose the Cooler Master if your workspace has limited room.
Can I fit an ATX motherboard in the Cooler Master N200?
No, you cannot fit a standard ATX motherboard in the Cooler Master N200. It is a Mini-Tower that only supports Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX boards. If you need to use a full-size ATX board, you must look at the Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh. That case explicitly supports ATX motherboards alongside smaller formats.
Does the Lian Li Lancool 205 have a glass side panel?
Yes, the Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh features a tempered glass side panel. This allows you to view your internal components and ARGB lighting. The Cooler Master N200 data does not list a glass panel. You should pick the Lian Li case if visual appeal and component visibility are important to your build.
Which case is heavier to move?
The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh is heavier. It weighs 15.5 pounds. The Cooler Master N200 Mesh weighs 9.5 pounds. The difference is six pounds. You will find the Cooler Master easier to lift and reposition. The Lian Li case is more substantial, which may appeal to users who want a stable, heavy chassis.
Is the Lian Li case good for gaming setups?
Yes, the Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh is designed for gaming. It includes ARGB lighting and supports ATX boards for powerful builds. The Cooler Master N200 is focused on compact mATX and Mini-ITX builds. If you are building a high-end gaming PC with large components, the Lian Li case offers the necessary space and aesthetic features.
What is the main size difference between these two cases?
The main difference is the form factor. The Cooler Master N200 is a Mini-Tower with a compact footprint. The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh is a Mid-Tower with much larger dimensions. The Lian Li case is over twice as tall and wide as the Cooler Master. You should choose based on whether you prioritize space savings or expansion room.