Lian Li or Phanteks? PC Cases Compared in 2026
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You are comparing the lian li vs phanteks PC case options: the Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh and the Phanteks Enthoo Pro. Both cases offer robust construction and strong airflow capabilities for gaming builds. The main difference lies in their physical scale and layout. The Lian Li is a mid-tower with tempered glass, while the Phanteks is a full tower with no window. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize visual showcase or maximum expansion space.
Key differences
| Aspect | Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh Mid-Tower Case | Phanteks Enthoo Pro Non-Window Full Tower |
|---|---|---|
| Tower Size | Mid-Tower | Full Tower |
| Motherboard Support | ATX, Micro ATX, Mini-ITX | not listed |
| Side Panel | Tempered Glass | No Window |
| Included Fans | 3 ARGB PWM Fans | 1x 200mm, 1x 140mm |
| Lighting | ARGB | not listed |
| Front Connectivity | 2x USB 3.0, Audio | 2x USB 3.0, USB-C, Audio, Mic |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh Mid-Tower Case if
- You want a tempered glass side panel to showcase internal components.
- You need support for Mini-ITX or Micro ATX motherboards.
- You prefer pre-installed ARGB fans with direct case control.
Choose Phanteks Enthoo Pro Non-Window Full Tower if
- You require a Full Tower chassis for maximum component expansion.
- You want a USB-C Gen 2 port on the front panel.
- You need extensive radiator support for large liquid cooling setups.
Verdict: Choose the Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh if you value a compact mid-tower form factor with a glass side panel for showing off RGB builds. Opt for the Phanteks Enthoo Pro if you need a large Full Tower chassis with superior expansion options and a USB-C port. Both cases provide solid airflow, but their physical designs serve different build priorities.
Lian Li vs Phanteks Case Specs
tower size
The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh is a mid-tower chassis. The Phanteks Enthoo Pro is a full tower. Full towers offer significantly more internal volume. This extra space helps with large graphics cards and extensive water cooling setups. Mid-towers are more compact and fit better on standard desks. Your choice depends on how much hardware you plan to install. A full tower requires more floor space but offers greater upgrade potential. A mid-tower is easier to move and fits in tighter spaces.
motherboard support
The Lian Li case supports ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards. The Phanteks Enthoo Pro is a full tower, which typically supports larger form factors. However, the provided data does not explicitly list the motherboard compatibility for the Phanteks model. Mid-towers like the Lian Li are designed for standard ATX builds. Full towers often accommodate E-ATX boards as well. You should verify the specific motherboard size limits for the Phanteks Enthoo Pro before purchasing. The Lian Li clearly lists its support for three common form factors.
included fans
The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh comes with three ARGB PWM fans. It includes two 140mm front fans and one 120mm rear fan. The Phanteks Enthoo Pro includes one 200mm front fan and one 140mm rear fan. The Phanteks uses premium SP series fans for better airflow. The Lian Li offers more fans out of the box. More fans can help with initial airflow without extra purchases. The Phanteks fans are larger and may move more air per unit.
side panel
The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh features a tempered glass side panel. This allows you to view your internal components and RGB lighting. The Phanteks Enthoo Pro is listed as having no window. It uses a solid panel for a stealth interior look. If you want to showcase your build, the Lian Li is the better choice. The solid panel on the Phanteks might offer slightly better structural rigidity. It also hides dust and cables from view. Your preference for visibility will determine which panel type suits you.
lighting
The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh includes ARGB fans with seven color and seven lighting modes. You can control them via a button on the case or sync with the motherboard. The Phanteks Enthoo Pro features SP series fans but does not mention ARGB lighting in the provided data. The Lian Li offers customizable lighting effects out of the box. The Phanteks focuses on performance and airflow rather than visual flair. If RGB lighting is important to your build aesthetic, the Lian Li provides clear advantages.
Which Lian Li or Phanteks Case Fits You
Compact build enthusiasts with limited desk space
The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh is a mid-tower chassis that fits standard desks. It supports ATX, microATX, and mini-ITX motherboards. The tempered glass side panel showcases your components. Three pre-installed ARGB fans provide cooling and lighting. Magnetic dust filters keep the interior clean. This size balances performance with a smaller footprint for most users.
Users needing extensive water cooling support
The Phanteks Enthoo Pro is a full tower with extreme cooling capacity. It supports up to four radiator installation areas for single to triple radiators. The spacious interior allows for complex liquid cooling loops. You can install 200mm and 140mm fans for maximum airflow. The robust design handles large components without crowding, making it ideal for advanced cooling setups.
Those wanting USB-C and premium airflow
The Phanteks Enthoo Pro includes a USB-C Gen 2 port on the front I/O panel. It comes with two high-performance SP series fans. The brushed plastic and aluminum appearance offers a professional look. The PWM hub simplifies fan control and cable management. This full tower provides superior connectivity and cooling options for modern high-end builds.
The products compared
Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh Mid-Tower Case
Best for: ATX builds with ARGB lighting needs
- 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 Lian Li mid-tower case features a mesh front panel for airflow and a tempered glass side panel for viewing. It includes three ARGB PWM fans and supports ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards. The design offers magnetic dust filters and dedicated space for cable management. It suits builders who want pre-installed lighting and flexible component support.
Pros
- Mesh front panel improves ventilation
- Includes three ARGB PWM fans
- Tempered glass side panel
- Supports ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini-ITX
- Magnetic dust filters on top and bottom
Cons
- ARGB lighting controlled by case button only
- No USB Type-C port on top I/O panel
- Mid-tower size limits large component expansion
Good fit if
- You want pre-installed ARGB fans
- You need support for smaller motherboards
- You prefer mesh airflow design
Skip if
- You require USB Type-C connectivity
- You need app-controlled lighting
- You plan to install a full-tower motherboard
Verdict: Lian Li LANCOOL 205 Mesh RGB Mid-Tower fits users who prioritize airflow and pre-installed lighting without needing complex software control. It is a solid option for ATX and smaller builds.
Phanteks Enthoo Pro Non-Window Full Tower
Best for: extensive water cooling and airflow
- Case Type
- Full Tower
- Included Fans
- 1x 200mm, 1x 140mm
- Dimensions
- 22 × 10 × 21 inches
- Weight
- 2.2 pounds
View on Amazon: Phanteks Enthoo Pro Non-Window Full Tower Affiliate link
This Phanteks Enthoo Pro is a full tower chassis without a window. It includes a 200mm front fan and a 140mm rear fan. The design hides the PSU and hard drives for a clean look. You get two USB 3.0 ports, a USB-C Gen 2 port, and audio jacks on the front. It supports extensive water cooling with up to four radiator mounting areas. This case suits builders who prioritize airflow and cable management in a large build.
Pros
- Includes a 200mm front fan and 140mm rear fan
- Supports up to four radiator installations for water cooling
- Features a PWM hub for centralized fan control
- Front panel has USB-C Gen 2 and USB 3.0 ports
Cons
- No tempered glass window panel included
- Large full tower dimensions require ample desk space
- Heavier build at 2.2 pounds
Good fit if
- You need extensive support for large water cooling radiators
- You want a clean interior with hidden components
- You prefer maximum airflow over visual appeal
Skip if
- You want a compact mid-tower form factor
- You prefer a case with a tempered glass side panel
- You have limited desk space for large chassis
Verdict: The Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower is a spacious, airflow-focused chassis ideal for builders who prioritize cooling capacity and cable management over aesthetics. It fits users who need room for multiple radiators and do not require a windowed side panel.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh Mid-Tower Case | Phanteks Enthoo Pro Non-Window Full Tower |
|---|---|---|
| Motherboard Support | ATX, Micro ATX, Mini-ITX | not stated |
| Case Type | Mid-Tower | Full Tower |
| Side Panel | Tempered Glass | not stated |
| Included Fans | not stated | 1x 200mm, 1x 140mm |
| Tower Size | Mid-Tower | Full-Tower |
| Use | Gaming | not stated |
| Lighting | ARGB | not stated |
| Dimensions | 29.2 × 29.2 × 11.6 inches | 22 × 10 × 21 inches |
| Weight | 15.5 pounds | 2.2 pounds |
| Size | Mid-tower Case | not stated |
| Color | LANCOOL 205 MESH RGB - ATX - Black | BLACK NO WINDOW |
| Model | G99OE764X00 | PH-ES614PC_BK |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh good for ARGB lighting?
Yes, it includes pre-installed ARGB lighting. This case is designed for users who want visual effects without complex software. The tempered glass side panel highlights the illuminated components effectively. It supports ATX motherboards and fits standard gaming setups well.
Does the Phanteks Enthoo Pro have a windowed side panel?
No, the Phanteks Enthoo Pro does not have a window. It is a non-window full tower model. This design prioritizes airflow and internal cable management over external aesthetics. It is ideal for builders who need space for extensive water cooling solutions.
Which case is better for large graphics cards?
The Phanteks Enthoo Pro offers more internal volume. As a full tower, it provides significantly more room than the Lian Li mid-tower. This extra space accommodates large graphics cards and multiple radiators more easily than the compact Lancool 205 Mesh.
Can the Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh fit an ATX motherboard?
Yes, it supports ATX motherboards. The Lancool 205 Mesh is a mid-tower chassis built for standard ATX builds. It also accommodates smaller form factors. The tempered glass side panel allows you to view your ATX components clearly.
Is the Phanteks Enthoo Pro suitable for water cooling?
Yes, it is ideal for extensive water cooling. The full tower design provides ample space for multiple radiators. The non-windowed construction focuses on airflow capacity. This makes it a strong choice for builders prioritizing cooling performance over visual transparency.
What is the main difference between these two cases?
The primary difference is their size and panel type. The Lian Li is a mid-tower with a tempered glass window and ARGB lighting. The Phanteks is a full tower with no window. One focuses on aesthetics, while the other emphasizes cooling space.
Does the Lian Li case require complex software for lighting?
No, it does not require complex software. The case features pre-installed ARGB lighting that functions without intricate control programs. This makes it a solid option for users who want lighting effects without dealing with complicated software configurations.
Which case weighs more?
The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh weighs 15.5 pounds. The Phanteks Enthoo Pro weighs 2.2 pounds. The Lian Li model is significantly heavier, likely due to its tempered glass panel and mid-tower construction compared to the Phanteks full tower.