Lian Li A3 Wood Edition: Walnut wood makes compact cases stylish

The Lian Li A3-mATX (test) convinced the editors even after a closer look with its use of space, quality and price. It is only a limited eye-catcher. This is where a new version comes in. The Wood Edition combines a black chassis with walnut wood trim on the front.

Flexibility is special

The special feature of the A3 lies in the concept: The case, which has a capacity of around 26 liters, is extremely flexible and makes the best possible use of space without being overly large – no wonder, since it was developed in cooperation with the SFF specialist DAN Cases. SFX, SFX-L and ATX power supplies, tall CPU coolers in tower format, very long graphics cards up to the gigantic RTX 4090 and a whole range of fans can be installed, a maximum of ten are possible. The A3-mATX even allows the use of a 360 mm radiator.

In this respect it is similar to tower cases. The difference lies in the details: All components in maximum size cannot logically be installed at the same time; a system will be planned in the A3. Nevertheless, the concept was convincing in the test: If fans are used in the side panel, the noise and temperatures are appealing thanks to the mesh panels, as ComputerBase measurements show.

Accordingly, the A3-mATX “a first-class micro case“, was the conclusion of the test. The only downside was the plastic front, apart from the somewhat short I/O cables. Here, the Wood Edition uses walnut veneer to give the very functional case a classy “living room look” in line with the current trend in the case segment.

Wood means extra charge

Lian Li has not yet commented on the price. However, Overclockers.uk already lists the wooden version for around 75 British pounds, which is exactly 5 pounds more than the standard model. In Germany, a surcharge of around 10 euros can therefore be assumed, which would bring the Wood Edition of the A3-mATX to a price of around 85 euros. This is still a reasonable price for the features and size.