Log Yet another first Lian Li A3 build - advice :)

[Croadden]

Hey! I'm trying to build a work (Unreal Engine game development/programming) and gaming SFF PC that will cost around $ 3,000. My idea is to use the Lian Li A3-mATX case and install an AIO (All-In-One) cooling system at the top. Any suggestions are welcome.

The main requirements are:

• Be not noisy as hell;
• Water cooling;
• The less RGB the better

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 4.7 GHz 8-Core Processor ($479.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: NZXT Kraken Elite 240 78.02 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($351.41 @ MemoryC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B850M GAMING X WIFI6E Micro ATX AM5 Motherboard ($159.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($209.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston Fury Renegade 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($119.48 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte WINDFORCE SFF GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16 GB Video Card ($749.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Lian Li A3-mATX MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($89.99 @ Newegg Sellers)
Power Supply: Corsair SF850 (2024) 850 W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully Modular SFX Power Supply ($224.99 @ B&H)
Case Fan: Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap 60.09 CFM 120 mm Fan ($37.95 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap 60.09 CFM 120 mm Fan ($37.95 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap 60.09 CFM 120 mm Fan ($37.95 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM chromax.black.swap 60.09 CFM 120 mm Fan ($37.95 @ Amazon)
Total: $2536.64
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-08-27 05:05 EDT-0400

 

[hrh_ginsterbusch]

I mean, technically speaking, the A3 is an MFF case (26L vs SFF <= 20 L). But then, I'm also using some of these (eg. SAMA IM01 = roughly 20 - 21ish L, current Powertrain P40 clone with also about 20 - 21L), so I kidna dont feel judging

If you want to cheap out and still have nice sound profile with LOTS of overhead if required: Replace those case fans with a set of Arctic P12 Max or P12 Pro.

btw: if you wanted to go real SFF, you could replace the A3 with the A4, or if 11L is a bit too much for beginners, maybe the Meshroom S / Meshlicious (14.9L).

cu, w0lf.

 

[Croadden]

I'm really afraid to mess up something dimensions-related

Basically, I started with A4, but changed it to A3 because of this. But I'll definitely check those cases, thanks!

 

[hrh_ginsterbusch]

I'm really afraid to mess up something dimensions-related

Basically, I started with A4, but changed it to A3 because of this. But I'll definitely check those cases, thanks!

"this" = the slightly heavy size factor? Ie. I started out with the SAMA IM01 and the Meshlicious, and after 3ish years I'm now idling primarily at the 8 - 12L range.

Based on your main build criteria, ignoring aesthetics, and giving it a 3000 usd limit, I'd suggest the following cases:

a) SFF cases supporting at least one 280 mm radiator:

- as already mentioned, SSUPD Meshlicious + Meshroom S - the last one being one of the more generally available cases that also supports BOTH mATX and ATX mainboards (ATX PSU only if using an SFX mainboard)

- NR200P - the goat of SFF

- Thermaltake TR100

- Hyte Revolt 3 - also supports 280 AIO

- Shiny Snake / clones S500 v2 - also supports mATX + ATX PSU

- Ncase M2 / M3 - mATX support; prices and shipping is very premium

- Sliger Cerberus - also includes support for mATX boards + ATX PSUs - 19L

b) cases with support for up to 240 mm radiator:

- Shiny Snake / clones (available from quite a few manufacturers, eg. Miningeek etc) S450 - 12L

- Mechanic Master C26 / C26+ (C26 seems to be EOL)

- Ncase M1, pref. the final V6.1; only available second-hand / isnt produced anymore - approx 12L

- Sharkoon QB One - 14.9L

- Dan / Lian Li A4-H2O - IMNSHO needs excessive preparation and very specific AIOs or go straight for a custom loop; building in it is no fun, and has had left me greatly disappointed in terms of flexibility and ease of installation; NOT recommended for SFF beginners

cu, w0lf.