Recently, ‘fish tank’ cases have been quite popular in the PC market, but for users operating high-spec gaming or workstation PCs, it’s difficult to compromise on cooling performance. Consequently, airflow-centric cases featuring large intake coolers on the front have consistently been chosen. However, most of these cases primarily utilize mesh fronts, which presented a limitation in terms of design, making them somewhat uninspired.
Lian Li is a premium PC case brand established in Taiwan in 1983. It has captivated PC builders worldwide with its O11 series, and the LANCOOL series also enjoys high popularity by simultaneously offering both excellent value for money and performance.
From such a Lian Li, they have launched the Lian Li LANCOOL 217 INF, which combines a front infinity mirror design with large 170mm coolers. This product inherits the excellent airflow design of the existing LANCOOL 217 while adding a tempered glass infinity mirror panel to the front, capturing a significant visual impact. Let’s now take a closer look to see if it truly manages to catch both rabbits: cooling and design.
Specifications and Configuration
Let’s start by summarizing the key specifications of the Lian Li LANCOOL 217 INF Black. Based on a mid-tower form factor, the case dimensions are 482mm (D) × 238mm (W) × 503mm (H). Regarding motherboard compatibility, it supports SSI-EEB (up to 330mm wide), E-ATX (up to 280mm wide), ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. Notably, it also supports ATX and Micro-ATX back-connect motherboards, making it a suitable PC case for those planning a BTF build.
Looking at the components, in addition to the case body, various screws, accessories for installing cooling fans in the PSU chamber, and brackets are provided.
Appearance and Features
The Lian Li LANCOOL 217 INF is available in two colors: black and white. While the original LANCOOL 217 created a luxurious ambiance with its real wood trim, this INF model establishes a completely different design identity with its infinity mirror front panel.
The front panel is made of tempered glass and features an internal mirror layer that creates an infinitely repeating, deep visual effect when the RGB lighting is on. Additionally, two large 170mm coolers are positioned above and below. The giant fans are integrated within the mirror panel, ensuring optimal airflow without detracting from the design.
A large metal grill is attached to the front of the cooler, which can be easily detached by turning it counter-clockwise. This design makes routine dust cleaning extremely convenient. The front panel itself can also be removed with a slight pull, offering excellent internal accessibility. However, please note that there is a cable connecting the front panel to the fan hub, so caution is required during operation.
The top cover features a detachable mesh design. It maximizes ventilation performance while also being easy to remove for cleaning. The top can accommodate up to three 120mm or two 140mm fans, and supports the installation of 360mm, 280mm, or 240mm radiators.
In addition to the power button, the top panel features M1 and M2 function buttons. The M1 button is responsible for changing the RGB color of the front infinity mirror or switching to L-Wireless controller mode. The M2 button is used to change the RGB effects of the cooling fans, and pressing and holding it will switch to motherboard synchronization mode.
The IO port configuration includes one 3.5mm audio combo jack, two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, and one USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port.
What’s interesting is that the position of the IO ports can be changed. While they are primarily located on the bottom side, the IO port module can be moved to the top by utilizing the removable cover on the top side. This is an improvement that addresses a common complaint from existing LANCOOL 217 users, and it’s a truly necessary feature for those who use their case on the floor.
The bottom also features a sliding, removable dust filter, allowing you to easily remove it for cleaning without having to tip the case over.
The power supply mounting area can be operated in two modes: a standard mode where the power port is located at the rear, and a rotatable mode that allows for a 90-degree rotation. In rotatable mode, the PSU connector faces sideways, which makes cable routing much easier when installing a compact PSU.
Interior and Features
Looking inside the Lian Li LANCOOL 217 INF, you’ll find a spacious interior for a mid-tower case. It supports up to SSI-EEB motherboards under 330mm, and also supports ATX and Micro-ATX back-connector motherboards, allowing for a clean build through BTF construction.
Graphics cards up to 380mm in length can be installed, and CPU coolers up to 180mm in height are supported. This allows for the easy installation of most high-end air coolers or large graphics cards released these days.
Space is provided above the PSU chamber for additional cooling fans, which can be optionally installed on either the top or bottom of the chassis. The PCIe slot bracket can be rotated 90 degrees for vertical GPU mounting, so installing the cooling fan at the bottom of the chassis seems to be designed for users with vertical graphics card setups.
A graphics card support bracket is built-in, preventing sag in high-performance graphics cards, which are becoming increasingly heavy these days.
Three rubber grommets are provided for routing cables behind the motherboard. There are also slits along the back of the PSU shroud, making cable management much easier.
The lower side features a detachable mesh-designed cover. Removing it allows for easy installation of bottom fans or convenient access to the interior, making it highly useful during assembly.
Approximately 3cm of cable space is secured on the right side, which is ample for cable routing.
Notably, reusable Velcro ties are pre-installed in several locations, replacing traditional disposable cable ties. This allows for tidy cable management without needing to prepare separate ties. Cable clips are also conveniently placed on the side.
Regarding storage, the case features two storage bays at the bottom. Each bay can simultaneously accommodate one 3.5-inch HDD and one 2.5-inch SSD, enabling a maximum of 4 HDDs to be utilized.
Two additional 2.5-inch SSDs can be mounted on the tray behind the motherboard, and SSDs can also be placed on top of the PSU shroud cover. In configurations where bottom fans are not installed, up to 3 SSDs can be arranged on the PSU shroud, making it more than capable for workstation environments that require large-capacity storage.
One of the highlights of this PC case is its integrated fan hub, which offers wireless control. The included fan hub features built-in PWM fan and ARGB ports, along with an integrated wireless receiver. By purchasing and connecting the L-Wireless wireless controller separately, you can freely control the fans and RGB wirelessly through the L-Connect 3 software.
Cooling Solution
The LIAN LI LANCOOL 217 INF comes standard with a total of three cooling fans: two 170mm fans at the front and one 140mm fan at the rear. Compared to the previous LANCOOL 217, which came with five fans (two front, two bottom, one rear), the quantity has decreased, but the two large 170mm front fans alone ensure sufficient air intake.
The center of the cooling fans features a hub with an infinity mirror effect, which creates a sense of infinite depth when the RGB lighting is turned on, as if drawing you in endlessly.
Looking at the specifications of the 170mm front fans, they measure 170 x 170 x 30mm and feature FDB (Fluid Dynamic Bearing) bearings. Their rotation speed is 1,500 RPM, with a maximum airflow of 142.56 CFM and a static pressure of 3.34mmH2O. The noise level is 34.2dBA.
The 140mm rear fan also measures 140 x 140 x 30mm and utilizes an FDB bearing system. Its rotation speed is 1,900 RPM, with a maximum airflow of 81.3 CFM, a static pressure of 2.4mmH2O, and a noise level of 33.8dBA.
Assembly and L-CONNECT 3 Software
The assembly process is quite smooth, thanks to the well-designed cable routing system mentioned earlier. By utilizing the three rubber grommets, Velcro ties, and the slits behind the PSU shroud, you can achieve very neat cable management.
A removable fan bracket is installed on the top, allowing you to easily detach the bracket, comfortably install the liquid cooler’s radiator outside the case, and then reattach it. This thoughtful detail eliminates the struggle of fitting it into a cramped space inside the case, significantly improving assembly convenience.
The side panels also feature a tool-less design, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without screws. The tempered glass panel detaches instantly by simply releasing the locks at the corners, and the same applies to the steel panel on the opposite side.
L-Connect 3 is an integrated software provided by Lian Li, allowing you to control Lian Li’s fans and RGB product lines from a single interface. By synchronizing with various Lian Li products, including the UNI FAN series, you can precisely adjust fan speed curves and RGB lighting effects.
When you plug the wireless dongle (L-Wireless Controller) into a USB port, you can wirelessly change the RGB color of the front infinity mirror and the RGB colors and effects of the cooling fans via L-Connect 3. While basic operations are possible using the M1 and M2 buttons on the front of the case, utilizing the software allows for much more detailed customization. L-Connect 3’s strength lies in its ability to intuitively manage color palette selection, effect speed adjustment, brightness control, and more, all from a single screen.
RGB Effects and Usage Review
When the front infinity mirror of the LIAN LI LANCOOL 217 INF lights up, it creates an immersive feeling, as if you’re looking into an endless tunnel. Light repeatedly reflects between the mirror layers, creating an illusion of depth far greater than its actual physical depth, and this effect is quite impressive. The infinity mirror hub in the center of the front fan and the panel’s infinity mirror harmonize, displaying a unique visual when lit that is difficult to find in any existing airflow case.
Colors and effects can be freely changed using the M1, M2 buttons or the L-Connect 3 software. When lit subtly with a single color, it complements a modern desk setup well, and applying a rainbow effect definitely enhances the gaming atmosphere.
One interesting point is that the mirror’s appearance changes depending on the room’s lighting conditions. In a bright environment, it reflects its surroundings like a mirror, while in a dark environment, the depth of the RGB lighting is maximized, completely transforming the atmosphere. If used on a desk, it serves as an eye-catching accent piece.
Some might be concerned about the infinity mirror panel’s impact on airflow in practical use, but actual review benchmarks showed stable cooling performance with just the basic configuration. Since the large 170mm fans cover most of the case’s front, it’s hard to notice any significant airflow loss due to the glass panel.
Concluding the Review
The front infinity mirror tempered glass panel of the Lian Li LANCOOL 217 INF isn’t just aesthetically pleasing; it boasts truly breathtaking visuals when combined with RGB lighting. At the same time, two large 170mm FDB bearing fans powerfully draw air in from the front, and a rear 140mm fan quickly expels hot air, leaving no room for disappointment in cooling performance.
The issue of IO port placement that users found regrettable in the original LANCOOL 217 has been resolved with a modular design that allows for top relocation. The flexibility of cable routing has been enhanced by offering two power supply mounting modes (standard and rotated). Cable management convenience is improved with Velcro ties and rubber grommets. Furthermore, the generous storage configuration, expandable to a maximum of four 3.5-inch HDDs and nine 2.5-inch SSDs, is, in my opinion, more than a simple upgrade – it’s a result of meticulously incorporating user feedback.
If you’re looking for both excellent cooling performance and an outstanding design, the Lian Li LANCOOL 217 INF is definitely worth considering.
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