The Lian Li Lancool 217 is a budget-friendly PC case around $120-$125 that features flexible fan positioning with unique 170mm front intake fans, a modern wood-accented design, and strong cooling performance comparable to higher-end cases. It offers practical features like extensive drive support, a built-in fan hub, and rotated PSU mounting, making it a well-rounded choice for enthusiasts seeking good value, aesthetics, and thermal efficiency in the sub-$200 market.
The Lian Li Lancool 217 is a modern budget PC case priced around $120 to $125, featuring unique 170mm front intake fans with plastic spacers that can be adjusted for either CPU or GPU cooling modes. Internally, it includes three additional 11-blade fans designed to maximize static pressure, drawing air through side perforated panels. The case supports a rotated 90° power supply mount, a vertical GPU mount compatible with shroud top fans (though requiring a separate riser cable), and a removable top radiator tray for a 360mm radiator. Lian Li has also incorporated a contemporary wood accent on the front panel, which is flush and well-finished, setting it apart aesthetically from competitors.
One of the standout features of the 217 is its flexible fan configuration system. The two large front fans can be repositioned using included spacers and toolless mounting, allowing users to switch between CPU mode (fans positioned higher) and GPU mode (fans positioned lower) to optimize airflow based on their setup. The case also supports standard 120mm and 140mm fans via included rails, but the 170mm fans are a core part of the design and price point. Additionally, the case includes a fan and RGB hub supporting multiple outputs, although no RGB lighting is built-in. The dual power buttons on the case offer convenience but are hardwired to the same IO board, reflecting some design compromises.
In terms of build quality and cable management, the Lancool 217 offers generous drive support with multiple 2.5-inch and traditional 3.5-inch drive mounts, though some configurations limit simultaneous use. Cable management is facilitated by large cutouts, a flippable cable grommet bar, and plastic clips for EPS 12V cables. However, the case’s lower mesh panel is somewhat fragile due to extensive perforation, making it susceptible to shipping damage. Overall, the case balances modern design trends like wood accents and back panel motherboard support with practical features aimed at enthusiasts.
Thermal testing revealed that the Lancool 217 performs competitively with similar mid-range cases such as the Fractal Meshify 3 and Antec Flux Pro. Noise-normalized tests showed CPU temperatures averaging around 41°C above ambient in both CPU and GPU modes, with GPU mode providing slightly better GPU thermals. At full fan speeds, the case was one of the loudest tested, but it still delivered strong cooling performance, especially in GPU mode. The included dust filter had minimal impact on thermals or noise, which is notable for a case in this category. Vertical GPU mounting negatively impacted GPU temperatures but improved motherboard cooling.
In conclusion, the Lancool 217 is a well-executed budget case that maintains Lian Li’s reputation for quality and performance at a competitive price point. It offers logical improvements over its predecessor, the Lancool 216, and incorporates features like wood accents, flexible fan positioning, and extensive drive support. While it faces stiff competition from cases like the Antec Flux Pro and Fractal Meshify 3, the 217 stands out for its stock fan quality, built-in fan hub, and support for rotated power supplies and larger motherboards. Ultimately, it is a strong choice for users seeking a balance of aesthetics, cooling, and value in the sub-$200 market.