Lian Li A3-mATX 26.3L Micro Form Factor Chassis - Compact Cooling

In this review of the Lian Li A3-mATX 26.3L chassis the bottom line is simple: it is for builders who want a high-quality, compact metal case that prioritizes flexible power supply placement and strong cooling support. The chassis packs support for M-ATX and ITX boards, a 415mm GPU, and up to a 360mm radiator into a 26.3L volume, making it a rare combination of small footprint and real performance potential. The build is minimalistic and mesh-heavy, so anyone after tidy thermals and a clean, compact system should consider it.

Key Features

• Minimalistic steel mesh panels: Side and top steel mesh help maintain airflow while keeping the exterior visually restrained.
• Versatile motherboard support: Accepts both M-ATX and ITX boards with four expansion slots for flexible component choices.
• Long GPU compatibility: Can accommodate up to a 415mm graphics card, so large GPUs fit without compromise.
• Multiple PSU formats: Supports ATX, SFX, SFX-L and LIAN LI Edge PSU installations sideways or frontways for layout flexibility.
• High cooling capacity: Designed to take a 360mm radiator and up to ten 120mm fans, enabling strong liquid and air cooling setups.
• Compact 26.3L volume: Delivers a small desktop footprint while retaining significant component support for performance builds.

Who It's For

The A3-mATX suits enthusiasts who need a compact, performance-capable enclosure for gaming or workstation builds where thermal performance matters as much as saved desk space. Builders who plan to use a large GPU and an AIO radiator will appreciate the room for a 360mm unit and the mesh panels that help exhaust heat.

It is less appropriate for buyers who expect included fans out of the box or those who need extensive internal cable-routing space; customers who prioritize extensive hidden cable channels may want a larger case or one explicitly focused on cable management. This is a case built around compactness and cooling, not excess internal volume for cable bulk.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent cooling potential due to steel mesh top and side panels and support for a 360mm radiator.
• Flexible PSU and GPU compatibility gives builders several layout options in a small chassis.
• Compact 26.3L design keeps desk footprint small while still fitting large GPUs.
• Tool-less, straightforward assembly reported by users makes building quicker.

Cons

• Does not include any fans, so buyers must plan and purchase a cooling kit separately.
• Cable management is reported as a pain point by some users, so tidy builds may require extra planning.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Lian Li A3-mATX 26.3L is a well-made compact case for builders who prioritize cooling and flexibility in a small package. It delivers a rare mix of support for long GPUs and a 360mm radiator in a 26.3L chassis, making it great value for compact performance builds - provided you budget for fans and accept that cable routing will take attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fans included?
No. The chassis ships with no fans included, so plan to add fans or an AIO radiator separately.

What PSU types fit this case?
It supports ATX, SFX, SFX-L and the LIAN LI Edge PSU with options to mount sideways or frontways.

Can it fit a 360mm radiator?
Yes. The case supports up to a 360mm radiator along with multiple 120mm fan positions.