Lian Li is a well-known brand in the PC case market, offering a range of high-quality and stylish cases for different needs and preferences. One of their most popular series is the O11 Dynamic, which was launched in 2018 as a collaboration with Der8auer, a famous overclocker and modder. The O11 Dynamic is a mid-tower case that features a dual-chamber design, tempered glass panels, and ample space for water cooling and storage.
However, in 2022, Lian Li released an updated version of the O11 Dynamic, called the O11 Dynamic EVO. This case is not just a minor refresh, but a major evolution that adds more features and options for PC builders. The O11 Dynamic EVO retains the same dual-chamber design and tempered glass panels as the original, but also introduces a flippable design that allows users to choose between a standard or inverted layout. Moreover, the O11 Dynamic EVO has more drive bays, fan mounts, radiator support, and clearance than the O11 Dynamic.
So, which case should you buy if you are looking for a premium mid-tower case from Lian Li? In this blog post, we will compare the O11 Dynamic and the O11 Dynamic EVO in terms of their dimensions, motherboard support, expansion slots, drive bays, front panel ports, fan support, radiator support, clearance, dust filters, and flippable design. We will also provide our recommendation based on our analysis.
Dimensions
The first thing to consider when choosing a PC case is its size and how it will fit on your desk or in your room. The O11 Dynamic EVO is slightly larger than the O11 Dynamic in all dimensions. The O11 Dynamic measures 445 x 272 x 445 mm (D x W x H), while the O11 Dynamic EVO measures 465 x 285 x 459 mm (D x W x H). This means that the O11 Dynamic EVO has about 20 mm more depth, 13 mm more width, and 14 mm more height than the O11 Dynamic. The difference may not seem significant, but it could affect your cable management and airflow.
Motherboard Support
Both cases support the same range of motherboard sizes: E-ATX (up to 280 mm wide), ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. This means that you can use either case for any mainstream or enthusiast build without worrying about compatibility issues. However, if you have a very large E-ATX motherboard (wider than 280 mm), you may have some trouble fitting it in either case.
Expansion Slots
Both cases have eight expansion slots for installing graphics cards or other PCIe devices. This is enough for most builds, unless you plan to use more than two graphics cards or other PCIe devices that require more than one slot each. However, if you do need more expansion slots, you can buy an optional vertical GPU mount kit from Lian Li that adds two more slots to either case.
Drive Bays
One of the biggest differences between the two cases is their drive bay capacity. The O11 Dynamic has six 3.5-inch drive bays and four 2.5-inch drive bays for installing hard drives or SSDs. The O11 Dynamic EVO has six 3.5-inch drive bays and nine 2.5-inch drive bays for installing hard drives or SSDs. This means that the O11 Dynamic EVO can accommodate five more 2.5-inch drives than the O11 Dynamic. If you need a lot of storage space for your build, the O11 Dynamic EVO is clearly the better choice.
Front Panel Ports
Both cases have the same front panel ports: two USB 3.0 ports, one USB 3.1 Type-C port, and audio in/out jacks. These ports are located on the top panel of both cases when they are in standard orientation or on the bottom panel when they are in inverted orientation. These ports are sufficient for most users who need to connect external devices or headphones to their PC.
Fan Support
Another major difference between the two cases is their fan support. The O11 Dynamic can support up to nine 120 mm fans or six 120 mm fans and three 140 mm fans. The O11 Dynamic EVO can support up to ten 120 mm fans or seven 120 mm fans and three 140 mm fans. This means that the O11 Dynamic EVO can accommodate one more 120 mm fan than the O11 Dynamic. If you want to maximize your airflow and cooling performance, the O11 Dynamic EVO is the better option.
Radiator Support
Both cases are designed for water cooling enthusiasts, as they can support up to three large radiators. The O11 Dynamic can support up to 360 mm radiators on the top, side, and bottom panels. The O11 Dynamic EVO can support up to 360 mm radiators on the top, side, and bottom panels, as well as up to 420 mm radiators on the front panel. This means that the O11 Dynamic EVO can support larger and more powerful radiators than the O11 Dynamic. If you want to build a custom water cooling loop or use an AIO cooler with a large radiator, the O11 Dynamic EVO is the better choice.
Clearance
Both cases have generous clearance for installing large CPU coolers, graphics cards, and power supplies. The O11 Dynamic can support CPU coolers up to 155 mm tall, graphics cards up to 420 mm long, and power supplies up to 255 mm long. The O11 Dynamic EVO can support CPU coolers up to 167 mm tall, graphics cards up to 426 mm long, and power supplies up to 228 mm long. This means that the O11 Dynamic EVO has 12 mm more clearance for CPU coolers and 6 mm more clearance for graphics cards than the O11 Dynamic, but 27 mm less clearance for power supplies than the O11 Dynamic. However, these differences are unlikely to affect most users, as most CPU coolers, graphics cards, and power supplies are within these limits.
Dust Filters
Both cases have dust filters to prevent dust from entering the case and affecting the performance and lifespan of your components. However, both cases only have dust filters on the bottom panel, which covers the power supply intake and one fan mount. This means that the other fan mounts on the top, side, front, and rear panels are not filtered and may allow dust to enter the case. Moreover, both cases use a magnetic filter sheet that may fall off when handling the case. If you are concerned about dust accumulation in your case, you may want to add your own dust filters or clean your case regularly.
Flippable Design
One of the most unique features of the O11 Dynamic EVO is its flippable design that allows users to choose between a standard or inverted layout. The standard layout has the motherboard tray on the right side of the case and the power supply chamber on the left side of the case. The inverted layout has the motherboard tray on the left side of the case and the power supply chamber on the right side of the case. The flippable design also affects the orientation of the top and bottom panels, which can be swapped accordingly. The flippable design gives users more flexibility and customization options for their build. For example, some users may prefer an inverted layout for better visibility of their components or better cable management. The O11 Dynamic does not have a flippable design and only supports a standard layout.
Conclusion
The O11 Dynamic and the O11 Dynamic EVO are both excellent mid-tower cases from Lian Li that offer a sleek and spacious dual-chamber design with tempered glass panels and ample water cooling support. However, they also have some notable differences that may affect your decision depending on your needs and preferences.
The O11 Dynamic EVO is slightly larger than the O11 Dynamic in all dimensions, which may affect its fitment on your desk or in your room. It also has more drive bays, fan mounts, radiator support, and clearance than the O11 Dynamic, which may benefit users who need more storage space, airflow, cooling performance, or component compatibility. Moreover, it has a flippable design that allows users to choose between a standard or inverted layout for their build.
The O11 Dynamic is slightly smaller than the O11 Dynamic EVO in all dimensions, which may make it easier to handle or place on your desk or in your room. It also has more clearance for power supplies than the O11 Dynamic EVO, which may benefit users who have longer power supplies or need more cable space. However, it does not have a flippable design and only supports a standard layout for their build.
Ultimately, both cases are great choices for show-system builders and storage pack rats who want a premium mid-tower case from Lian Li. However, if we had to pick one, we would recommend the O11 Dynamic EVO for its superior features and options that give it an edge over the O11 Dynamic.
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One of the products that we are proud to offer is the Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO case, which is one of the best mid-tower cases on the market. This case has a flippable design that allows you to choose between a standard or inverted layout for your build. It also has more drive bays, fan mounts, radiator support, and clearance than the O11 Dynamic case, which is another great option from Lian Li.
If you are interested in buying either of these cases or any other product from our store, please visit our website at greypc.net and browse our catalog. You can also contact us via phone or email if you have any questions or need any assistance. We are always happy to help you find the best solution for your needs and budget.
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