The year 2023 has seen a surge in the popularity of panoramic cases. Among the pioneers of this trend, Lian Li’s O11 Dynamic EVO XL has been eagerly anticipated. It certainly lived up to expectations, pleasing the enthusiasts who have been waiting patiently. The case stands out due to its vast array of features and versatility, ranging from the unique reverse-mounted motherboard, three different ways to set up graphics cards, an adjustable motherboard bracket height, to enhanced hard drive installation processes, updated graphics card support brackets, and a revamped rear cable management space. All these highlight Lian Li’s innovation and expertise in case design.
Specifications:
- Color: Available in black and white.
- Dimensions: 522mm x 304mm x 531.9mm.
- Build Materials: Consists of steel, aluminum, and 4mm tempered glass.
- Motherboard Compatibility: Supports E-ATX (up to 280mm width), ATX, M-ATX, and ITX.
- PCIE Slots: 8 slots available.
- Storage Options: Configurations include 3 slots for 2.5″ drives, and either 4 slots for 3.5″ drives or 4 slots for 2.5″ drives.
- Size Restrictions: Graphics card up to 460mm and CPU coolers up to 167mm in height.
- Power Supply Format: ATX format (maximum length 220mm).
- Fan Placement Options:
- Top: Space for 3 fans (either 120mm or 140mm).
- Side: Space for 3 fans (either 120mm or 140mm).
- Bottom: Space for 3 fans (either 120mm or 140mm).
- Rear: Space for up to 2 120mm fans.
- Water Cooling Radiator Compatibility:
- Top, Side, Bottom: Support for 360mm, 420mm, 240mm, and 280mm radiators.
- Case I/O: Features 4 USB 3.0 ports, 1 USB-C port, an audio jack, buttons for power, reset, LED color, and LED mode.
- Warranty Period: Covered for 1 year.
Bauhaus design, double cabin structure | The evolution history of panoramic casing
Back in 2016, Lian Li introduced the PC-O10, a pioneering double-sided glass case with a dual-chamber structure. This innovative design paved the way for the subsequent O11 Dynamic series. The initial O11 Dynamic was a product of a collaboration with German overclocking enthusiast der8auer, blending peak performance with contemporary aesthetics. Subsequent models such as the O11D XL, O11D MINI, and O11D EVO were all refinements on the original O11 Dynamic design.
While the external appearance of the O11 Dynamic series remains consistent, there have been significant evolutions in its internal architecture. Lian Li’s approach goes beyond mere size adjustments; they focus on reimagining and optimizing the internal design. The recently unveiled O11 Dynamic EVO XL is a testament to this. It boasts more room than the O11D XL, features the adjustable motherboard tray from the O11D MINI, incorporates the inverted motherboard installation of the O11D EVO, and is Lian Li’s first-ever case with a removable A-pillar, offering a clearer visual appeal. The case also includes numerous DIY enhancements, which will be detailed during the unboxing experience.
Detachable A-pillar, detailed aluminum alloy panel | Lianli O11 Dynamic EVO XL case unboxing
The Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO XL stands as the most expansive model in the O11D series, boasting dimensions of 522 x 304 x 531.9mm. Given its size, it comfortably accommodates an E-ATX motherboard and can house up to nine 140mm fans or three 420mm radiators positioned on the top and bottom. With such spaciousness, the challenge isn’t about running out of room for components but rather the possibility of it appearing underfilled. A standout feature of this case is its novel detachable A-pillar design, marking a first for Lian Li.
The case’s exterior components are crafted from aluminum alloy. The black variant features a brushed metal finish, while the white one is spray-painted. Both the top and rear panels have a mesh with a diameter of 2.0mm, providing a ventilation area that’s 14% greater than the O11D XL. This ensures enhanced airflow. Interestingly, the first O11 Dynamic featured elongated ventilation slits. Drilling holes in aluminum is more challenging than in iron, which explains the iterative design changes Lian Li undertook to achieve the current design.
The bottom, sides, and top of O11 Dynamic EVO Magnetic convenience.
The Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO features a 3.5mm audio port, and the unique design allows for the IO placement to be adjusted. Whether on the front, side, or rear of the case, you can position it in a way that best suits your preferences.
The O11 Dynamic EVO XL can accommodate three 140mm fans on both the top and bottom, and a maximum of two 120mm fans at the back. Besides the rear, it features a quick-release fan bracket for easy adjustments. The side fan bracket has a unique fixation method: pressing the screw as shown allows it to pop out, but additional screws can also be added for extra security. Moreover, this bracket can be fitted to both the front and back, making it versatile for installations, whether you’re setting up just fans or incorporating a cooling radiator.
Inverted motherboard, right side see-through | Introduction to O11 Dynamic EVO XL reverse mode
The O11 Dynamic EVO XL adopts the inverted layout from the O11D EVO, allowing users to switch the positions of the top and bottom, as well as the IO location. This design ensures that even those who place the case on their left can enjoy a clear view of the computer’s internal components. Implementing this inverted setup is quite straightforward and doesn’t necessitate extensive screw adjustments.
The height of the motherboard tray is adjustable for flexible space utilization | O11 Dynamic EVO XL Introduction to motherboard tray adjustment
The O11 Dynamic EVO XL’s motherboard bracket is designed to be fully detachable, allowing it to serve as an open-sided platform. When the motherboard’s height is set to its lowest, there’s room to fit two 120mm fans at the back. In this configuration, the space allowance for the bottom fan and its cooling radiator is up to 54mm, while the top accommodates up to 118mm. Conversely, when the motherboard is elevated to its highest position, the top can fit a fan and radiator combo up to 46mm thick, with a generous 126mm of space available at the bottom. Regardless of the setup, there’s ample space provided. These adjustments are primarily aimed at enhancing space efficiency, especially for custom liquid cooling solutions.
When the motherboard is set to its lowest configuration, there’s room for two 120mm fans at the back. Additionally, there’s a clearance of 54mm at the bottom. If you’re considering a 360mm radiator without interference with the motherboard’s underside pins, even more space can be utilized.
Improved hard drive expansion and cable management tips | Introduction to the backspace of O11 Dynamic EVO XL
The O11 Dynamic EVO features a rear compartment designed to accommodate up to four 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch hard drives, in addition to three standalone 2.5-inch drives. The hard drive bay has been reconfigured to slide out from the back panel rather than from the rear, and it now includes a hot-swap feature. Recognizing that many users tend to position their computers against a wall, which restricts rear access, the design has shifted the access panel to the side. This change not only conserves space but also simplifies the hard drive replacement process.
The cable shield offers mounting space for three 2.5-inch hard drives. Inside, there are three sets of double-layered cable management clasps designed to separate thicker cables from thinner ones. The design provides ample space, ensuring that even without meticulous cable management, the back panel can close easily.
The graphics card bracket is secured by two L-shaped baffles equipped with protrusions to prevent any lateral movement. This design allows for easy tool-free fixation of the graphics card, offering greater stability than the conventional screw-based methods. From the author’s experience, this approach was found to be highly user-friendly. Switching to the upright position, there’s no longer a need to deal with seven or eight screws while mounting the graphics card bracket, and the result is impressively stable.
O11 Dynamic EVO XL accessories include screws, instructions, der8auer co-branded metal stickers and case accessories.
O11 Dynamic EVO The graphics card clamps securely and supports even in reverse mode.
Three graphics card placement modes: horizontal, vertical, and vertical | O11 Dynamic EVO XL optional accessories introduction
The O11 Dynamic EVO XL retains the three graphics card configurations from the O11D EVO: the standard direct-plug horizontal setup, the upright configuration, and the vertical arrangement. For the latter two configurations, additional brackets and PCIe extension cables need to be purchased separately.
The upright graphics card configuration supports 4-slot PCIe and offers adjustable height. The distance from the base ranges from a minimum of 41.2mm to a maximum of 153.8mm. The package includes a 200mm PCIe 4.0 x 16 extension cable. Upon installation, it was noted that the extension cable provided has a generous length, suggesting that positioning it at the lowest point offers a more aesthetically pleasing setup.
When using the vertical orientation for the graphics card, users can opt for the IO to face either upwards or downwards. However, due to the principles of heat pipe cooling, some graphics cards may experience reduced cooling efficiency with the IO facing upwards. Hence, it’s recommended to position the IO downwards. There’s an optional 900mm extended PCIe 4.0 x16 extension cable available, but care should be taken during installation to prevent excessive bending or tugging, which could lead to signal issues.
The vertical bracket is affixed to the side fan bracket. Begin by installing the graphics card onto the bracket, then secure the bracket to the case. Depending on the graphics card’s orientation, the required length of the PCIe extension cable may vary. This discrepancy might be attributed to the separate sales of the bracket and extension cable. Additionally, users might find it a bit cumbersome to connect and disconnect display cables.
For those considering a vertical stand setup, it’s advisable to opt for a motherboard with a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot positioned at the bottom. This helps avoid the unsightly exposure of a lengthy extension cable if the slot is located at the top.
O11 Dynamic EVO XL actual installation and lighting effect display
Given the large O11 Dynamic EVO XL, it can comfortably house three 420mm radiators. Accommodating an E-ATX motherboard and graphics cards up to 460mm in length is no challenge. In my installation test, I employed a black and white theme, fitted a 360mm AIO cooler, and added six 120mm fans. Despite this, the setup appeared somewhat sparse. For a more visually striking effect, I’d suggest opting for 140mm fans.
The openings are 14% denser and the airflow is upgraded | O11 Dynamic
EVO The chassis has a basic heat dissipation configuration, and the graphics card is installed vertically.
Test platform:
Processor: Intel Core i9-13900K
Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix Z790-A GAMING WIFI II
Graphics card: ASRock Radeon RX 7800 XT Steel Legend
Memory: CORSAIR DOMINATOR TITANIUM DDR5 7200MT/s 24GBx2
Operating system: Windows 11 PRO 23H2
radiator: Lianli GALAHAD II LCD 360
power supply: Seasonic Focus 1000W
Intel i9-13900K Unlocked power consumption The temperature under the wall unsurprisingly exceeded Baidu. At this time, the power consumption reached 312W, which is already a very good performance. The 7800XT is the whole process. It’s close to 60 degrees, which is very cool. The heat dissipation performance of a large-sized case basically depends on the heat dissipation ability of the radiator itself. With so many fans, heat dissipation will not be a problem.
Summary
The Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO XL stands out as the premier panoramic case in the market. When considering playability, expandability, and overall build quality, it truly is unparalleled. I seldom use the term “best” for a product, but it’s a rarity to encounter a case with such extensive modifications, unexpected intricate designs, and exquisite craftsmanship. Lian Li seems to be in a league of its own, outdoing even themselves.
While the black variant of the O11 Dynamic EVO does employ an aluminum plate, it’s adorned with a spray paint finish. For those who have an affinity for the white aesthetic, considering a black-and-white combination, as seen in this setup, can introduce a more nuanced and layered appearance.
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Title: Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO XL: The Pinnacle of Panoramic PC Cases in 2023