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Cooler Master HAF 500 vs Lian Li A3 mATX: Comparison
Cooler Master HAF 500 vs Lian Li A3 mATX gpu clearance compared
The gap that matters here is gpu clearance: Cooler Master HAF 500 400 mm against Lian Li A3 mATX 335 mm, which puts Cooler Master HAF 500 16% ahead. They differ on motherboard support too, E-ATX, ATX, mATX, ITX on the Cooler Master HAF 500 versus Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX on the Lian Li A3 mATX. There is a split on case type as well, Mid-Tower on the Cooler Master HAF 500 versus Micro-ATX Tower on the Lian Li A3 mATX. Panel type is not the same on both, Polygonal mesh front, tempered glass side on the Cooler Master HAF 500 versus Interchangeable mesh or tempered glass panels on the Lian Li A3 mATX.
Who each one is for
The Cooler Master HAF 500 is the one to take for high-wattage airflow builds and E-ATX boards in a mid-tower footprint, though it is not the pick for noise-sensitive environments and showcase RGB builds without extra fans. The Lian Li A3 mATX suits mATX builds that need real GPU and cooler clearance and builders who want to change the case's look later, though it is the wrong buy for full ATX or E-ATX motherboard builds and anyone on a tight budget. Our rating of the Cooler Master HAF 500 (8/10): A strong airflow mid-tower for people who like the HAF 700's looks but not its size. Our rating of the Lian Li A3 mATX (8/10): A genuinely well thought-out compact case, best suited to a mATX build that still wants room for a full-size GPU and cooler.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Cooler Master HAF 500 and Lian Li A3 mATX differ on cpu cooler clearance?
Yes. CPU Cooler Clearance reads 175 mm on the Cooler Master HAF 500 versus 165 mm on the Lian Li A3 mATX.
Is the Front USB-C the same on the Cooler Master HAF 500 and Lian Li A3 mATX?
It is. Both are listed at Yes, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Motherboard Support
- Cooler Master HAF 500
- E-ATX, ATX, mATX, ITX
- Lian Li A3 mATX
- Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
Case Type
- Cooler Master HAF 500
- Mid-Tower
- Lian Li A3 mATX
- Micro-ATX Tower
Panel Type
- Cooler Master HAF 500
- Polygonal mesh front, tempered glass side
- Lian Li A3 mATX
- Interchangeable mesh or tempered glass panels
GPU Clearance
- Cooler Master HAF 500
- 400 mmBest
- Lian Li A3 mATX
- 335 mm-16%
CPU Cooler Clearance
- Cooler Master HAF 500
- 175 mmBest
- Lian Li A3 mATX
- 165 mm-6%
Included Fans
- Cooler Master HAF 500
- 3Best
- Lian Li A3 mATX
- 0
Radiator Support
- Cooler Master HAF 500
- Front up to 360mm, top up to 360mm
- Lian Li A3 mATX
- Front 240/280mm, Top 240mm
Front USB-C
- Cooler Master HAF 500
- Yes
- Lian Li A3 mATX
- Yes
Which one should you pick?
Choose Cooler Master HAF 500 if you want the higher GPU clearance (400 mm vs 335 mm), the higher CPU cooler clearance (175 mm vs 165 mm) and the higher included fans (3 vs 0).
Choose Lian Li A3 mATX if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Cooler Master HAF 500 | Lian Li A3 mATX |
|---|---|---|
| Cooler Master Store | $140.00 View on Cooler Master Store | |
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Lian Li Store | View on Lian Li Store |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
Cooler Master HAF 500
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A strong airflow mid-tower for people who like the HAF 700's looks but not its size.
Lian Li A3 mATX
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A genuinely well thought-out compact case, best suited to a mATX build that still wants room for a full-size GPU and cooler.