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FormD T1 vs Lian Li A3 mATX: Comparison
FormD T1 vs Lian Li A3 mATX cpu cooler clearance compared
Cpu cooler clearance is where these two genuinely part company, FormD T1 71 mm against Lian Li A3 mATX 165 mm, a 57% lead for Lian Li A3 mATX. There is a split on motherboard support as well, Mini-ITX on the FormD T1 versus Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX on the Lian Li A3 mATX. Case type is not the same on both, SFF / Mini-ITX on the FormD T1 versus Micro-ATX Tower on the Lian Li A3 mATX. There is a split on panel type as well, CNC-milled solid aluminum panels on the FormD T1 versus Interchangeable mesh or tempered glass panels on the Lian Li A3 mATX.
Which should you buy, FormD T1 or Lian Li A3 mATX?
The FormD T1 suits ultra-compact SFF enthusiast builds and buyers who want machined aluminum build quality, though it is not the pick for first-time builders and anyone who wants fans included. The Lian Li A3 mATX is the one to take for mATX builds that need real GPU and cooler clearance and builders who want to change the case's look later, though it is not built for full ATX or E-ATX motherboard builds and anyone on a tight budget. Our rating of the FormD T1 (8/10): A cult favorite for a reason, just go in knowing you're buying a shell, not a complete kit. 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 FormD T1 and Lian Li A3 mATX differ on gpu clearance?
Yes. GPU Clearance reads 312 mm on the FormD T1 versus 335 mm on the Lian Li A3 mATX.
Is the Included Fans the same on the FormD T1 and Lian Li A3 mATX?
It is. Both are listed at 0, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Motherboard Support
- FormD T1
- Mini-ITX
- Lian Li A3 mATX
- Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
Case Type
- FormD T1
- SFF / Mini-ITX
- Lian Li A3 mATX
- Micro-ATX Tower
Panel Type
- FormD T1
- CNC-milled solid aluminum panels
- Lian Li A3 mATX
- Interchangeable mesh or tempered glass panels
GPU Clearance
- FormD T1
- 312 mm-7%
- Lian Li A3 mATX
- 335 mmBest
CPU Cooler Clearance
- FormD T1
- 71 mm-57%
- Lian Li A3 mATX
- 165 mmBest
Included Fans
- FormD T1
- 0
- Lian Li A3 mATX
- 0
Radiator Support
- FormD T1
- Side up to 240mm (panel swap required)
- Lian Li A3 mATX
- Front 240/280mm, Top 240mm
Front USB-C
- FormD T1
- Yes
- Lian Li A3 mATX
- Yes
Which one should you pick?
Choose FormD T1 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Lian Li A3 mATX if you want the higher GPU clearance (335 mm vs 312 mm) and the higher CPU cooler clearance (165 mm vs 71 mm).
Price comparison
| Retailer | FormD T1 | Lian Li A3 mATX |
|---|---|---|
| FormD | $220.00 View on FormD | |
| 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
FormD T1
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A cult favorite for a reason, just go in knowing you're buying a shell, not a complete kit.
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.