Friday, February 11th 2022
Lian Li 2022 Digital Expo Teases with New Prototypes and Soon-to-be-Released Products
LIAN LI Industrial Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of aluminium chassis and PC accessories, premieres the LIAN LI 2022 DIGITAL EXPO at 9 am EST on YouTube (here). A 2-part video series, LIAN LI gives further updates on Lancool III, V3000 PLUS, and UNI FAN SL INFINITY, and unveils 2 prototypes with the UNI FAN P28, STRIMER PLUS V2, and L-Connect 3 with a complete tour of the new ARGB software.
LANCOOL III: Since its first appearance at the LIAN LI 2021 DIGITAL EXPO 2.0, the LANCOOL III's prototype received many updates. The LANCOOL III is expected to be available in an RGB and non-RGB version, both versions with 3 pre-installed 140 mm PWM fans. Here are the updates:
The V3000 PLUS is a dual system chassis designed with modern features. Returning with a few updates from LIAN LI's previous EXPO, the V3000 PLUS is close to completion. Here are the improvements:
The refined prototype of the new UNI FAN SL120 INFINITY takes the UNI FAN concept to another level with improved looks, cable management, and compatibility. Here is a list of improvements:
The UNI FAN P28 brings the UNI FAN interlocking concept to a higher level of performance and lower noise, but still has the option of added aRGB as an option.
Well known for its ability to elevate the RGB factor of any build, the STRIMER PLUS V2 is packed with improvements, including:
LIAN LI's RGB software is now capable of full control of products within LIAN LI's ecosystem and becomes the one-stop-shop for RGB control.
- Revised opening mechanism for side tempered glass panels using front handles with continuous aluminium edges to unlock.
- All-around 360 radiator support.
- Front panel lever to release the front multidirectional radiator bracket.
- Adjustable cable pass-through bar with larger rubber grommets for longer and bulkier extension cables.
- Adjustable and removable PSU shroud top panel.
- Modular and removable drive cages to improve airflow from the PSU shroud.
- Revised right-side shroud panel with removable SSD support.
- Improved cable management with multi-layer velcro straps.
The V3000 PLUS is a dual system chassis designed with modern features. Returning with a few updates from LIAN LI's previous EXPO, the V3000 PLUS is close to completion. Here are the improvements:
- Front, top, and shroud side panel mesh design optimized to improve airflow.
- Left and right side tempered glass panels, with new push-lock mechanism.
- Light projection LIAN LI logo under the front panel.
- Revised top IO layout with toggle switch to control the power and reset buttons from the primary system to the secondary system.
- Front side multidirectional bracket for flexible radiator/fan thickness support.
- Relocatable drive cages from PSU shroud to the main chamber beside the motherboard.
- Toolless SSD trays behind the motherboard tray.
The refined prototype of the new UNI FAN SL120 INFINITY takes the UNI FAN concept to another level with improved looks, cable management, and compatibility. Here is a list of improvements:
- Infinity mirrors at the front center and side edges.
- Slim and bright narrow light grooves along the front edges of the fan.
- Thinner fan cluster power module relocated to the center of the fan frame, and features two-way cable orientation.
- Removable fan interlocking key.
- PWM and ARGB cables combined into a single one.
- Revised UNI HUB with support for two GALAHAD AIO pump ARGB.
The UNI FAN P28 brings the UNI FAN interlocking concept to a higher level of performance and lower noise, but still has the option of added aRGB as an option.
- 28 mm thick fan made with fluid dynamic bearings, metal-bearing shell, top plated iron shell, and harder build materials, resulting in less vibration and distortion.
- Smaller power module connection that is embedded into the fan, as well as removable interlocking keys for optimal clearance with radiator fitting.
- Users have the option to modify the sides of the fan with an aRGB accessory that replaces the aluminium decorative strip of the UNI FAN P28.
Well known for its ability to elevate the RGB factor of any build, the STRIMER PLUS V2 is packed with improvements, including:
- Silicon-covered power cables for a thinner profile and more flexibility.
- Upgraded diffuser strip, allowing the lighting effect to also shine through the side, stepping up the "wow" effect.
- Both GPU versions of the STRIMER PLUS V2 feature separate 6+2pins for better compatibility and easier installation on GPUs where power connectors are further apart.
- Supported by the latest L-Connect 3 software to individually control each RGB channel on the 24pin, 2x8pin, and 3x8pin.
LIAN LI's RGB software is now capable of full control of products within LIAN LI's ecosystem and becomes the one-stop-shop for RGB control.
- Complete system information, configurable fan profiles according to GPU or CPU temperatures.
- Individual effects for SL120s, AL120s, SL INFINITY, STRIMER PLUS.
- Quick sync of effects throughout your system.
- Auto controller firmware update and software update.
- Customizable speed profile names, cluster names, temperature settings, and languages.
20 Comments on Lian Li 2022 Digital Expo Teases with New Prototypes and Soon-to-be-Released Products
But in general, there is still a lot possible in fan-design and optimization, even for the "standard thickness" (but all of this depends on how much money can be made to (re)cover the research/design-effort) so we'll see what they did with those 3mm / what they use this "additional real-estate" for :)
There will start to be diminishing returns as the fan gets heavier for example, but they can also just pull more power to achieve the same speed, and then there goes the possibility to daisy chain multiple fans or here come 2A rated headers and blowymatrons on regular computers :D
But OTOH, I really like the uni-fan idea, which IMHO, is a very nice and welcomed step forward (and for a reasonable price too) for those of us who intend to use 240-360mm cooling set-ups, so there's that :)
Also, anyone remember the old Triebwerk 55mm thick static pressure fans that competed against the likes of Nidec's original GTs? They were a joint project between Feser and Noiseblocker (same company behind the NB eLoops) and was one of the first to feature daisy-chained connectors.
I wonder what kind of performance could be had with modern fan modeling and construction techniques in the 28-55mm thick range. EK had a piss-poor attempt with the Meltemi, but Phanteks came out years later with an absolute killer. Now I wonder what could Noctua do if so inclined, and if someone else would get Nidec to release consumer grade variants of their own 38mm fan line, using consumer PWM instead of enterprise PWM control.
Lian Li's only good looking designs left are their ITX options. The PC case industry is really in a pretty sad state.
Blue gives more cooling.
Red gives more gigahertz.
Green gives more NVidia points to make your NVidia GPU go faster.
What they showed here is just lazy unimaginative rehashes from the last 10 years with 15% more RGB and glass.
Also expecting to see the Fractal Torrent copied en masse, WRT relocation of the PSU to the top of the case. Everything old is new again...
Was considering the PC-O11 Dynamic EVO but am not prepared to pay more than what the original O11D cost for what are evolutionary improvements (noteworthy improvements, but still evolutionary). For now I'm just gonna stick with my plain O11D and tweak some of the problem areas with 3D printing.