A Closer Look - Outside

Out of the box, the Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO XL looks quite similar to the current non-XL model, while having some noticeable visual differences to its original non-EVO variant. That makes sense as the O11 Dynamic EVO came out several years after the original, and better represents Lian Li's current design language.


While the front of the case still sports the familiar split with glass on the left and an aluminium panel on the right, Lian Li has incorporated the corner power button and RGB controls on the side to keep any visual noise to a minimum. While the Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO XL does not come with any fans, it does have a clean RGB LED strip in-between the two materials which is hooked up to the built-in controllers. Looking at the rear of the case, it becomes crystal clear that the EVO version of this chassis is far more intricate than its predecessor. It is divided up in several modular segments and the engineering is meant to allow you to flip your motherboard upside down if you so desire.


The I/O panel may be detached and re-positioned to the left or the rear of the chassis. The left-facing position could be useful to provide access if your desktop layout has the case on a slim table without much depth. The rear location is needed for when you flip the motherboard on its head.


The glass element continues on the main side of the chassis. Lian Li got rid of the black border on the edges of the two glass panels that touch to offer a more seamless aesthetic. On the other side, just like in the non-EVO version, there are two large vented areas in the otherwise solid metal panel. However, now these sport a fine mesh layout to allow for far better airflow. Two of the separately included magnetic dust filters are meant to be fitted just inside of these to keep dust and grime out of the case.


Out of the box, the main compartment features an upright layout which is split into three separate sections. On the bottom there is a strip, which means you should have no issues installing a potent liquid cooling assembly on the floor of the case while still enjoying the benefits of a full-size motherboard. The centerpiece comes with eight expansion slots, for even more vertical room In the very top, and there is another vented spacer piece to again provide loads of clearance for liquid cooling setups you may want to install in the ceiling of the Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO XL. You have total flexibility to move the motherboard up or down thanks to this modular setup as well, in case you want to go for some extreme liquid cooling setup at either the top or floor of the enclosure. With the board on the bottom, there is room for up to two 120 mm exhaust fans in the rear as an added benefit.


On the left, in the compartment behind the motherboard tray, you will see two vented sections - one each on the top and bottom, with the PSU bay straddled in the middle. These two areas hold the four 2.5/3.5" HDD cages.


There are two brushed aluminium panels on the top which are held in place with thumb screws. You may remove both of them to reveal a removable mounting bracket for up to three 140 mm fans or a radiator of up to 420 mm in size. The reason the slimmer piece may be removed is twofold. On one hand it needs to be removed if you plan to inverse your motherboard layout. On the other hand, doing so provides access to the dedicated pump or reservoir mounting holes that Lian Li has placed in this area.


Looking at the underside, Lian Li has ensured there is as much air flow here as possible. As it essentially mirrors the tooling found in the ceiling of the chassis, there is once again room for up to three 140 mm fans or a massive 420 mm radiator. A dust filter is pre-installed here, which can easily be pulled out the side for cleaning purposes.