L-connect wireless support via the built-in receiver in the front IO module Top buttons for RGB control
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) The Lancool 217 and the 217 INF are so close to each other in specs that the table above is nearly identical to the previous model. The major downside is that the 217 INF lacks the GPU-focused bottom-mounted 120mm fans (which you could add yourself, since the mounting holes are still there). And the price has gone up $5 over the non-RGB model. But with the infinity mirror, RGB fans, configurable front IO, and support for the company’s wireless fan and RGB control via a built-in receiver, the minor price jump hardly feels prohibitive given the added features.
Like its non-RGB sibling, the Lancool 217 INF offers lots of storage options for those who need more than just M.2 storage. Two removable drive bays in the bottom hold up to four total 3.5-inch drives. Two removable panels behind the motherboard can house 2.5-inch drives, and there are screw holes for mounting a third 2.5-inch SATA drive behind the GPU cooling fans, at the back of the PSU shroud.
Just note you'll need to remove one of the 3.5-inch drive sleds if you're using a long power supply. Even with the small Enermax Revolution D.F. power supply I used in the 217 build, it was helpful to remove the first drive cage to make room for cable clutter.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) Port selection on the 217 is pretty standard. But for a case that's just shy of 19 inches tall and 20 inches deep, the default location on the bottom side isn’t great unless you’re plopping this mid-tower on your desk. But unlike with the original 217, Lian Li lets you move the ports on the 217 INF up to the top. This isn’t exactly simple, as you have to remove basically all the panels, take out some screws, and remove all the front-panel wires through a hole in the front, then snake them through a hole in the top, re-attach the panel, and put everything back together.
All that took me about 10 minutes, even without looking at the manual, so it’s not exactly a chore. I don’t love the way the ports are recessed below the panel in their top spot, but I certainly welcome the ability to move the ports to a better position.
The Lancool 217's fans are the same 170 mm as the original model. But here they sport RGB and are embedded in the infinity mirror front. The fan covers, which look and feel a lot like speaker grilles, can be turned counter-clockwise and removed for cleaning.
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Reference reading
- https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/pc-cases/SPONSORED_LINK_URL
- https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/pc-cases/hands-on-with-its-rgb-and-infinity-mirror-lian-lis-lancool-217-inf-is-a-drastically-different-take-on-the-wood-clad-original-217#main
- https://www.tomshardware.com
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