Lian Li Lancool III · Matte Black
Mid-tower
Fractal North
Mid-tower
Fractal North takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Lian Li Lancool III · Matte Black lands at 90 and Fractal North at 92. That puts Fractal North ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Lian Li Lancool III · Matte Black if…
- ✓Tool-less panels on most
- ✓Cable-management channels
- ✓Dust filters
Pick Fractal North if…
- ✓Tool-less panels on most
- ✓Cable-management channels
- ✓Dust filters
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testAirflow
Fractal NorthCompared on the airflow sub-score
Fractal North leads on airflow (92 vs 90).
Build
Fractal NorthCompared on the build sub-score
Fractal North leads on build (90 vs 88).
Features
TieCompared on the features sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
Fractal NorthSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Fractal North more score per dollar ($139 vs $179).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Lian Li Lancool III · Matte Black | Fractal North |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mid-tower | Mid-tower |
Lian Li Lancool III · Matte Black
- +Tool-less panels on most
- +Cable-management channels
- +Dust filters
- −Fan inclusion varies
- −GPU clearance limits for triple-slot cards
- −Weight on glass panels
Fractal North
- +Tool-less panels on most
- +Cable-management channels
- +Dust filters
- −Fan inclusion varies
- −GPU clearance limits for triple-slot cards
- −Weight on glass panels
FAQ: Lian Li Lancool III · Matte Black vs Fractal North
Which is better, Lian Li Lancool III · Matte Black or Fractal North? +
Fractal North scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Lian Li Lancool III · Matte Black worth the price? +
At $179, Lian Li Lancool III · Matte Black delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in airflow.
Is Fractal North worth the price? +
At $139, Fractal North delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in airflow.
Does Lian Li Lancool III · Matte Black or Fractal North last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for airflow, Lian Li Lancool III · Matte Black or Fractal North? +
Fractal North — leads on airflow (92 vs 90). Compared on the airflow sub-score.
Which is better for build, Lian Li Lancool III · Matte Black or Fractal North? +
Fractal North — leads on build (90 vs 88). Compared on the build sub-score.