Have you ever felt like you are in love with something but at the same time, you hate it? That is how I feel about Lian Li TU150 builds. As a PC enthusiast, I have built many rigs over the years, but none of them have taken over my life like the TU150.
What is the Lian Li TU150?
Before jumping into the love-hate relationship, let me first introduce you to the Lian Li TU150. The TU150 is a mini-ITX case that packs a lot of punch. It supports full-size graphics cards, AIO water cooling, multiple storage drives, and has a stylish aluminum design.
However, building in the TU150 is not for the faint of heart. It requires careful planning and consideration of every component’s size and compatibility. This case is not forgiving to those who try to cut corners or rush through the building process.
The Love: Why I Can’t Get Enough of the TU150
The Stylish Design
One of the main reasons I fell in love with the TU150 is its design. The aluminum construction and handle give it a futuristic vibe, making it stand out from the traditional PC towers. Plus, it is portable, making it easy to bring to LAN parties or show off to friends.
Compatibility with High-End Components
Despite its small size, the TU150 can accommodate high-end components. I was able to fit an NVIDIA RTX 3080 and an Intel Core i9-10900K into my build without any issues. It also supports AIO water cooling, which keeps the temperature under control and makes the system quieter.
The Challenge
Building in the TU150 is like solving a puzzle. It requires careful planning and consideration of every component’s size and compatibility. The challenge of fitting everything into the small case is what keeps me coming back for more. It’s a test of my skills and knowledge, and when I successfully complete a build, it gives me a sense of accomplishment.
The Community
The TU150 has a dedicated community of enthusiasts who share their builds and experiences. I have learned a lot from browsing Reddit and watching YouTube videos of other builds. It’s great to see how different people approach building in the TU150 and the creative ways they solve problems.
The Hate: What Drives Me Crazy About the TU150
The Cable Management
Cable management is crucial in any build, but it’s especially challenging in a mini-ITX case. The TU150 is no exception. There is limited space for cables, and if you don’t take the time to manage them properly, it can lead to poor airflow and increased temperatures. It can take hours to get the cables just right, and even then, it’s not always perfect.
The Limited Space
As much as I love the challenge of building in the TU150, the limited space can be frustrating. It requires careful planning and consideration of the size and compatibility of every component, which can be time-consuming. You have to be very picky about the parts you use because not everything will fit.
The Price
The TU150 is not a cheap case. Its price makes it an aspirational purchase for many PC enthusiasts. I have spent thousands of dollars on my builds, but the TU150 is one of the most expensive components I own. Although it’s worth it in my opinion, it’s still a significant investment.
Final Thoughts: Why I Will Continue to Build in the TU150
Despite the challenges, the love I have for the TU150 outweighs the hate. I will continue to build in this case because of the sense of accomplishment I get from completing a build and the community of enthusiasts who also love this case. If you are up for a challenge and want a unique and stylish case, then the TU150 is for you.
Helpful Table: Components that Fit in the Lian Li TU150 Case
| Component | Compatible |
|---|---|
| Graphics cards | Up to 320mm |
| Power Supplies | SFX or SFX-L |
| CPU Coolers | Up to 165mm |
| Radiators | Up to 240mm |
| Motherboards | Mini-ITX |
List 1: Pros and Cons of Building in the Lian Li TU150
Pros
- Stylish Design
- Compatibility with High-End Components
- The Challenge
- The Community
Cons
- The Cable Management
- The Limited Space
- The Price
List 2: Recommended Components for Building in the Lian Li TU150
- Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix Z490-I Gaming
- CPU: Intel Core i9-10900K
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3080
- RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 32GB
- AIO Cooler: NZXT Kraken X53
- SSD: Samsung 970 EVO Plus
- Power Supply: Corsair SF750
References
- Lian Li TU150 – https://www.lian-li.com/pc-tu150/
- Reddit Build-in-the-TU150 Community – https://www.reddit.com/r/sffpc/
- ASUS ROG Strix Z490-I Gaming – https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/ROG-STRIX-Z490-I-GAMING/
- Corsair Vengeance LPX 32GB – https://www.corsair.com/us/en/Categories/Products/Memory/vengeance-lpx-black/p/CMK32GX4M2B3200C16
- NZXT Kraken X53 – https://www.nzxt.com/products/kraken-x53
- Samsung 970 EVO Plus – https://www.samsung.com/semiconductor/minisite/ssd/product/970evoplus/
- Corsair SF750 – https://www.corsair.com/us/en/Categories/Products/Power-Supply-Units/SF-Series™-80-PLUS-Platinum-Power-Supplies/p/CP-9020186-NA