The Evolution of Small Form Factor PCs: DAN Cases’ Journey to the Affordable Lian Li DAN A3-mATX
In the world of PC building, small form factor (SFF) cases have carved out a niche for enthusiasts who crave powerful performance without sacrificing desk space. These compact chassis challenge traditional tower designs by packing high-end hardware into minimalist footprints, often prioritizing airflow, compatibility, and aesthetics. At the forefront of this movement is DAN Cases, a company founded by Daniel Hansen in 2016, known for pioneering ultra-compact enclosures that redefine what’s possible in SFF builds. From the groundbreaking A4-SFX series to the latest collaboration with Lian Li on the A3-mATX, DAN’s designs have evolved to balance innovation, quality, and accessibility. This article explores the history of DAN’s iconic A4-SFX line and how the affordable A3-mATX represents a new chapter in making SFF more approachable for builders of all levels.
- Supports ATX/SFX/SFX-L and Lian Li Edge power supply that can be mounted sideways or frontways
- Side and top panels are designed with steel mesh
- Wood front panel
- Accommodates M-ATX and ITX motherboard with 4 slots 415mm large GPU
- Supports up to 360 radiator and 10 x 120mm fans
The DAN A4-SFX Legacy: Pioneering Ultra-Compact Design
DAN Cases burst onto the scene with the A4-SFX, a case that set new standards for SFF enthusiasts by being one of the smallest gaming towers capable of housing standard high-end components. Launched via Kickstarter, the A4-SFX emphasized a sandwich-style layout, where the GPU and motherboard are separated by a riser cable, allowing for efficient use of space in a mere 7.2-liter volume.
The original A4-SFX v1 debuted in 2016 as a Kickstarter project, billed as “the world’s smallest gaming tower case.” 9 It supported mini-ITX motherboards, SFX power supplies, and dual-slot GPUs up to 295mm long, with no room for traditional fans—relying instead on component cooling and optional slim AIOs. This version quickly gained traction among builders seeking portability and minimalism, though it required careful component selection due to tight tolerances.
Building on feedback, the A4-SFX v2 arrived in 2017, also via Kickstarter, as an optimized iteration. 5 Key improvements included better cable management, refined power button placement, and enhanced compatibility for thicker GPUs (up to 45mm). It retained the classic aluminum construction and toolless design but addressed minor pain points like riser cable quality, making it more user-friendly for custom loops or high-performance builds.
The A4-SFX v3, released in 2018, introduced subtle but impactful changes, such as an upgraded Lian Li PCIe Gen 3 riser with black PCB and cables for better aesthetics and reliability. 1 The power button was refined for better tactile feedback, and overall build quality saw tweaks to reduce flex in the chassis. 2 This version became a favorite in the SFF community, with resellers like SFFLab and Overclockers UK stocking it, and it supported emerging hardware trends like Ryzen processors and NVIDIA’s RTX series.
Culminating the series, the A4-SFX v4 (and later v4.1) in 2019-2020 pushed boundaries further by adding PCIe Gen 4 support via an ADT riser, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C front I/O, and options for custom side panels. 1 3 It also included mounting points for a 92mm fan on the motherboard side and better AIO compatibility (up to 120mm). 4 These updates made it future-proof for faster storage and GPUs, while maintaining the premium aluminum build that defined DAN’s reputation. Throughout its versions, the A4-SFX emphasized high-quality materials, like anodized aluminum panels, and a focus on passive cooling potential, appealing to noise-sensitive users and overclockers alike.
DAN’s A4-SFX series wasn’t just about size; it fostered a community around SFF modding, with users sharing builds on forums like SFF.Network and Reddit’s r/sffpc. 0 However, its premium pricing and limited availability often made it a luxury item, prompting DAN to explore ways to broaden appeal.
The Partnership with Lian Li: Bridging Premium and Accessibility
Recognizing the demand for more affordable SFF options without compromising on design principles, DAN Cases partnered with Lian Li, a renowned manufacturer known for high-quality aluminum and mesh cases. This collaboration leverages DAN’s expertise in compact layouts with Lian Li’s mass-production capabilities and global distribution network. 30 The result? Cases that retain DAN’s innovative spirit but at a fraction of the cost, making SFF builds viable for budget-conscious enthusiasts.
This partnership builds on earlier ties—Lian Li supplied risers for the A4-SFX v3—evolving into full co-designs. 1 It’s a strategic move in an industry where SFF is growing, driven by powerful APUs, efficient cooling solutions, and the rise of home offices needing discreet yet capable PCs.
Introducing the Lian Li DAN A3-mATX: Affordable Versatility in SFF
The Lian Li DAN A3-mATX marks a significant shift from the ultra-compact A4-SFX, expanding to a 26.3-liter micro-ATX form factor while keeping costs low and compatibility high. 14 30 Designed collaboratively by Daniel Hansen and Lian Li, it’s manufactured by Lian Li, ensuring wide availability and consistent quality. 30 Unlike the premium aluminum of its predecessors, the A3-mATX uses steel construction with mesh panels for better ventilation and affordability, available in black, white, or even a stylish wood edition with walnut and beech accents. 30 23
At its core, the A3-mATX prioritizes flexibility. It supports micro-ATX and ITX motherboards with four expansion slots, accommodating GPUs up to 415mm long and 4.5 slots thick (or 3 slots with bottom fans installed). 16 30 CPU coolers can reach 165mm in height, and power supplies include ATX, SFX, or even Lian Li’s Edge series, with modular mounting options for optimal cable routing. 18 Storage is adaptable with three drive bays: two 2.5-inch SSDs on a tray and one additional 2.5-inch SSD or 3.5-inch HDD at the bottom. 30
Cooling is a standout feature, with support for up to ten 120mm fans or dual 360mm radiators (top and side), making it ideal for high-TDP components like modern CPUs and GPUs. 17 30 The mesh side, top, and optional bottom panels ensure excellent airflow, while toolless panel removal simplifies assembly. Front I/O includes USB 3.0 Type-A ports, USB 3.1 Type-C, audio jacks, and a power button for modern connectivity. 30
Measuring 443mm deep, 194mm wide, and 321.5mm tall (306mm without feet), it’s larger than the A4-SFX but still compact for a micro-ATX case, fitting on most desks without dominating space. 20 30 This size allows for broader hardware support, including full ATX PSUs up to 220mm and extensive radiator setups, bridging the gap between SFF purists and those needing more room for upgrades.
What makes the A3-mATX truly evergreen is its value proposition: it democratizes SFF by offering robust features at an entry-level price point, without the premium markup of earlier DAN cases. 21 24 It’s perfect for gamers, content creators, or anyone building a quiet, efficient rig that punches above its weight.
Why the A3-mATX Represents the Future of SFF
DAN Cases’ evolution from the niche, high-end A4-SFX to the versatile Lian Li DAN A3-mATX reflects broader trends in PC hardware: more efficient components, better thermal designs, and a push toward sustainability through smaller footprints. While the A4-SFX series will always hold a special place for purists seeking the absolute smallest builds, the A3-mATX opens the door to a wider audience, proving that SFF doesn’t have to be expensive or exclusive. Whether you’re upgrading from a bulky tower or dipping into compact computing for the first time, this collaboration showcases how innovation and affordability can coexist, ensuring DAN’s influence endures in the ever-shrinking world of PC cases.
