The Lian Li Lancool 216 is the objective winner of this comparison, securing seven out of eight total specification categories. Its most significant advantage over the competition is its maximum cooler height, which is 227% greater than that of the alternative. While the Lian Li A4-H2O offers a 50% advantage in 2.5-inch drive bays, it falls behind in the majority of measured specifications, making the Lancool 216 the superior choice for overall hardware compatibility.

Users prioritizing high-performance cooling solutions should select the Lian Li Lancool 216 to take advantage of its superior clearance for large coolers. Conversely, the Lian Li A4-H2O is the better option for builders who specifically require a higher capacity for 2.5-inch storage drives. Choosing between these two cases depends entirely on whether your build prioritizes internal drive expansion or the ability to accommodate significantly larger cooling hardware.