ASUS ROG Strix LC II 280 ARGB All-in-one Liquid CPU Cooler(AIO) with Aura Sync, AMD AM4/TR4, and Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/2066 Support, Dual ROG 140 mm addressable RGB Radiator Fans
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AI Verdict
This 280mm AIO with a 7th Gen Asetek pump and dual 140mm ARGB fans is for users needing serious CPU cooling and RGB aesthetics.
This AIO is a strong fit for high-end desktop systems needing robust thermal management for powerful CPUs like the Intel i9 or AMD Ryzen 9. Its 7th Gen Asetek pump and dual 140mm fans deliver effective cooling, keeping demanding processors well within operational temperature ranges. The ARGB lighting and reinforced tubing also cater to users who value both performance and aesthetics.
If you're building a compact system, look for a 240mm AIO with shorter tubing or a top-mounted radiator option to ensure compatibility.
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Pros
- Maintains a Ryzen 9 5950X between 39°C to 43°C during Lightroom use, indicating effective thermal management.
- Keeps an i9-11900K below 80°C under high load and within 60°C during gaming.
- Operates quietly, with users reporting 'whisper quiet' performance even at max fan speeds and 'almost silent' at idle.
- Features individually addressable RGB lighting on the pump cover and fans, supporting Aura Sync for synchronized effects.
- Includes reinforced, sleeved tubing for increased durability.
- Comes with a 6-year warranty, offering extended coverage.
Cons
- One user expressed 'gripes about hose length', suggesting potential installation challenges in some builds.
- The 35.7 dB(A) noise level, while manageable, might be noticeable under heavy load for some users.
- Requires specific motherboard headers for full ARGB control, which might not be available on older or budget boards.
Dimension Scores
The cooler keeps an i9-11900K below 80°C under high load and a Ryzen 9 5950X between 39°C to 43°C during Lightroom use.
Users report 'whisper quiet' operation even at max fan speeds and 'almost silent' at idle, with a rated maximum of 35.7 dB(A).
It features a 7th Gen Asetek pump, reinforced sleeved tubing, and a 6-year warranty, indicating a focus on durability and component quality.
The inclusion of 1-to-2 fan splitter and 1-to-4 ARGB splitter cables helps with managing connections, but the tubing length can be a point of contention for some builds.
Best For
- High-performance gaming PCs with Intel i9 or AMD Ryzen 9 CPUs that generate significant heat.
- Custom PC builds where synchronized RGB lighting and aesthetics are a priority.
- Workstations running CPU-intensive applications like video editing or 3D rendering.
- Users seeking a liquid cooling solution with a long warranty period.
Not Recommended For
- Budget-focused builds where air cooling or smaller AIOs would suffice.
- Compact ITX cases that may not accommodate a 280mm radiator and its tubing.
- Users who prioritize absolute silence above all else, as 35.7 dB(A) is not inaudible.
Watch Out For
- Hose length might be restrictive for certain case layouts, potentially complicating radiator placement or tube routing.
- The pump's operating range starts at 840 rpm, which might not be silent enough for extremely noise-sensitive environments.
- ARGB lighting requires compatible motherboard headers or a separate controller for full customization, which isn't included.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 195553036726 |
| ASIN | B0966YTZDQ |
| Brand | ASUS |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 50 KW |
| Material | Plastic |
| Item Weight | 5.51 pounds |
| Noise Level | 35.7 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | ASUS |
| Cooling Method | Fan, Water |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Air Flow Capacity | 102.3 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Item model number | ROG STRIX LC II 280 ARGB |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 12.6"L x 4.72"W x 7.87"H |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 840 RPM |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00195553036726 |
What Buyers Say
Users are consistently impressed with this cooler's ability to manage CPU temperatures, even with demanding processors like the Ryzen 9 5950X and Intel i9-11900K. Many highlight its quiet operation, noting it's 'whisper quiet' even when fans are running at full speed. The ARGB lighting is a frequently mentioned positive, adding a visual flair that complements ROG motherboards. Installation is generally considered straightforward, though one user did mention 'gripes about hose length' which could be a factor in some cases.
“Dude, this thing keeps my i7 13th gen so chill, it's barely making a sound even when I'm gaming hard, and the RGB just pops.”
Common Praise
- Maintains low temperatures for high-end CPUs like Ryzen 9 5950X and i9-11900K.
- Operates very quietly, even under load, with 'almost silent' idle performance.
- ARGB lighting on the pump and fans looks sharp and integrates well with Aura Sync.
- Installation is straightforward for most users.
- Reinforced, sleeved tubing feels durable and contributes to longevity.
- The 6-year warranty provides peace of mind.
Common Complaints
- One user found the hose length to be a minor issue during installation.
- The 35.7 dB(A) noise level, while low, isn't completely silent, which might bother some.
- Requires specific motherboard headers for full ARGB control, which could be a limitation for some systems.
Ownership Tips
- The pre-applied thermal paste simplifies initial setup, but you'll need to re-apply if you ever remove the block.
- The 140mm fans move a lot of air without sounding like a jet engine, which is a big win for daily use.
- Aura Sync integration is seamless if you're already in the ASUS ecosystem, making RGB control easy.
- The reinforced tubing feels sturdy, reducing worries about leaks over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPU sockets does this cooler support?
It supports a wide range of Intel sockets including LGA 1700, 1200, 115x, 2011, 2011-3, and 2066, as well as AMD sockets AM5, AM4, and TR4.
How quiet is the cooler?
Users have described it as 'whisper quiet' even at maximum fan speeds and 'almost silent' at idle. The pump starts at 840 rpm, and the fans have a maximum noise level of 35.7 dB(A).
Does it come with thermal paste?
Yes, the CPU liquid cooler comes with pre-applied thermal compound.
What is the warranty period?
The cooler is backed by a 6-year warranty.
Can I control the RGB lighting?
Yes, it features individually addressable RGB lighting on the pump cover and fans, and supports ASUS Aura Sync for customization.
What are the dimensions of the radiator?
The radiator measures 143 x 315 x 30 mm and is made of aluminum.
Buying Guide
When looking at AIO coolers, you're essentially buying a self-contained liquid cooling system for your CPU. The size, like this 280mm model, refers to the radiator, which dictates how much heat it can dissipate and what cases it will fit into. You need to check your PC case's compatibility for 280mm radiators, both for mounting locations (top, front) and clearance. Also, consider the noise levels, as even 'quiet' fans and pumps still make some sound, especially under load.
7th Gen Asetek pump
This is the heart of the AIO, circulating coolant. A newer generation pump, like this 7th Gen Asetek, generally means better efficiency and lower noise compared to older designs, like a car engine that's been refined over years for better fuel economy and a smoother ride.
140mm ARGB Radiator Fans
Larger fans, like these 140mm ones, can move more air at lower RPMs than smaller fans, which often translates to better cooling performance with less noise. ARGB means you can customize the lighting colors and effects, similar to having individually addressable LED strips in your room.
Socket Compatibility (LGA 1700, AM5, etc.)
This tells you which CPU types the cooler can physically mount to. It's like checking if a car seat fits your specific car model; if it doesn't match your CPU socket, you can't install it. This cooler supports a wide range of current and older Intel and AMD sockets.
Alternatives
If you need even more cooling capacity for extreme overclocking or hotter CPUs, look for 360mm AIOs. For smaller cases or tighter budgets, consider 240mm AIOs or high-performance air coolers.
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