ASUS ROG Strix LC III 360 ARGB All-in-one CPU Liquid Cooler with 360° rotatable Water Block, Asetek’s New Gen7 v2 Pump, Premium ROG ARGB Fans, and 10+ Custom Aura Lighting Effects
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AI Verdict
This 360mm AIO with an Asetek Gen7 v2 pump and 0dB fans is for PC builders prioritizing cooling performance and ARGB aesthetics for high-end CPUs.
This cooler is a strong fit for users building high-end systems with powerful CPUs, especially those from the Intel LGA 1700/1851 or AMD AM5 platforms. Its Asetek Gen7 v2 pump and 360mm radiator are designed to handle significant heat loads, and the ARGB lighting integrates well with other ROG components.
If you're not pushing a high-end CPU or don't need the extensive ARGB, consider a 240mm AIO or a high-performance air cooler to save on cost.
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Pros
- New Asetek Gen7 v2 pump delivers an additional 100 watts of cooling capacity and 0.5°C lower temperatures compared to the Gen7 pump, ensuring efficient heat dissipation for demanding processors.
- Premium ROG ARGB fans feature 0dB technology, stopping completely at low CPU loads for silent operation, and include anti-vibration rubber dampeners to reduce noise.
- The water block has a 360° rotatable ROG logo with 10+ custom Aura lighting effects, offering extensive aesthetic customization and easy orientation.
- Installation is straightforward with clearly labeled mounting hardware and a pre-installed Intel bracket, simplifying the build process for both Intel and AMD platforms.
- Reinforced, sleeved tubing increases durability and provides a cleaner look within the PC case.
- Backed by a 6-year warranty, offering extended support and peace of mind.
Cons
- Some users report unusual noises, including buzzing, grinding, or a high-pitched whine from the pump, especially at certain RPMs or after initial use.
- Fans can produce a whistling sound at higher RPMs, which can be noticeable.
- Armoury Crate software can be problematic, with users reporting the cooler not appearing or issues with hardware monitor updates.
- The pump's RPM has been observed to reach 2,800 RPM, which is higher than the advertised fan max of 2,200 RPM, potentially contributing to noise.
Dimension Scores
The Asetek Gen7 v2 pump offers an additional 100 watts of cooling and 0.5°C lower temperatures compared to the previous generation, effectively cooling high-end CPUs even under overclocking.
While fans feature 0dB technology at low loads and anti-vibration rubber, users report buzzing, grinding, or whistling from the pump and fans at higher RPMs, with fan noise rated at 36dB(A) at max speed.
It features a copper cold plate, reinforced sleeved tubing, and a sturdy fan design with anti-vibration rubber, indicating a focus on durability and construction.
The cooler includes a fan splitter for simplified wiring and a long USB cable for the pump, making cable routing easier within the case.
Best For
- High-performance gaming PCs with overclocked Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9 processors.
- Custom PC builds where synchronized ARGB lighting and a cohesive ROG aesthetic are priorities.
- Users seeking a liquid cooler with a long warranty period for extended product support.
Not Recommended For
- Budget-conscious builders who don't require extreme cooling performance or extensive RGB customization.
- Users sensitive to pump or fan noise, particularly under load, due to reported buzzing, grinding, or whistling sounds.
Watch Out For
- Pump noise can manifest as a high-pitched whine at around 2300 RPM, even on replacement units, making it audible in quiet environments.
- Some users experience a grinding or gurgling noise from the pump after a month of use, which doesn't resolve with typical troubleshooting.
- Armoury Crate software occasionally fails to detect the liquid cooler, requiring troubleshooting like switching USB ports or reinstalling the software.
- The fans can produce a whistling sound that becomes more prominent as RPMs increase, even at 800 RPM.
- A 'CPU Fan Error' message may appear during startup if the BIOS isn't configured to ignore the CPU fan speed, despite the AIO functioning correctly.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 197105414600 |
| ASIN | B0CXLHPZH8 |
| Brand | ASUS |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Material | Copper |
| Item Weight | 5.19 pounds |
| Noise Level | 36 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | ASUS |
| Cooling Method | Water |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Air Flow Capacity | 70.38 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Item model number | ROG STRIX LC III 360 ARGB |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 15.9 x 8.3 x 5.5 inches |
| Power Connector Type | 3-Pin |
What Buyers Say
Users frequently highlight the straightforward installation process, noting the clearly labeled hardware and pre-installed Intel bracket make setup less of a headache. The cooler's ability to keep high-end CPUs, like Ryzen 9 and Core i9, cool even when overclocked is a recurring point of praise. However, a significant drawback mentioned is the recurring issue of pump noise, described as buzzing, grinding, or a high-pitched whine, which can be present even in replacement units. The Armoury Crate software also causes frustration for some, with detection problems and inconsistent hardware monitoring.
“Man, this thing cools my 14900K like a champ, no joke, but sometimes that pump just starts whining like a banshee, and Armoury Crate is always acting up, makes me want to throw my whole PC out the window.”
Common Praise
- Keeps Intel Core i9 and AMD Ryzen 9 processors at optimal temperatures, even under heavy loads and overclocking.
- Fans automatically stop at low CPU temperatures (0RPM mode) for completely silent operation during light use.
- The 360° rotatable water block with a magnetic design allows for easy logo alignment and flexible installation.
- ARGB lighting effects are customizable via Aura Sync and integrate well with other ASUS ROG components.
- Installation is simplified by clearly labeled parts and a pre-installed Intel mounting bracket.
Common Complaints
- Pump makes unusual noises like buzzing, grinding, or a high-pitched whine, sometimes persisting even after replacement.
- Fans can produce a whistling sound, especially noticeable at higher RPMs.
- Armoury Crate software frequently fails to detect the cooler or has issues with hardware monitoring updates.
- Some users report pump RPMs reaching 2,800 RPM, which can contribute to noise levels.
- 'CPU Fan Error' message in BIOS can be a persistent issue if not manually ignored.
Ownership Tips
- The pump's noise profile can change over time, sometimes developing a grinding or gurgling sound after a few weeks or months of use.
- Optimizing fan curves in BIOS or third-party software can help mitigate the whistling sound from the fans at higher RPMs.
- Connecting the pump's USB cable to a different motherboard header can sometimes resolve detection issues within Armoury Crate.
- The pre-applied thermal compound is convenient, but some users prefer to clean it off and apply their own for potentially better thermal transfer.
- Ensuring proper radiator orientation (tubes down if front-mounted) can help prevent air bubbles from accumulating in the pump, which can cause noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPU sockets is this cooler compatible with?
It's compatible with Intel LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, and 115x sockets, as well as AMD AM5 and AM4 sockets.
Does this cooler have a 0dB fan mode?
Yes, the premium ROG ARGB fans feature 0dB technology, meaning they automatically stop spinning when the CPU load is low, providing silent operation.
How long is the warranty for this liquid cooler?
ASUS provides a 6-year warranty for this liquid cooler.
Can I rotate the water block to adjust the ROG logo orientation?
Yes, the water block has a 360° rotatable ROG logo with a magnetic design, allowing you to easily adjust its orientation.
What are the dimensions of the radiator?
The radiator measures 394 mm in length, 121 mm in width, and 27 mm in height.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at liquid coolers like this, you're essentially buying a self-contained system to move heat away from your CPU. The '360' in the name means it has a 360mm radiator, which is a big chunk of metal with fins that air flows through, and it uses three 120mm fans. This size is usually for serious cooling needs, like if you're running a really hot CPU or pushing it hard with overclocking. The pump is the heart of it, circulating the liquid, and the fans push air through the radiator to cool that liquid down. It's all about keeping your CPU from getting too hot, which can slow down your whole system.
Asetek Gen7 v2 Pump
This is the engine of your cooler. A newer generation pump like the Gen7 v2 means it's more efficient at moving coolant, leading to better heat transfer and potentially quieter operation. Think of it like the engine in a car – a more advanced engine means better performance and fuel economy. This specific pump is capable of an additional 100 watts of cooling and 0.5°C lower temperatures compared to the previous version.
0dB Technology Fans
This isn't just about cooling; it's about silence. When your CPU isn't working hard (like browsing or watching videos), these fans will completely stop spinning. It's like your car's engine turning off at a stop light to save gas and reduce noise. This means your PC can be completely silent during light tasks.
360° Rotatable Water Block
The water block sits on your CPU and has the ROG logo. Being able to rotate it 360° means you can mount the cooler in any orientation in your case and still have the logo facing the right way up. It's a small detail, but it makes a big difference for aesthetics and installation flexibility, ensuring your build looks polished no matter how you orient the radiator.
Alternatives
If this cooler doesn't fit your needs, look for a 240mm or 280mm AIO for slightly less demanding CPUs or smaller cases, or a high-end air cooler if you prioritize absolute silence and don't mind a larger heatsink.
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