ROG Strix LC III: A Premium Liquid Cooler Review

Asus ROG Strix LC III 360 ARGB LCD: Liquid Cooling Gets a Visual Upgrade

Paris, France – Asus has officially launched its ROG Strix LC III 360 ARGB LCD liquid cooler, promising a potent blend of performance and aesthetics for demanding PC builds. the cooler, manufactured by Asetek (Gen7 V2 pump), is now available for purchase at a price of €239.90.

The ROG Strix LC III 360 ARGB LCD immediatly stands out with its integrated LCD screen, offering a customizable visual element to any gaming rig. Beyond the eye-catching display and ROG-themed aesthetics, the cooler boasts extraordinary specifications. It features a 360mm radiator, supported by three ROG Strix OF-12s RGB fans, ensuring efficient heat dissipation.

Key Specifications:

Dimensions: 394 x 121 x 27 mm
Pipe Diameter: 6 mm internal
Fans: 3 x ROG Strix OF-12s RGB
Socket Compatibility:
AMD: AM5/AM4
Intel: LGA1851, 1700, 1200, 115x
Warranty: 6 years
Price: €239.90

beyond the Hype: Why Custom Liquid cooling is Trending

The ROG Strix LC III 360 ARGB LCD arrives amidst a growing trend of sophisticated liquid cooling solutions. While air coolers remain a viable option for many, high-end processors – especially those geared towards gaming and content creation – increasingly demand the superior thermal performance of liquid cooling.

Liquid coolers offer several advantages:

Enhanced Heat Dissipation: Liquid absorbs heat more efficiently than air, allowing for lower CPU temperatures.
Overclocking Potential: Lower temperatures unlock greater overclocking potential, boosting performance.
Reduced Noise: Liquid cooling systems can frequently enough operate more quietly than high-performance air coolers.
Aesthetics: As demonstrated by the ROG Strix LC III, liquid coolers can considerably enhance the visual appeal of a PC build.

AsetekS Gen7 V2 Pump: The Heart of the System

The choice of Asetek’s Gen7 V2 pump is noteworthy. Asetek is a leading manufacturer of liquid cooling components, known for its reliability and performance.The Gen7 V2 pump is designed for quiet operation and efficient coolant flow, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the ROG Strix LC III.

Long-term Reliability: A Six-Year Warranty

Asus’s confidence in the ROG Strix LC III 360 ARGB LCD is underscored by its generous six-year warranty. This extended warranty provides peace of mind for users investing in a premium cooling solution.

The ROG Strix LC III 360 ARGB LCD represents a compelling option for PC enthusiasts seeking a balance of performance,aesthetics,and reliability. Its customizable LCD screen and robust cooling capabilities position it as a strong contender in the competitive liquid cooling market.

What are the available radiator sizes for the ASUS ROG Strix LC III series?

Unboxing and Initial Impressions: ASUS ROG Strix LC III Series

The ASUS ROG Strix LC III series liquid coolers represent a meaningful step up in cooling performance and aesthetics. Available in 240mm, 280mm, and 360mm radiator sizes, this AIO (All-in-One) cooler aims to deliver remarkable thermal management for high-end CPUs, including the latest Intel and AMD processors. The packaging is typical ROG – premium, robust, and clearly indicating the radiator size and included components.

Inside the box, you’ll find:

The ROG Strix LC III cooler assembly (pump block and radiator)

Three or more ARGB fans (depending on radiator size)

Mounting hardware for various Intel and AMD sockets

Thermal paste (pre-applied to the pump block)

Documentation and ROG stickers

The build quality is instantly apparent. The radiator is well-constructed with a dense fin stack, and the pump block features a sleek, minimalist design with customizable RGB lighting. The included fans are also high-quality, boasting a robust frame and optimized blade design for both airflow and static pressure.

Design and Key Features

The ROG Strix LC III distinguishes itself through several key design choices. The pump block incorporates a redesigned cold plate for improved contact with the CPU IHS (Integrated Heat Spreader). This, combined with the high-flow rate pump, contributes to superior heat transfer.

Here’s a breakdown of notable features:

ROG Pump Block: Features a redesigned cold plate and addressable RGB lighting.

ROG Radiator: High fin density radiator designed for optimal heat dissipation.

ROG ARGB Fans: optimized fan blades for high static pressure and quiet operation. Customizable RGB lighting synchronized with other ROG components.

Reinforced Tubing: Durable, low-permeation tubing for long-term reliability.

Socket Compatibility: Broad compatibility with Intel LGA 1700/1200/115x and AMD AM5/AM4 sockets.

Performance Testing & Thermal Results

We tested the ROG Strix LC III 360mm with an Intel Core i9-13900K and an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D on an ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero motherboard. testing methodology involved running Prime95 and cinebench R23 for extended periods, monitoring CPU temperatures using HWMonitor and Core Temp. Ambient temperature was maintained at 22°C.

Intel Core i9-13900K Results:

Idle: 32-35°C

Load (Prime95): 82-85°C (Maximum)

Load (Cinebench R23): 78-80°C

AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D Results:

Idle: 30-33°C

Load (Prime95): 75-78°C (Maximum)

Load (Cinebench R23): 72-75°C

These results demonstrate the ROG Strix LC III’s exceptional cooling capabilities.Compared to high-end air coolers and previous-generation AIOs, the LC III consistently delivered lower temperatures under heavy load, allowing for sustained boost clocks and improved system stability. The 360mm model, in particular, excelled in managing the thermal output of the i9-13900K, a notoriously power-hungry processor.

Noise Levels and Fan Control

The included ROG ARGB fans strike a good balance between performance and noise.At maximum speed, they are audible, but not overly intrusive. However, the fans offer excellent PWM control, allowing for precise speed adjustments via ASUS’s Armoury Crate software.

Low Fan Speed (under 800 RPM): Virtually silent.

Medium Fan Speed (800-1500 RPM): Quiet and suitable for general use.

* High Fan speed (1500-2000 RPM): Noticeable, but acceptable for demanding workloads.

armoury Crate provides complete fan curve customization options,enabling users to tailor the cooling profile to their specific needs and preferences. the ability to prioritize silence or performance is a significant advantage.

RGB Lighting and Software Integration

The ROG Strix LC III’s RGB lighting is fully customizable through ASUS armoury Crate. users can choose from a wide range of colors, effects, and synchronization options. The lighting integrates seamlessly with other ROG components, creating a cohesive and visually appealing aesthetic.

Armoury crate also provides monitoring of coolant temperature, pump speed, and fan speeds. The software is generally user-pleasant, although some users have reported occasional stability issues.

Long-Term Reliability and Maintenance

AIO liquid coolers require minimal maintenance. However, its crucial to monitor coolant levels periodically (although the LC III is a closed-loop system, long-term degradation is possible).ASUS provides a 3-year warranty on the ROG Strix LC III, offering peace of mind.

Practical Tip: Dust the radiator fins regularly to maintain