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The ASUS ROG Strix LCII 360 is the latest mid-range all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooler from ASUS, building upon the foundation laid by its predecessor and incorporating several notable improvements. This review takes a closer look at its design, features, and performance, assessing its value proposition in the competitive AIO cooler market.

ASUS ROG Strix LCII 360 Packaging

The Strix LCII 360 arrives in eye-catching packaging, a departure from the previous generation’s more conventional design. The black box features a vibrant purple and pink color scheme, adorned with intricate, color-shifting patterns that evoke a distinct “technopunk” aesthetic. The rear of the box provides a detailed view of the cooler and highlights its key features, most notably the integration of Asetek’s 7th-generation pump.

ASUS ROG Strix LCII 360 Internal Packaging

This latest pump technology from the Danish cooling specialists promises quieter operation and eliminates the formation of air bubbles, contributing to the longevity of the tubing and radiator fins. This same pump technology has recently appeared in other prominent AIO coolers like the Corsair H100 RGB, marking its wider adoption across the mid-range and high-end cooling segments.

ASUS ROG Strix LCII 360 Radiator

Unboxing the Strix LCII 360 reveals the meticulous attention to detail ASUS is known for. The radiator is robustly constructed, featuring densely packed fins that exhibit impressive rigidity, minimizing the risk of bending from minor external impacts while maximizing heat dissipation. One minor drawback, however, is the plastic protective covers on the fittings, which are prone to peeling off.

ASUS ROG Strix LCII 360 Pump Block

The Strix LCII 360 adopts the increasingly popular circular pump block design, as opposed to the square design found on Corsair’s H100i and H115i coolers and ASUS’ own high-end Ryujin 360. This design choice means the Strix LCII 360 forgoes the integrated VRM fan found on some coolers, requiring users to optimize case airflow for effective VRM cooling.

ASUS ROG Strix LCII 360 Accessories

The pump block features the ROG Strix logo illuminated by addressable RGB LEDs, which can be synchronized with compatible ASUS motherboards via Aura Sync. Connecting via a Micro USB cable to the motherboard, the cooler retains a traditional control method for lighting and fan/pump speeds, similar to earlier generations of smart AIO coolers.

ASUS ROG Strix LCII 360 Cold Plate

The copper cold plate ensures optimal heat transfer from the CPU to the coolant. The Strix LCII 360 is equipped with three ROG-designed ARGB radiator fans, featuring integrated RGB lighting. However, these fans lack the magnetic levitation bearings found in some competing products within this price range.

ASUS ROG Strix LCII 360 Fan Close-up

With a combined airflow of 80.95 CFM, these 120mm fans offer decent performance but fall short of the highest airflow figures currently available. While sufficient for cooling most mainstream and high-end CPUs, users seeking top-tier performance with high-core-count processors might consider upgrading to higher-performance fans. One option is the ASUS ROG Strix XF 120, which boasts magnetic levitation bearings and a higher airflow rating of 62.5 CFM.

ASUS ROG Strix LCII 360 Installed

ASUS ROG Strix LCII 360 Fan Comparison

ASUS ROG Strix LCII 360 Fan Graph

ASUS ROG Strix XF 120 Fan

ASUS ROG Strix LCII 360 Overview

Conclusion

The ASUS ROG Strix LCII 360 is a compelling mid-range AIO cooler with a strong focus on design and build quality. While it has some minor limitations, the meaningful upgrades, such as the Asetek 7th-generation pump, make it a valuable addition to the ROG ecosystem and a worthy contender in its price bracket. While the included fans are adequate for most users, enthusiasts pushing for maximum performance might consider upgrading to higher airflow models.