ROG Strix LC III 360 ARGB LCD Review – Stunning Looks, Frustrating Software
The ASUS ROG Strix LC III 360 ARGB LCD is a high-end all-in-one liquid cooler designed to complement powerful gaming and workstation builds. With its sleek design, customisable ARGB lighting, and a 2.1-inch LCD display, it brings a premium aesthetic to any setup. But does it justify its price tag? And more importantly, is it worth dealing with Armoury Crate’s notoriously frustrating software?
Let’s dive into the details.
Design and Build Quality – A Premium Look for High-End Builds
At first glance, the ROG Strix LC III 360 is undeniably beautiful. ASUS has crafted an AIO cooler that exudes a premium feel, making it a perfect match for high-end PC builds.
- RGB-illuminated 120mm fans – The ROG Strix AF-12S ARGB fans not only look stunning but also feature anti-vibration materials to reduce noise levels.
- 2.1” IPS LCD display – Customise it with system stats, your own images, or even animations for a personal touch.
- 360-degree rotatable pump cap – Ensures the ROG logo stays correctly aligned, no matter how the pump is installed.
Available in both black and white, this cooler provides options for different build aesthetics, ensuring it complements various setups.
Installation – Straightforward and Compatible with Most Builds
ASUS has made installation relatively hassle-free, supporting a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, including:
- Intel: LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, 115x
- AMD: AM5, AM4
The mounting system is straightforward, and the sleeved 400mm rubber tubing provides ample flexibility when routing. However, keep in mind that some motherboard heatsink designs can interfere with the cooler’s placement.
For example, the Arctic Liquid Freezer III is a stronger performer but has compatibility issues due to its offset design for AMD CPUs. On our ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi, the Arctic cooler simply didn’t fit. There are ways around it and Artic have offered some solutions.
Cooling Performance – Good, but Not the Best
While the ROG Strix LC III 360 ARGB LCD does a solid job of keeping temperatures under control, it doesn’t top the charts in raw thermal performance.
- Pump: 7th Gen V2 Asetek (800-2800 RPM)
- Fans: 120mm (800-2200 RPM, 70.38 CFM, 3.92 mmH2O static pressure)
Under standard conditions, it keeps high-performance CPUs well within safe temperatures, but if you’re chasing the absolute best cooling, the Arctic Liquid Freezer III remains the top choice.
That said, this ASUS AIO isn’t targeted purely at maximum cooling—it’s designed to provide great aesthetics while delivering good performance. If you’re after something that works well and looks fantastic, this is a great option.
Armoury Crate – A Beautiful Cooler Ruined by Terrible Software
If there’s one major drawback, it’s the software experience. ASUS Armoury Crate is required to control ARGB lighting and customise the LCD screen, but using it is an exercise in frustration.
- Installation takes over an hour
- Random crashes are common
- The interface is slow and clunky
For a premium product, this is disappointing. The hardware itself is excellent, but ASUS needs to overhaul Armoury Crate to make it more stable and user-friendly.
Verdict – A Great Looking AIO with a Software Problem
The ROG Strix LC III 360 ARGB LCD is a well-built AIO cooler that looks stunning in any build. It provides adequate cooling for high-performance CPUs and comes with good quality fans and a rotatable pump cap for flexibility.
However, it’s not the best choice if maximum cooling is your priority—there are better performers on the market. The real downside, though, is Armoury Crate, which is frustratingly slow, prone to crashes, and needlessly complicated.
If you’re looking for an AIO that delivers reliable cooling with a premium aesthetic, this is a strong contender. But be prepared to battle with the software along the way.
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