ASUS Prime LC 360 ARGB Liquid CPU Cooler: features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS Prime LC 360 ARGB is an all-in-one (AIO) liquid CPU cooler with a 360mm radiator and three 120mm fans. It is built for desktop PCs whose processors produce a lot of heat, such as gaming and workstation builds. Here is what the main specifications mean.

How an all-in-one liquid cooler works

An AIO cooler is a sealed loop. A cold plate sits on the processor and passes heat into liquid. A pump moves the liquid through tubes to a radiator, where fans blow air across it and carry the heat out of the case. Because the loop is sealed and pre-filled, it needs no mixing of coolant or custom tubing, which is the main difference from a custom water-cooling loop.

What a 360mm radiator means

The number describes the radiator's length, which fits three 120mm fans side by side. A bigger radiator has more surface area to shed heat, so ASUS positions this size for high-performance systems. In general, larger radiators can also let fans spin more slowly for the same cooling, which usually means less noise. ASUS says the pump and the three fans are designed for efficient heat dissipation with minimal noise.

Addressable RGB lighting

The lighting is addressable, meaning individual LEDs can be given different colours and effects rather than one colour for the whole cooler. ASUS says it can be controlled through compatible motherboards. You need a suitable header on the board, so check yours before assuming the lighting will work as advertised.

Socket compatibility

The listing names Intel LGA 1200 and 115x sockets, and AMD AM4 and Threadripper. That is a specific list, so check your processor's socket against it. Newer socket types are not mentioned, and some may need different mounting parts.

Installation and case fit

ASUS says the mounting hardware is included and installation in standard ATX cases is simple. The radiator is about 14.2 inches (36 cm) long, 1.0 inch thick before fans are added, and the whole kit weighs 3.5 lb (about 1.6 kg). A radiator with fans attached is typically thicker than the radiator alone, so allow extra depth in the case.

Who it suits

It suits builders with a desktop case that supports a 360mm radiator, using a processor that runs hot under sustained loads, and who like coordinated RGB lighting. It is less relevant for small-form-factor cases, where a 360mm radiator won't fit.

What to check before you buy

• Case support: confirm your case lists 360mm radiator support at the front, top or wherever you plan to mount it.
• Clearance: check room for the radiator plus fans, and for tall memory modules near the pump block.
• Socket: match your processor socket to the supported list.
• Headers: confirm free fan and ARGB headers on your motherboard.
• Mounting position: read the manual on orientation, so the pump isn't at the highest point of the loop.
• Upkeep: AIO coolers are sealed, so check the manual and warranty terms rather than attempting to open them.

The short version

• An all-in-one liquid cooler with a 360mm radiator and three 120mm fans.
• Addressable RGB lighting, controlled through compatible motherboards.
• Supports Intel LGA 1200/115x and AMD AM4 and Threadripper sockets.
• Mounting hardware included; about 3.5 lb.
• Needs a case with 360mm radiator support.

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