ASUS TUF Gaming LC II 240 ARGB Liquid CPU Cooler: specs and fit

The ASUS TUF Gaming LC II 240 ARGB is an all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooler for a desktop processor. A sealed loop carries heat from the CPU to a 240mm radiator, where two 120mm fans blow it away. It is a self-contained alternative to a large air cooler, and it comes with ARGB lighting on the fans and pump cover.

How an all-in-one cooler works

A water block on the processor takes up heat. A pump pushes the liquid through tubes to a radiator, and fans pull air through the radiator to release the heat. Because the loop is sealed and pre-filled, there is no mixing, filling or maintenance in the way a custom loop needs. The "240" refers to the radiator, which fits two 120mm fans side by side.

Pump and noise

ASUS describes a decoupled low-noise pump, which isolates the pump's vibration from the unit to keep sound down. The pump cover has ARGB lighting. In general, pump and fan noise are the two main sources of sound from an AIO, so quieter designs matter in a desktop on a desk.

Radiator fans

The two TUF Gaming 120mm fans have brighter ARGB lighting and grooved fins that ASUS says give better airflow and lower noise. Fin shape affects how well the fan pushes air through the dense radiator fins. ARGB means addressable RGB, where each LED can show different colours. It works with Aura Sync, ASUS's lighting software, and with compatible motherboards.

Tubing

The tubing is 400mm long, reinforced and sleeved. ASUS says that makes it durable and helps it reach in different cases. Sleeving protects the tubes from kinking and wear, and tube length decides where the radiator can mount, such as the front or top of the case.

CPU socket support

ASUS lists support for Intel LGA 1700, 1200 and 115x sockets, and AMD AM5 and AM4. Check your motherboard's socket first, since that is the main compatibility point. The listing doesn't give every socket variant, so look at the ASUS compatibility list for your exact processor.

Warranty and weight

ASUS offers a six-year worldwide warranty. The cooler weighs about 4 lb (1.8 kg). The listing leaves its dimensions blank, so check the ASUS specifications for radiator thickness and fan size.

Installation

Installing an AIO involves fitting a backplate or bracket for your socket, mounting the radiator and fans in the case, attaching the pump to the CPU with thermal paste and connecting the pump and fan headers, and the lighting header. Follow the manual.

What to check before you buy

• Case support: confirm the case has a 240mm radiator mount at the front, top or rear.
• Clearance: check for room around the radiator for memory and the motherboard.
• Socket: make sure your motherboard socket is on the list.
• Lighting: check that you have an ARGB header, or use the included controller if any.
• Tube reach: check the distance from the CPU to the radiator mount.
• Fan and pump headers: make sure the motherboard has the connectors you need.

The short version

• A 240mm all-in-one liquid CPU cooler, ASUS TUF Gaming LC II 240 ARGB.
• Two 120mm ARGB radiator fans and an ARGB pump cover, with Aura Sync.
• Decoupled low-noise pump and reinforced, sleeved 400mm tubing.
• Supports Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 115x and AMD AM5, AM4.
• Six-year worldwide warranty from ASUS.

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