The ASRock Challenger 360 Digital is an all-in-one liquid CPU cooler designed to appeal to budget-conscious consumers, carrying an MSRP of $89.99. This product marks ASRock’s expansion into the cooling market beyond its typical motherboards.
The cooler features a combination of modern technologies, including ARGB lighting and a 3-inch pump-mounted segment LED display. Furthermore, it is backed by a comprehensive six-year warranty.
Technically, the cooler offers broad compatibility, supporting current sockets for both AMD (AM5, AM4) and Intel (LGA1851, LGA1700).
The build includes a 360mm aluminum radiator with dimensions of 394 x 119.6 x 27 mm. Heat transfer efficiency is achieved through a copper cold plate that utilizes a micro-skived design.
The pump mechanism is a 3-phase, 6-slot, 4-pole motor designed to operate between 1200 and 3200 RPM, providing a maximum flow rate of 1.65 L/M.
Cooling support comes from three attached 120mm CLF-120 PWM fans. These fans feature a ring-frame blade design, operating at a speed range from 0 to 2100 RPM, and delivering up to 62.6 CFM of airflow. They are capable of producing a maximum noise level of 31 dBA.
A key user convenience is the support for zero-RPM mode, allowing silent operation during low CPU loads. The fans also feature daisy-chained connectors to help minimize cable clutter. The unique pump block includes a 3-inch segment LED display that provides real-time data on CPU temperature, frequency, and pump speed; however, this display requires a dedicated driver to function and does not support screen rotation.
Positive feedback regarding the cooler noted the brightness of the digital display and its ease of reading. Users also reported reasonable noise levels, even when operating the fans at maximum speed. The daisy-chained fan setup received praise for maintaining clean cable management, solidifying the product’s excellent value proposition due to its feature set and affordable price point. The included six-year warranty is highlighted as a significant advantage.
Despite these strengths, the product has noted limitations. Specifically, the fan LEDs exhibit light bleed that lacks proper diffusion. Additionally, critics pointed out that the CPU socket support may be less extensive when compared to certain competitors. Another functional drawback is the necessity of a driver for the display’s operation, which could present an inconvenience for some users.
The ASRock Challenger 360 Digital received an overall rating of 8.5 out of 10 from KitGuru. Reviewers concluded that the cooler successfully combines excellent performance with abundant features and value, making it a strong option for budget-conscious builders seeking a display-equipped 360mm AIO cooler.
Source: TechPowerUp