ASRock, a company increasingly recognized for expanding beyond motherboards and graphics cards, has recently ventured into the competitive CPU cooling market with its Phantom Gaming series. One of their flagship offerings, the Phantom Gaming 360 LCD Liquid CPU Cooler, aims to blend high-performance cooling with striking aesthetics, featuring a customizable 2.1-inch LCD screen on the pump.
Upon unboxing, the Phantom Gaming 360 LCD presents a premium feel with its sleek packaging. The cooler itself includes a 360mm radiator, three 120mm fans, the integrated pump/block with the LCD display, and all necessary mounting hardware for both Intel (LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115X) and AMD (AM5, AM4) sockets. The tubes are sleeved, adding to the tidy appearance.
Installation of the cooler is generally straightforward, aligning with typical AIO liquid cooler setups. Users should note the need to download the ‘Phantom Gaming Tune’ software to fully utilize and customize the 2.1-inch LCD screen. This software allows for displaying system information, custom images, GIFs, and even video files, providing a significant personalization aspect that sets it apart from many competitors.
Performance testing, conducted with a high-end Intel Core i9-13900K processor, showcased the cooler’s capability. During an idle state, the CPU temperatures hovered around 30°C. Under a gaming load, specifically with Cyberpunk 2077, temperatures peaked at approximately 75-76°C. While not the absolute lowest compared to some top-tier 420mm or specific 360mm alternatives, these results are well within safe and comfortable operating limits for such a demanding CPU.
Stress testing with Cinebench R23 pushed the cooler further, resulting in CPU temperatures reaching up to 88-89°C. This demonstrates that while the cooler capably handles intensive workloads, it operates towards the higher end of acceptable temperatures for extreme sustained loads on a 13900K, a notoriously hot-running chip. The fan speeds during these tests were observed to be around 2000 RPM, producing an audible but not overly distracting noise level of approximately 45 dBA.
From an aesthetic standpoint, the Phantom Gaming 360 LCD is a clear winner. The 2.1-inch IPS LCD screen is undoubtedly the centerpiece, offering vibrant colors and smooth animation. This feature alone significantly enhances the visual appeal of any build, allowing users to express their personality or monitor critical system stats with flair. The build quality of the radiator, fans, and pump also contributes to a premium overall look.
However, the cooler is not without its minor drawbacks. The proprietary connector for the LCD screen requires a specific header on the controller, which could be an inconvenience if not properly managed during installation. The software, while functional, might require some users to get accustomed to its interface for full customization.
In conclusion, the ASRock Phantom Gaming 360 LCD Liquid CPU Cooler positions itself as a strong contender in the high-end AIO market. It strikes an admirable balance between effective cooling performance and standout aesthetics, particularly due to its customizable LCD screen. While it may not break any records for absolute lowest temperatures on a highly demanding CPU like the i9-13900K under extreme stress, it delivers reliable cooling for daily tasks and gaming, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts prioritizing both form and function. Its pricing, though not explicitly detailed in this review, typically places it in a competitive segment where its unique features can justify the investment for many users seeking a visually impressive and capable cooling solution.
Source: ThinkComputers