Lian Li HydroShift II OLED: Aesthetics Meet Performance in 360mm AIO Cooler

The Lian Li HydroShift II OLED Curved 360P28 AIO cooler features a standout 6.67-inch, curved OLED display with a 2288×1048 resolution and a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is mounted on the pump. This unit also offers motorized height and tilt adjustments, controlled via Lian Li’s L-Connect 3 software. Tubing organization is provided with clips alongside the radiator, emphasizing aesthetics.

In terms of cooling performance, the unit performs adequately on AMD, though it lags behind more affordable options during maximum heat load tests. During various TDP tests, the performance is noticeably behind competitors like the Valkyrie Syn 360 ARGB and Lian Li’s Galahad II series.

Performance on Intel systems presents a different picture. The cooler pushes into the top three during max heat load tests. While lower TDP performance is described as moderate, the unit improves significantly as the CPU power draw increases. In 250 W TDP tests, it achieved 3rd place at maximum RPM and tied for 5th at 45 dBA with other models.

Regarding noise, pump noise was not considered a significant issue, although a slight humming was audible at maximum RPM levels in Turbo mode. The OLED display helps dampen this noise, and in an enclosed case, it should be undetectable. The primary source of noticeable noise is the fans. When running the fans at 3000 RPM and the pump at 2800 RPM in Turbo mode, the overall noise output measured 62 dBA.

Lian Li provides multiple methods for noise control, including setting a custom PWM curve, using a receiver with five defined settings (Level 1: 500-1100 RPM; Level 2: 500-1600 RPM; Level 3: 500-2000 RPM; Level 4: 500-2400 RPM; Level 5: 500-3000 RPM), or utilizing a fan stop feature in L-Connect 3. The recommendation suggests maintaining the pump between 2400 RPM and 2800 RPM, and using the fan stop feature during light duty work.

Build quality includes solid mounting hardware, though the over-engineered nature makes achieving consistent TIM spread challenging. The setup designed to hide the tubing, while aesthetically pleasing, limits the unit’s flexibility, making top installation the best result. This contrasts with the rising popularity of case designs requiring front or side AIO mounts.

The OLED display is noted as being larger and unique due to its curved shape, featuring a crisp 2288×1048 resolution at 60 Hz. The accompanying software allows for multiple themes and motor control for height and tilt adjustments. The unit can even be used as an extended desktop display.

Other points of consideration include the six-year warranty, one of the most generous for a closed-loop liquid cooler, and a three-year warranty on the display and fans. The L-Connect 3 software is generally deemed relatively straightforward and functional, successfully controlling motherboard fan settings.

While the design effort is appreciated, the cooler still suffers from cable clutter, including cabling for the pump, display, fans, and a USB splitter. Financially, the $300 price point is noted as expensive, particularly considering the performance gap on AMD systems compared to Intel builds.

Source: TechPowerUp