Layout, design and features …
The Steel Legend 360 LCD water cooling system we tested is primarily white with gray accents. The radiator features the ASRock logo, and “Steel Legend” lettering is displayed on the fan frames. As the name suggests, the water cooling system features a 360mm radiator that comes factory-equipped with three high-performance LCP fans. There are no smaller or larger versions of the Steel Legend model. Only the Challenger and Pro series are also available with a 240mm radiator. ASRock currently does not offer any models with 140mm fans.
The Steel Legend 360 LCD water cooling system makes a strong impression right from the start. We immediately appreciate the high flexibility of the EPDM hoses, which are covered in a matching white sleeve. They didn’t skimp on the screws either-even these are polished to a high gloss. When you look at the radiator in detail, you won’t find a single flaw there either. Overall, the build quality is top-notch, and every component gives the impression of being high-quality.
The high-performance LCP fans, which are directly connected to each other electrically, are particularly impressive. Thanks to the direct plug connection between the fans, there are no annoying cables hanging around unsightly that would later have to be tucked away or hidden inside the PC case. There is just a single fan cable leading to the radiator fans. The three 120mm fans certainly don’t lack power either, as they offer a maximum speed of over 2800 rpm-a fact we’d like to reveal right here. The manufacturer’s specified speed of 2,500 RPM is actually significantly exceeded on the radiator, where the speed is considerably lower due to air resistance than it would be if the fans could spin freely. The turbo fans don’t feature RGB lighting, but they do have a particularly durable double ball bearing system and rubber dampers at the corners.
ASRock took no chances with the design of the pump unit and relies on the proven quality of Asetek. Unlike traditional air coolers, water pumps do not generate a draft that cools the voltage regulators arranged around the CPU. That’s why ASRock has placed an air deflector on the pump unit and, on top of that, a powerful, PWM-controlled 70x70x25mm axial fan that spins at up to 3000 RPM to ensure adequate cooling of the voltage regulators. Without the LCD cover, the VRM fan receives the necessary power from the pump and runs at a constant 3000 rpm. Only when the LCD cover is installed and the included fan cable is connected can the VRM fan’s speed be adjusted between 1200 and 3000 rpm.
As is typical for Asetek coolers, the ASRock Steel Legend cooler also features a large copper cold plate that covers the entire surface of standard desktop CPUs. It’s even possible to position the cooler in different orientations on the CPU if there are space constraints with the hoses, whose outlet direction can also be adjusted within certain limits. The clamping mechanism with coil springs always ensures the correct contact pressure between the cooler and the CPU, so it’s practically impossible to make a mistake during installation. Unlike the radiator and fans, however, the pump unit does have a few black plastic parts, though these don’t detract much from the sleek, light-colored design.
A 3.4-inch square IPS LCD is embedded in the top of the cube-shaped pump cover. It has a resolution of 480×480 pixels and 24-bit color depth, and achieves a brightness of 250 cd/m². With a 60 Hz refresh rate, it is also well-suited for animations. A thin protective film shields the display during transport and installation in the PC; of course, this should be removed before use. Although the pump cover features an LCD, A-RGB lighting, and fan control, only a single USB-C adapter cable needs to be connected.
There are three connectors at the other end of the adapter cable: a 4-pin PWM fan connector for controlling the VRM fan, a 3-pin A-RGB connector for the RGB lighting on the cover, and a USB connector for internal USB 2.0 headers on motherboards to control the display.
A total of 16 addressable RGB LEDs have been mounted on the back of the LCD to provide diffused lighting effects, and strong magnets have been integrated into the corners to securely hold the cover in place on the pump block.
Once the cover is in place, neither the pump nor the VRM fan is visible.
Next, we’ll install the water cooling system on our AMD test system.
ASRock Steel Legend 360 LCD Installation …