Explore the Peak of Cooling: Lian Li Galahad II LCD 360 Review – Asetek’s 8th Gen Water-Cooling, 2.88-inch Display, and Enhanced Features


The Lian Li Galahad II series culminates with the release of the Galahad II LCD 360, a liquid cooler featuring a 2.88-inch IPS display on its water block. This display, controlled by the L-Connect 3 software, allows users to customize a wide array of patterns and image styles. The cooler utilizes Asetek’s eighth-generation liquid cooling solution, with a pump speed reaching up to 3600 RPM. Enhanced cooling efficiency is achieved through a 30mm thick radiator. The cooler offers ARGB fans with hidden cables and an option for an SL-INF infinity mirror fan version.

Specifications of Galahad II LCD 360 include:

  • Compatibility: Supports Intel LGA 1700/1200/115X and AMD AM5/AM4 sockets.
  • Color options: Available in black or white.
  • Pump speed: 3600 RPM.
  • Pump noise level: 32.1 dBA.
  • Water block dimensions: 72.15 x 72.15 x 61.98 mm.
  • Display: 2.88-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 480 x 480 and brightness of 500 nits.
  • Fan dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25 mm.
  • Fan speed range: 300 to 2450 RPM.
  • Fan noise level: 30 dBA.
  • Maximum airflow: 79.9 CFM.
  • Maximum air pressure: 3.26 mmH2O.
  • Tubing length: 385 mm.
  • Radiator dimensions: 399.5 x 120 x 30 mm.
  • Radiator type: Single wave (20FPI).
  • Materials: Copper (water block), Aluminum (radiator), Rubber (tubing).
  • Warranty: 6 years.

Asetek eighth generation, 2.88-inch screen water block | Lian Li Galahad II LCD 360 unboxing

The Galahad II LCD 360 by Lian Li, featuring Asetek’s latest 8th generation all-in-one liquid cooling solution, boasts significant advancements in cooling performance. The three-phase motor pump’s maximum speed is elevated to 3600 RPM. This, combined with an enlarged CPU copper base and a 30mm thick radiator, results in superior heat dissipation. The fan options include ARGB fans with hidden wiring and an SL-INF infinity mirror version. While both fan types offer comparable performance, the ARGB fan with hidden wiring has a higher speed, providing slightly better extreme performance. However, the Galahad II LCD 360 is available only in 360mm and 280mm radiator sizes, with no 240mm option.

The Galahad II LCD 360 is equipped with a 2.88-inch IPS display boasting a resolution of 480×480 and a brightness of 500 nits, making for an impressive spec sheet. The actual visual experience is remarkable, with high contrast, vibrant colors, and clarity. Lian Li has invested significantly in software development, offering what could be considered the most extensive range of display settings available on the market. I will provide a detailed introduction to these features later.

Galahad II LCD 360 outer box.
Various displays on the back Features.
Galahad II LCD 360 white.
2.88-inch screen, the outer frame is decorated with aluminum panels, and there are ARGB light strips on both sides.
Rotatable joint.
Enlarged copper bottom.

The Galahad II LCD 360 is outfitted with three ARGB fans featuring hidden cabling, a design that enhances both aesthetics and convenience. Each fan adheres to the standard dimensions of 120 x 120 x 25 mm. These fans utilize Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB) technology, ensuring both durability and reduced noise. Their rotational speed ranges from 300 to 2450 RPM. A notable aspect of this design is the simplicity of control; all three fans can be managed in terms of both speed and lighting effects using just a single cable. This streamlined approach not only simplifies installation but also contributes to a cleaner, more organized build.

Hidden wire ARGB fan.
Only one plug is seen outside, and no other wires are visible.
The wire is hidden on the back of the fan.

The Galahad II LCD 360 features a radiator with a thickness of 30mm, which is slightly thicker than the standard 27mm found in many models, yet a bit thinner than the 32mm thickness of the Galahad II Trinity Performance 360. It has a fin density of 20 FPI (fins per inch) in a single-wave configuration. This lower density allows for easier air passage through the fins, although it does mean the ultimate cooling performance is somewhat less robust compared to the Performance version. The Galahad II LCD 360 retains the rotatable 45-degree connectors first introduced in the Galahad II Trinity series. These connectors are not only beneficial for installation convenience but also significantly enhance the overall aesthetics of the setup.

360mm cold radiator.
30mm thickness.
45-degree swivel joint.

The Galahad II LCD 360 upholds Lian Li’s design ethos of maintaining streamlined wiring for a clean and organized setup. The water pump in this system is powered via a 4-pin PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) connection, which allows for precise control over the pump’s speed and, consequently, the cooling efficiency. The display screen on the unit necessitates both a USB 2.0 connection and a SATA power supply, ensuring it receives adequate power for optimal performance.

A notable feature of the Galahad II LCD 360 is the flexibility in controlling the three water-cooling fans. These fans can be either controlled in series, simplifying cable management and reducing clutter, or connected separately to the motherboard’s fan and lighting sockets. This offers users the freedom to choose between ease of installation and more granular control over each fan’s operation, depending on their preference or system requirements.

4-pin PWM water pump power supply (cannot be removed).
There are 2 sockets on the water block.
90-degree Type-C connection to the motherboard USB 2.0 9-pin socket.
SATA power supply.
Connect three water-cooling fans with one line.
If the fan is not connected to the water cooling, you can use this cable to connect it to the 5V 3pin ARGB socket on the motherboard.

Galahad II LCD 360 Intel and AMD platform installation demonstration

The Galahad II LCD 360 is designed to support the most popular CPU sockets, including Intel’s LGA1700, LGA1200, and LGA115x, as well as AMD’s AM4 and AM5 platforms. This broad compatibility ensures it can be used with a wide range of current processors. In our testing, we utilized two motherboards: the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-A GAMING WIFI II and the ASROCK B650E TAICHI, to evaluate its performance across different hardware configurations.

It’s important to note that the recommended installation orientation for the Galahad II LCD 360 is with the tubing positioned downwards. Deviating from this orientation may not only impact the cooler’s performance but also its compatibility with certain system configurations. This guidance is crucial for users to ensure they achieve optimal cooling efficiency and system stability.

The Galahad II LCD 360’s water block comes with pre-applied thermal paste, which is a convenient feature for most users. For those who prefer to apply their own, an extra tube of thermal paste is also provided. It’s worth mentioning that the unit used in this test was a prototype and did not have a pre-applied thermal paste.

List of accessories.
The Intel platform is equipped with a plastic backplane.
Use white rubber gaskets to fix the back panel.
Apply the thermal paste and lock the four screws and you are done.
Re-remove it and check whether the thermal paste is even.

For AMD platform installations, the Galahad II LCD 360 utilizes a somewhat unique approach. Instead of requiring a change in the bracket on the water block, it makes use of the motherboard’s original backplate in combination with the mounting hardware provided with the cooler. This method is relatively uncommon in the realm of liquid coolers, where often a specific bracket or backplate is needed for different CPU sockets.

The advantage of this installation approach is its simplicity. By using the motherboard’s existing backplate, the installation process is streamlined, making it more user-friendly, especially for those who might not be as experienced with custom PC builds. This ease of installation can be a significant benefit, as it reduces the time and effort needed to set up the cooler and minimizes the risk of installation errors.

Original back panel + AM4/AM5 buckle.
Apply the thermal paste and lock the four screws.
Plug it in again and check whether the thermal paste is even.

When the Galahad II LCD 360 is installed with the tubing facing downward, an important design consideration comes into play regarding the routing of the cooler’s cables. Lian Li has thoughtfully customized a 90-degree connector for the Type-C cable to prevent interference with the memory modules. This is a critical detail, especially in tightly packed motherboard layouts where space around the CPU socket is limited.

In the case of our practical tests, we observed how this design impacts different motherboard models. For the ROG Z790-A II, when a memory stick is installed in the first slot, it comes in very close contact with the Type-C cable. This proximity could be a concern in terms of physical space and potential heat transfer. However, in the B650E TAICHI motherboard, there is a noticeable gap between the memory slot and the Type-C cable, indicating more room and less likelihood of interference.

ROG Z790-A II memory is installed in the first slot.
There is quite a lot of space for the memory installed in the second slot.
B650E TAICHI There is no problem even if the first slot memory is inserted.
The accessories provide 2 pieces of Velcro felt straps to fix the pipes.

4 layers defined by you! Introduction to L-Connect 3 control software

The market currently offers a variety of liquid coolers with screens, but most brands limit customization to uploading images or videos through their software. Some even require third-party software for adjustments. Lian Li, however, has gone the extra mile in this area. The functionality of their software is so extensive that it’s challenging to cover in detail through text and images alone. For enthusiasts interested in a comprehensive tutorial, XF’s live stream, led by a Lian Li instructor, provides an in-depth guide.

While the fan and lighting functions of L-Connect 3 have been covered in previous unboxing articles, the focus here is on the screen display features. Within the GA II LCD section of the software, users can view the real-time screen display and access 16 different themes, each with options for further personalization. One notable feature is the import of images and videos. Beyond simple uploads, users can directly capture computer screens. For instance, if a gamer wishes to display a segment from a YouTube video, they don’t need to download or edit it separately. They can capture the screen directly using L-Connect 3 and make basic edits with the built-in editor to display it on their liquid cooler’s screen.

Select Screen recording.
At this time, a green box will appear on the screen. You can zoom in to fit the screen. Click the record button below to record a video of up to 3 minutes.
After the recording is completed, you can choose to import it directly or edit it again.
On the editing page, you can delete the length of the video and even adjust the brightness and contrast before importing it.
After importing, you can also add hardware monitoring values.
Font, position, and color can all be adjusted.
Finally add a watermark (supports gif image files).

The software for the Galahad II LCD 360 offers an impressive level of customization with its four-layer graphic interface. In the demonstration, three layers are showcased, and the additional layer is dedicated to background designs, particularly useful for transparent PNG images that require a background. This feature provides an exceptionally high degree of freedom for personalization, allowing users to create a unique look for their cooler’s display.

The intuitive design of the software makes it easy for users to navigate and experiment with different layers and settings. Whether it’s adding dynamic backgrounds, overlaying multiple images, or adjusting transparency levels, the possibilities for customization are vast. This flexibility is a standout feature, inviting users to unleash their creativity and tailor the appearance of their liquid cooler’s display to their liking.

Lighting effect display.
Screen display.
Screen display (gif).
Screen display (gif).
Screen display (gif).

Galahad II LCD 360 Dual Platform Heat Dissipation Test

In the temperature testing of the Galahad II LCD 360, two high-performance CPUs were used: the Intel i9-13900K and the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X. The tests were conducted on corresponding motherboards to assess the cooler’s effectiveness under various conditions.

For the Intel platform, the tests were performed with XMP enabled and power limits removed. Three levels of Load-Line Calibration (LLC) were tested to evaluate voltage stability under load. On the AMD platform, the BIOS was set to enable Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) by default. The stress tests included using AIDA64’s FPU test to simulate extreme scenarios, AIDA64’s CPU test for more everyday load temperatures, and 3DMark Fire Strike Ultra to mimic gaming loads. Cyberpunk 2077 benchmarking was also conducted as a real-world gaming temperature test. The average temperatures over a ten-minute period were recorded using HWiNFO64.

Intel Test Platform:

  • Processor: Intel Core i9-13900K
  • Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix Z790-A GAMING WIFI II
  • Memory: CORSAIR DOMINATOR TITANIUM DDR5-7200 24GBx2
  • Graphics Card: NVIDIA RTX 4080 FE
  • Storage: CORSAIR MP600 PRO LPX 1TB + CORSAIR MP400 4TB (for games)
  • Cooler: Lian Li GALAHAD II LCD 360
  • Power Supply: Seasonic Focus 1000W
  • Operating System: Windows 11 Pro 23H2

AMD Test Platform:

  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X
  • Motherboard: ASROCK B650E TAICHI
  • Graphics Card: NVIDIA RTX 4080 FE
  • Memory: T-Force DDR5-5600 16GBx2
  • Operating System: Windows 11 Professional Edition 23H2
  • Power Supply: Seasonic Focus 1000W

The performance of Asetek’s 8th-generation technology remains stable. On the Intel platform, with peak power consumption of around 300W, the performance is slightly less than the Galahad II Trinity Performance 360, but it still ranks as top-tier cooling performance with surprisingly lower noise levels. On the AMD platform, PBO aims to overclock as much as possible with a target temperature of 95 degrees Celsius. Therefore, temperatures below 95 degrees indicate that the cooling capacity of the radiator exceeds the needs of the 7950X. The Galahad II LCD 360 is one of only two AIO coolers (the other being the Performance version) that fully meet the cooling requirements of the 7950X in our tests.

i9-13900K heat dissipation test.
7950X heat dissipation test.

Summary

The Lian Li Galahad II LCD 360, utilizing Asetek’s 8th-generation liquid cooling solution, stands out in the industry for its performance and stability. The attention to detail is evident in features like the 45-degree rotatable connectors, streamlined wiring design, and the inclusion of an extra tube of thermal paste, showcasing Lian Li’s ingenuity in enhancing an already robust system.

With the market burgeoning with screen-equipped liquid coolers, the Galahad II LCD 360 sets itself apart through its exceptional hardware and software capabilities. Its 2.88-inch display, boasting a brightness of 500 nits and a 24-bit color depth, is arguably the best in its class. The L-Connect 3 software further elevates this cooler, offering an unparalleled level of customization and ease of use in screen editing, thus taking the personalization aspect of screen-equipped liquid coolers to a new level.

The pricing of the Lian Li Galahad series is competitive, given its features. The Galahad II LCD 280 is priced at 6599 TWD, the Galahad II LCD 360 at 7199 TWD, and the Galahad II LCD SL-INF 360 at 8399 TWD. The offer includes a 6-year product warranty and a 3-year leakage compensation warranty. Considering the Asetek 8th generation technology and a 2.88-inch screen, these price points are compelling.

If this article is helpful for you, please share this article with your friends on social media. Thank you!

This article is based on the personality of the reviews. You are responsible for fact-checking if the contents are not facts or accurate.

Title: Explore the Peak of Cooling: Lian Li Galahad II LCD 360 Review – Asetek’s 8th Gen Water-Cooling, 2.88-inch Display, and Enhanced Features

en_GBEnglish