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Asus unveils cable-free AIO liquid coolers to streamline PC builds for a cleaner look — ROG Strix LC IV series debuts with proprietary AIO Q-Connector, motherboards to match
Asus’ latest ROG Strix LC IV series of AIO liquid coolers not only rival the best CPU coolers on the market, but also introduce the world’s first cable-less design. This innovation is made possible by a proprietary AIO Q-Connector that relies on pogo pins for seamless connectivity, and we got a good look on the ground at CES 2026 in Las Vegas.
The novel AIO Q-Connector is at the heart of Asus' breakthrough, featuring 11 spring-loaded pogo pins organized in two groups—nine for primary connections and two for additional controls. These precision connectors allow the new ROG Strix LC IV coolers to seamlessly receive power and control signals for the pump, ARGB lighting, and, in select models, an integrated 5.08-inch LDC display. Impressively, there’s no need for users to connect any cables to the radiator fans manually; the AIO Q-Connector discreetly transmits PWM and lighting signals through a cable cleverly concealed inside the cooler’s tube sleeving.
To fully benefit from the innovative cable-free design of the ROG Strix LC IV series, you must pair these coolers with a compatible motherboard equipped with the AIO Q-Connector. Currently, Asus has introduced four new AM5 motherboards with the new connector: the ROG Crosshair X870E Glacial, ROG Crosshair X870E Dark Hero, ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi7 Neo, and ROG Strix X870E-A Gaming WiFi7 Neo. Asus may expand the AIO Q-Connector to Intel motherboards in the future, but for now, AM5 users have a unique advantage in creating a next-generation, wireless cooling setup.
While the ROG Strix LC IV series is designed for a truly cable-free experience, Asus has ensured flexibility by including a modular design that allows users to connect standard cables to any motherboard, even if it lacks the proprietary AIO Q-Connector. However, given that the key selling point of the ROG Strix LC IV AIO liquid coolers is its advanced wireless functionality, it would be counterintuitive to invest in this premium product without leveraging its signature feature.
Asus has introduced three distinct base models for the ROG Strix LC IV series, each available in two color variants—providing a total of six configurations to suit various build aesthetics. The ROG Strix SLC IV 360 ARGB LCD and ROG Strix LC IV 360 ARGB LCD stand out with their vibrant 5.08-inch LCD displays, boasting a crisp 720 x 720 resolution. These displays enable users to monitor critical hardware stats, showcase personalized content, or display exclusive ROG animations, enhancing both functionality and visual appeal. Notably, the LCD panel connects to the pump via a dedicated five-pin pogo connector, ensuring reliable data transmission and a streamlined installation process.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Model
Colors
Tubing
Design
ROG Strix SLC IV 360 ARGB LCD
Black, White
Short
LCD display
ROG Strix LC IV 360 ARGB LCD
Black, White
Standard
LCD display
ROG Strix LC IV 360 ARGB
Black, White
Standard
ARGB logo
The key distinction between the ROG Strix SLC IV 360 ARGB LCD and the ROG Strix LC IV 360 ARGB LCD lies in the tubing length. The SLC model features shorter tubing—an intentional design choice aimed at PC builders seeking a tidier and more organized interior. The small adjustment helps prevent tubing from hanging awkwardly across other components.
Completing the lineup is the ROG Strix LC IV 360 ARGB, which forgoes the LCD display and instead features an ARGB-illuminated logo on the pump housing. This model offers a more budget-friendly option for builders who want to experience the innovative cable-free design of the ROG Strix LC IV series without the additional cost of a display.
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Another noteworthy feature of the ROG Strix LC IV lineup is the all-in-one fan assembly. The three cooling fans come fully pre-installed on the 360mm radiator out of the box. The approach, as silly as it may sound, eliminates the need for manual fan mounting, saving PC builders time. The upside of the design is that it allowed Asus to implement its Aura Sync lighting across the triple-fan setup, making it look like an animated billboard.
Asus has yet to announce official pricing or a release date for the ROG Strix LC IV series, keeping eager PC builders in suspense for now. However, the company has confirmed that all models in the lineup will come with a generous six-year limited warranty.
Zhiye Liu is a news editor, memory reviewer, and SSD tester at Tom’s Hardware. Although he loves everything that’s hardware, he has a soft spot for CPUs, GPUs, and RAM.
Here is me thinking that the AIO water cooler has no water cables that lead to a radiator and is a self contained unit instead. That would be cool but i was thinking how much that would weigh. Instead of GPU supports we might need CPU cooler supports
