According to KitGuru.net, Lian Li has unveiled its HydroShift II LCD-S AIO liquid coolers featuring a detachable 3.4-inch IPS display that connects via magnetic pogo pins. The display offers 480×480 resolution, 500 nits brightness, and 60Hz refresh rate, operating in three modes including offline, wireless via 2.4GHz controller, and USB-connected for full customization. The updated pump reaches 3200RPM with quieter operation and pairs with a thinner 24mm radiator for better case compatibility. Pricing starts at £134.99/$159.99/€159.90 for the fanless 360N model, £149.99/$179.99/€179.90 for the 360CL, and £199.99/$239.99/€239.90 for the top-tier 360TL with wireless controller. All models include a 6-year warranty and are available for pre-order immediately in black and white finishes.
The magnetic display sounds cool but…
Here’s the thing about magnetic connections on PC components – they’re brilliant until they’re not. That detachable screen might prevent installation damage, but what happens when your case gets bumped and the magnetic connection isn’t quite strong enough? I’ve seen enough “mag-safe” style connectors fail over time to be skeptical. And those pogo pins? They’re notorious for corrosion and connection issues in humid environments. Basically, you’re trading one potential problem for another.
Wireless mode seems convenient but limited
The wireless mode using a 2.4GHz controller sounds great for freeing up USB headers, but let’s be real – how many people actually run out of USB headers on modern motherboards? And now you’ve got another dongle to manage, another wireless signal competing in the already crowded 2.4GHz space. For industrial applications where reliability matters, companies like Industrial Monitor Direct stick with proven wired connections because they just work. Consumer tech can afford to experiment, but when you need something to work 24/7 without fuss, wireless often creates more problems than it solves.
Where this fits in the market
Starting at $159.99 for a fanless AIO isn’t exactly budget territory, but it’s competitive with other premium coolers featuring displays. The six-year warranty is solid, though I’d be curious about what exactly it covers regarding that magnetic display. Lian Li’s track record with unique designs has been hit-or-miss – remember some of their earlier case designs that looked amazing but had serious airflow issues? This feels like another case of form over function, but maybe they’ve learned from past mistakes. The question is whether builders will pay the premium for a feature that’s more about installation convenience than actual cooling performance.
