At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
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A former Naughty Dog developer reflected on Naughty Dog’s crunch culture in a recent interview.
He stated that crunch in the studio got worse with each subsequent release after the first Uncharted.
Eventually, the team accepted crunch, leading to many developers leaving the developer.
Naughty Dog is currently said to be working on multiple single-player games, including one related to Uncharted. At the same time, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is expected to be the studio’s next big release, and reports suggest the team decided to expedite development earlier last year.
This means that Naughty Dog returned to its infamous crunch culture for Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, and according to one former developer, this is something the team had already accepted as an inevitability in its projects after the launch of The Last of Us.
Why it matters: Crunch culture has received criticism in the games industry, making matters worse for developers in the already-declining AAA work environment.
In a recent chat with game designer Benson Russel, who worked on IPs like Uncharted, podcast host Kiwi Talkz discussed Naughty Dog’s bleeding talent and the causes behind the situation.
As per Benson Russel, crunch became inseparable from the company’s work culture, leading to many developers leaving the team behind. He confirmed that Naughty Dog initially attempted to curtail crunch by implementing measures like a midnight deadline for its developers.
However, as the former Uncharted developer puts it, these rules were mostly ignored during later parts of Naughty Dog’s projects due to deadline requirements and crunch.
According to the game designer, the crunch culture got worse with each release after the original Uncharted, and eventually, the team accepted that crunch was effectively mandatory for the ambitious games that Naughty Dog was aiming for, giving developers the choice to move forward or simply part ways with the studio.
After The Last of Us, eventually it was an admission in the meeting. It was said, “Well, we’ve just come to realize that this is what it takes to make games at our level.”
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
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Starfield is suffering from major technical problems on PS5.
Fans report constant crashing in the game, and many have even refunded the game already.
PlayStation appears to be making an exception with its refund policy for the RPG despite being quite strict with refunds historically.
Starfield finally arrived on the PS5 last week, but the excitement for Bethesda’s latest launch on the platform did not last long. Amid rampant technical hiccups and various problems, many users were quick to criticize the RPG’s debut on PS5.
In the days that have followed, these problems have yet to be resolved by Bethesda. Many have even begun to refund the game on PS5.
Why it matters: Bethesda’s games have a reputation for underperforming on the technical side, but Starfield was a major improvement in this regard. Many have been left disappointed by the fact that the game’s PS5 launch seems worse than its Xbox Series S|X and PC counterparts.
Fans Are upset At Starfield’s Crashing Problem | Image via Reddit
Over on platforms like Reddit, a recently created thread by u/ShogunRaw shows that many users are no longer able to tolerate the frequency of crashes seen in the RPG on PlayStation.
In particular, the original poster suggests that the crashing persists even after trying various suggested fixes, including reinstalling the game and deleting the save file. As a last resort, many now believe PlayStation and Bethesda should work together to offer refunds.
In the aftermath, users like u/AltruisticChest9486 and u/Fit_Association_8442 have confirmed that they are looking to refund the title. Fans also believe that most people are choosing this option.
It should be noted that PlayStation’s refund policy is far from flexible, but as users on the Reddit thread note, PlayStation appears to be making a rare exception in this case due to the widespread reporting of the crashes.
Starfield’s Crashing On PS5 Is Out of Hand | Image via Twitter
As mentioned earlier, many brought exposure to this problem on platforms like Reddit and Twitter following the game’s release. Even a popular industry personality like Destin Legarie has discussed his experience with Bethesda’s RPG on PS5 recently.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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Tom Henderson has revealed that the next God of War title could be announced in April.
The insider stated that this announcement will be a mainline entry and not another remake.
Furthermore, the game could be unveiled at the upcoming State of Play
However, no news has come out regarding the next mainline God of War entry and where it will be set. Now, according to an insider, fans won’t have to wait a lot longer to find out where the IP is heading next.
Why it matters: God of War is one of the most profitable franchises in the PlayStation catalogue. Hence, seeing the gaming giant utilise it to its fullest potential is really good to see.
On the Insider Gaming Podcast, Tom Henderson stated that the next mainline game in the God of War franchise could be announced in April.
I also heard separately last month that God of War was due to be announced in April as well. They (Sony) have announced the Remake trilogy, but not the mainline one.
While discussing the upcoming State of Play, the leaker cast doubt over its third-party nature, saying that he has heard from a source that the new God of War title will be revealed in April, which lines up with the showcase.
Furthermore, Henderson confirmed that this upcoming announcement won’t be regarding the Remake trilogy, but rather a mainline entry in the franchise.
Do you think this God of War title is going to be the one based on Faye, or will Kratos go take part in another mythology? Tell us in the comments below or head to the Tech4Gamers forum for discussion.
As Tech4Gamers’ Founder and Editor-in-Chief, I bring over 13 years of PC Hardware Reviewing and 8+ years of IT Project Management experience. Certified in Google IT Support , my focus is on providing honest product reviews and analysis and fostering a strong gaming community with 130k+ members in PPG.
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128GB of DDR5 memory now costs more than $4,000 at a popular store like Micro Center.
The price of a 2TB Samsung SSD is also upwards of $500, showcasing a constant increase in DRAM pricing due to AI workloads.
This means that 128GB of DDR5 memory is now more expensive than an RTX 5090.
As companies around the world are continuously investing millions of dollars in AI, the spotlight is no longer on GPUs like Nividia. They also require as much RAM as possible while training with larger LLM models.
This includes GPUs/accelerators with the most VRAM, as well as enough RAM and high-capacity SSDs/HDDs to power everything. Because of the huge demand, RAM prices have surged, and if you want to buy 128 GB in the United States from stores like Micro Center, expect to pay more than $4,000.
Why it matters: RAM prices have been on the rise for a few months now, and the latest example shows just how much the AI push has impacted this part of the tech industry.
It wasn’t too long ago that 32GB of DDR5 RAM in a high-end PC was regarded as one of the most affordable components, but the price has suddenly risen from €100 to €400 or more.
Given that price, one might expect 128GB of RAM to cost €1,600 or €2,000 at most, but Micro Center is now selling 128GB of Corsair Vengeance 6400 MHz RGB DDR5 RAM for $4,199, due to the present shortage, although the store shelves remain full.
The image attached above shows that there are dozens upon dozens of packages of DDR5 RAM modules, and people aren’t interested in them. Unlike other components, such as GPUs, RAM will not deliver a huge FPS and visuals boost.
Normally, 128 GB RAM is not needed, so it is considered a complete waste, and only a handful will require that much memory for professional use, such as rendering, millions of polygons in ZBrush, video editing with several plugins and high quality, or AI programs.
Among the dozens of products for sale, we can find both RAM and SSDs among those products suffering from inflated prices at the moment, since price increases and shortages have resulted in outrageous costs.
The 2TB Samsung 9100 PRO SSD costs $679.99, but considering the limited availability, few customers will be ready to pay that much. If you require additional storage, the 8TB Samsung 9100 Pro costs $2,719.99.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
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Fable was recently showcased in depth and was announced for an autumn 2026 release.
An insider has claimed that the game has now been internally delayed but is still targeting this year.
The studio is worried that GTA 6 might overshadow it if it follows the current release window.
Fable is among the most popular RPG franchises and is considered one of the titles that helped popularize the genre among a wider audience. So, naturally, when a Fable reboot was announced, fans were hyped for it.
And now, while the title was announced for an Autumn 2026 release, an insider has claimed that the game has been internally delayed. However, the studio is still trying to release it this year, instead of 2027.
Why it matters: This is a very competitive year in terms of releases, and in that particular time of the year, we have other notable launches like Marvel’s Wolverine and especially GTA 6, which could put Fable at a disadvantage.
Fable is claimed to be internally delayed at Playground Games
Jeff Grubb has claimed that the Fable release date has been pushed by Playground Games. He says that the studio is still pushing for a 2026 release; however, they are worried that GTA 6 could overshadow the RPG.
I’ll say I’ve heard that Fable has been pushed internally. That doesn’t mean that it’s coming out next year. Apparently, they’re still trying to get it out this year
– Jeff Grubb
The studio fears competition from GTA 6
While this isn’t definitive, the insider says that if it gets pushed to December, there is a chance it might even get delayed to 2027. This was somewhat expected as Rockstar’s release will likely outshine a lot of titles.
Now, a month before GTA 6 or December could be ideal for Fable’s release. If the company is indeed pushing for 2026, December seems most likely. Nonetheless, we already didn’t have a solid release in the first place.
What are your thoughts on Fable getting internally delayed at Playground Games? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
Story Highlight
Despite launching weeks ago, a small portion of Crimson Desert players have completed the story.
Completing the main story unlocks the Expert Storyteller achievement, and only 2.3% players have it.
This showcases the impressive exploration in the game and that the story is secondary.
After a shaky initial start, Crimson Desert has managed to turn into an absolute classic with unmatched exploration and really fun combat. However, the story is the weak part, and most of the people haven’t even completed it as of yet.
Once you’re done with all the main quests, you unlock the achievement called “Expert Storyteller”. On Steam, only around 2% people have been able to unlock the achievement, highlighting how huge the exploration is.
Why it matters: There is so much to do in the game that people who played it for even 30-40 hours were still somewhere in the areas of Hernand or Demeniss, so it’s clear that completing the story is secondary for most.
Only 2.3% players have completed the main story in Crimson Desert
On Steam, only 2.3% people have been able to unlock the Expert Storyteller achievement in Crimson Desert. People have been so delved into finding all the secrets and exploring the massive world that they have mostly neglected the plot.
That is also based on the fact that the story is its weakest link. The protagonist Kliff isn’t that interesting, and overall, the plot isn’t something to chase, especially when we have stories like The Witcher 3 and Red Dead 2.
Players have focused more on exploration and combat than the story
Anyhow, Pearl Abyss has baked so much into the world that you find new stuff every day. Even after properly scouring an entire area, you can’t really be sure if you got everything, and that is the reason the title has been such a huge hit.
What are your thoughts on only 2.3% of people having completed the main story in Crimson Desert? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
Story Highlight
There were multiple reports and hints that a GTA 4 remaster is in the works.
An insider has now suggested that rumors were false and no remaster is in development.
This will be a major letdown for the fans who were heavily anticipating the project.
GTA 4 is among the most underrated titles in the franchise. It has its flaws, but it was a very different take from the traditional releases that came before it, and it wasn’t widely appreciated. However, rumors of a remaster were circulating.
Unfortunately, an insider has suggested that, despite the previous rumors, no GTA 4 remaster or remake is currently in the works at Rockstar Games. This is a major letdown for those who were hyped for the expected release.
Why it matters: As stated above, GTA 4 couldn’t get the same love as its sequel; however, now a major chunk of the fans are interested in giving it a go, but they don’t because it’s mostly outdated.
No GTA 4 Remaster in the works despite recent rumors
Insider NateTheHate was recently asked on X if he had recently heard anything about the GTA 4 remaster, to which he replied that he has never heard of the project existing, squashing the wish of a lot of fans.
There were a lot of hints at the remaster. Last year, Rockstar’s support page listed the title for current-gen platforms, which many assumed would be for the remaster. Additionally, an ex-Rockstar developer also talked about the project.
There were multiple rumors of the remaster being in development
Now, since there is no official confirmation, it is difficult to see who to trust. But the insider has a pretty good track record, so if the remaster existed, he might’ve heard about it. Nonetheless, take this with a grain of salt.
What are your thoughts on GTA 4 remaster not being in development? Were you anticipating it? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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The 2022 build of the cancelled version of Metro 4 has leaked online.
Gameplay shows that this variant of the upcoming title was going back to the horror franchise’s roots.
Hunter was the protagonist, and from the looks of it, the title was set in 2033.
Hence, it’s high time for a new Metro game, and according to industry experts, this upcoming title will be called Metro 2039, placing it four years after Exodus in the timeline. Now, an earlier build of the upcoming horror game has leaked online, and players are sharing their thoughts on the gameplay.
Why it matters: Taking the horror series back to its roots doesn’t sound like a bad idea, but if 4A Games cancelled this version to try something new with the IP, fans will be a lot happier.
A playable build of the cancelled iteration of Metro 4 has leaked online, and fans are relieved that this version was canned in favor of the upcoming Metro 2039. As seen in the gameplay posted by Viscera on YouTube, this build took the franchise back to its roots, taking the player into claustrophobic tunnels and corridors.
Hunter is the protagonist in this iteration of the horror game, and he is looking for some bandits in Sevastopolskaya, according to the story description from the YouTuber.
Furthermore, this Metro 4 build doesn’t have a lot of polish, as it was an early variant that was cancelled in development. Despite the iconic style of the franchise’s earlier titles shining through in the 2022 build, fans are glad that 4A Games is making something else instead of rehashing the first game.
4A Games took the series back to its roots in this cancelled variant.
Comments under the YouTube video pointed out that the combat feels clunky, and from what the small gameplay showcase suggests, the title was set in 2033. Hence, if the rumors are true, the new Metro game that is going to be revealed soon will be something very different.
Do you think this iteration of the horror title would have been a better Metro 4 or should 4A Games try something new? Tell us in the comments below or head to the Tech4Gamers forum for discussion.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
Story Highlight
The cracked Resident Evil Requiem is the best version of the game due to a lack of Denuvo.
Removing the DRM gives the horror title a performance boost, reducing VRAM usage.
The game also uses less CPU memory and gets a FPS boost in the cracked edition.
Resident Evil Requiem also marked a significant event in the pirate community, becoming the first 2026 Denuvo game to be crackedwithout using a hypervisor bypass. Unsurprisingly, the title runs a lot better in its pirated form without Denuvo hindering performance.
Why it matters: Not giving paying customers the best version of a $70 title is an anti-consumer practice from the industry. Players shouldn’t have to rely on a crack to get the best performance out of an AAA game they paid $70 for.
According to an analysis by YouTuber ChillyWillMD, removing Denuvo and playing the cracked version of Resident Evil Requiem boosts performance, requiring 1GB less VRAM than the paid version with Denuvo.
The YouTuber compared the properly cracked Resident Evil Requiem with the variant bypassed via hypervisor, which has Denuvo code just like the paid version. Interestingly, the horror game got a 5% boost in FPS while also using almost 1GB less system memory on some occasions in the cracked edition.
The Resident Evil Requiem crack also had a lower frametime compared to its Denuvo counterpart, with the utilisation of VRAM dropping almost 2GB at certain points. Furthermore, weaker processors are going to benefit even more from the lack of Denuvo, according to the YouTuber.
The horror game runs comparatively better without Denuvo.
Do you think companies should stop using Denuvo and let consumers play the best version of a game on day one? Tell us in the comments below or head to the Tech4Gamers forum for discussion.
As a Senior Hardware Reviewer at Tech4Gamers with over a decade of hands-on experience, I dive deep into benchmarking GPUs, CPU coolers, and motherboards, pushing hardware to its limits. Passionate about overclocking and fine-tuning performance.
We previously reviewed one of the Flagship all-in-one liquid coolers, the Phantom Gaming 360 LCD from ASRock, and it made a really strong impression in terms of features and performance. This time, we are reviewing the ASRock Steel Legend 360 LCD, which is one step down, targeting mid-range system integrators and builders. Though it’s $30 cheaper, they did not cut a lot in terms of features; they share the same core pump and the screen technology, but with different radiators, fans and the audience in mind. Steel legend utilises three Aerospace-Grade LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) fans, while the Phantom Gaming uses a single unified, single-frame design. Both coolers also feature a dedicated 70mm VRM-integrated fan and are backed by a 6-year warranty.
Why Trust Tech4Gamers
Usman Sheikh is one of our most senior and experienced hardware reviewers. He loves spending hours (sometimes days) in his lab, testing and comparing different GPUs, CPUs, coolers, and more.
80+ CPU coolers tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
900+ hours spent testing different coolers for our reviews.
At Tech4Gamers, ensuring you get reliable information is our priority. That’s why every hardware round-up undergoes a meticulous review process by our team of experts and editors. Each review is carefully examined against our strict editorial guidelines, guaranteeing you trustworthy insights you can depend on.
Similar to the ASRock Phantom Gaming 360 LCD Cooler, ASRock Steel Legend 360 LCD features the next-gen cooling pump with a dual-sided inlet cooling path, an LCD display with polychrome display control software, cooled by three industrial-grade dual-bearing aero space LCP fan blades, targeting high-end to mid-range system integrators and enthusiasts while providing good aesthetics. In this review, we will discuss its design, cooling, noise, and performance in depth.
Let’s talk about the specifications first
Component
Specification
Compatibility
AMD: AM5, AM4
Intel: LGA1851, 1700
Water Block
100.4 x 86 x 107.6 mm
Copper cold plate
Radiator
Dimension：(L)397 x (W)120 x (H)27 mm
Material：Aluminum
Dimension：(L)120 x (W)120 x (H)28 mm
Speed：0 - 2500 ± 10% RPM
Bearing：Dual-ball Bearing
Screen
3.4″ IPS LCD
480×480, 24-bit, 60 Hz
USB Type-C to 9-pin
Tubing
IIR+EPDM
450 mm
[toc]
What Makes The ASRock Steel Legend 360 LCD Different?
Almost all-in-one liquid coolers on the market focus on RGB or display gimmicks. The ASRock Steel Legend 360 LCD stands out by prioritizing industrial-grade durability. It features high-end components such as an embedded VRM fan, LCP blades, and Dual Ball Bearing fans that significantly extend the cooler’s lifespan. It also emphasizes aesthetics by reducing cable clutter and including a 3.4-inch display inside the ARGB housing.
What About The Availability & Pricing?
This Cooler is available in only a single 360mm variant and is offered in white and dark black. There is no 240mm available at the moment. ASRock also offers 6 years of warranty for the AIO Cooler Module and 2 years for the LCD unit.
Packaging
Let’s take a look at the packaging!
Packaging
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The box perfectly matches ASRock’s Traditional Steel Legend Motherboard packaging, with a clean white, silver, and light grey colour palette. The front side of the box also reveals the ASRock Polychrome Sync and Polychrome Display Compatibility.
The back of the box highlights the cooler’s premium features, such as the 3.4-Inch LCD, the dedicated VRM fan, and LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) fan blades, which are the standout features of this all-in-one. The back also lists the liquid-cooler’s specifications.
Unboxing
Well, this is where the packaging truly shines. ASRock has opted for the individual, precisely fitted white cardboard boxes. Every inner box is clearly labelled, making the unboxing experience feel incredibly premium and organized.
Accessories
Let’s take a look at the accessories.
Accessories
Just like the ASRock Phantom Gaming 360 LCD You don’t get a lot of mounting accessories with the ASRock Steel Legend 360 LCD, which is a good thing, as ASRock has kept it straightforward overall. The Intel bracket supports the LGA 1700/1851. In the accessories, Thermal Paste, Spatula, tube-clips and Type-C LCD cable are also included.
Here is the structured table of what you get inside the box:
Category
Item
Quantity
Mounting Hardware
Intel Backplate
1x
Intel Standoff
4x
AMD Mounting Bracket
2x
Radiator/Fan Screws
12x
Cable
USB Type-C to Motherboard 9 pin
1x
Tools
Thermal Paste + Spatula
1x
Tube Clip
3x
User Manual
1x
Close Look At The Radiator and Assembly
Let’s take a look at the assembly first. The fans are preinstalled on the radiator and use an interlocking, cable-free daisy-chain, where the fans must click together to share power. This all-in-one carries the traditional steel-legend theme, the pure white paired with the darker grey blades creating a really nice two-tone contrast. Overall, the cooler provides an industrial vibe with a few gold and brass accents on the fan hub.
Assembly
The radiator dimensions are standard: 397x120x27mm (LxWxH), not including the fan height, and it is made of aluminium. Make sure your case supports 360mm radiators and has enough clearance.
Radiator
The radiator uses the standard dense fin-stack design. The FPI (Fins Per Inch) is 20, and the radiator has 12 water-flow channels.
Fin Design
The ASRock Logo can also be noticed on the side of the radiator.
Radiator Side Profile
The tube length is 450mm in total, which is longer than the standard you see in traditional all-in-ones; generally, the tubes are not longer than 400mm.
Tube Design
The tubes are premium-grade here, as they use IIR (Isobutylene Isoprene Rubber) and EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), both of which offer very good heat resistance and a longer lifespan.
Pump Design / Housing
Let’s take a look at the water block.
Integrated VRM Fan + Water Block
Integrated VRM Fan + Water Block
The ASRock Steel Legend 360 LCD takes a functional, modular approach by integrating an active VRM fan to cool the motherboard under sustained heat. This open-frame design directs airflow directly toward the motherboard socket area and surrounds the motherboard’s power delivery. The fan uses a swept-blade design with a stark white housing, maintaining the steel legend’s Aesthetics.
If you look closely, you can see the exposed gold contact pads in the corner and a small multi-pin connector on the edge for the LCD module.
Cold Plate / Mounting Mechanism
Connection
The mounting arms are preinstalled on the water block, along with the captive screws, simplifying the installation process. The water block is powered by a 4-pin PWM controller, allowing you to adjust its speed.
LCD Module
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LCD Module
Under the hood
Type-C Connectivity
Side Profile
Side Profile
This detachable LCD module slides on the top of the water block for connectivity. Design-wise, this module features a stark white and silver colourway that blends well with the white builds. ASRock has made heavy use of diagonal, slatted venting. On the side profiles, ASRock has also added its branding.
The module supports Type-C connectivity, which requires the cable routing from the motherboard to the module.
Display
LCD Panel
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The Display is an IPS 24-Bit 3.5” Full Colour LCD Display and supports 480×480, which also supports the 60Hz Refresh Rate, which you often see in the high-end all-in-one liquid coolers. Since it’s an IPS panel, not the TFT design you may see on cheaper LCD all-in-one designs, the view angles are great, and the screen features punchy colour saturation with decent contrast, even in a dark PC case.
The black look would be relatively deep. The bright green and purples pop without significant blooming. ASRock has provided us with the 6 pre-installed layouts in their software.
The display can be customized through Polychrome Display Software. It supports sensor reporting, and the widgets and preinstalled themes are also included. The LCD also supports MP4 video playback and a wide range of formats, including JPEG, GIF, PNG, and BMP, on the panel.
Fans
Let’s discuss about the fans!
Fans
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ASRock has chosen an interesting design for the fans, the fans feature 9 Liquid Crystal Polymer) LCP fan blades are housed in a white frame. When it comes to quality, LCP is incredibly rigid; this is also one of the reasons why the fans have tight clearance between the blade tips and the inner frame. The metallic-looking center hub with ‘Steel Legend’ branding adds an industrial touch that perfectly matches the ASRock Steel Legend brand’s styling.
One thing I have loved about these fans is their interlocking daisy-chain system: instead of each fan having its own set of cables, they physically connect to each other, and all three fans are powered by just one 4-pin PWM cable.
The fans also use an industrial-grade dual-ball bearing mechanism combined with a copper-alloy hub, which also ensures longevity and rigidity.
Here are the specifications of the fans.
ASRock Steel Legend 360 LCD Fan Specification
Fan Dimension
120 x 120 x 28 mm
Fan Speed
0 - 2500 ± 10% RPM
Max. Air Flow
(Max.) 76.7 CFM
Max. Static Pressure
(Max.) 4.16 mmH20
Noise
(Max.) 38.3 dB(A)
Bearing Type
Dual-ball Bearing
Connector
PWM (4pin) + 3-Pin ARGB 5v
Installation (AMD)
We’re using the AMD platform, so our installation steps will only be provided for that.
Prepare the socket
First, you need to remove the motherboard stock retention brackets from your AM4/AM5 motherboards. Then, you must install the ASRock’s provided bracket. Secure the bracket in place with the screws. Do not over-tighten the screws. Ensure the arrows on the bracket point towards the CPU for the correct orientation. Don’t forget to apply the thermal-paste!
AM5 Bracket Installed
Thermal Paste Applied
Now position the water block on the bracket and secure it to the bracket, then tighten the captive screw loaded on the water block.
Block Installed
Tighten each screw gradually and evenly to ensure balanced mounting pressure. After the block is seated, slide the LCD onto the block and connect the provided 9-Pin-to-Type-C cable to the LCD module to power the display.
Finished Looks
Here is the finished looks of ASRock Steel Legend 360 LCD All-in-one Liquid Cooler assembled in Hyte Y70.
Cooler Assembled
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Testing Methodology
CPU Configuration:
We evaluate the cooler’s performance using three different benchmark methods. Noise-normalized testing is performed at 40dB(A) at the 105W TDP and 170W TDP (Stock) of the Ryzen 9 9950X. We then test the cooler’s performance at the maximum PWM speeds for both TDP configurations. After that, we unlock the power limits of the CPU to see how much cooler it can dissipate the heat in terms of watts at the maximum PWM Speeds.
Controlled Environment:
We have eliminated the influence of ambient temperatures in our data, and all results are presented as deltas over the ambient conditions. The tests were done in a controlled environment with a room temperature of 25°C.
Preparing System:
The Coolers are tested in realistic conditions. We don’t use the open bench system; instead, we have installed the cooler in our HYTE Y70 case, mounted at the top. We ensure the airflow is adequate in the case and that the case fans are running at the fixed PWM speeds.
We are using ID-Cooling X45 thermal paste for all coolers.
Software:
We have ensured that no other software is running on the computer that could influence the CPU load.
We’ll be using the Cinebench R23 Loop for 20 minutes after the warm-up test has been completed. Each test has a 10-minute cool-down time.
Let’s take a look at the Noise and RPM Readings. We conducted tests across four different PWM range levels.
25-50% PWM
Noise Readings
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Noise - 25% PWM
Noise - 50% PWM
75-100% PWM
Noise Readings
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Noise - 75% PWM
Noise - 100% PWM
Here is the structured table illustrating fan noise levels at various PWM percentages. The Floor Noise Level is 36dB(A).
PWM (%)
RPM
Noise dB(A)
25%
1140 RPM
38 dB(A)
50%
1732 RPM
47 dB(A)
75%
2242 RPM
52 dB(A)
100%
2800 RPM
60 dB(A)
Should You Buy It?
Buy It If
✅ You’re Building An All-white PC: The Pristine white, classic industrial aesthetic, with braided tubing and subtle ARGB lighting, makes this all-in-one liquid cooler fantastic for a clean, light-themed build.
✅You Are Doing Heavy Overclocking: ASRock Steel Legend 360 LCD is more than enough to tame high-end processors and has ample cooling headroom for overclocking. It also features an integrated 70mm VRM fan that helps cool motherboard components for stability.
✅ You Want Clutter Free Experience: One thing I have loved about these fans is their interlocking daisy-chain system: instead of each fan having its own set of cables, they physically connect to each other, and all three fans are powered by just one 4-pin PWM cable.
Don’t Buy It If
❌ You Don’t Care About LCD Screen: At $160, you’re paying a heavy premium for the LCD screen. If you care only about performance, a standard all-in-one liquid cooler without a screen would be the better choice.
Final Thoughts
Cooling Performance And Noise
So far, I’m satisfied with the performance. The ASRock Steel Legend 360 LCD is not their top all-in-one in the portfolio. We observed the CPU ran a few degrees hotter than the ASRock Phantom Gaming 360 LCD. The difference was not huge, but the average delta was between 1.5 °C and 2.5 °C despite having more powerful fans. Since ASRock targeted a different audience with this cooler, they cut the radiator size to the traditional 27mm. The Phantom Gaming 360 LCD offers the massive 32mm radiator.
The cooler easily managed to tame the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X (200W) heat output and provides more thermal headroom. We could have pushed our CPU to its extreme limits.
Noise may concern many users. At maximum PWM, the fan can reach 60dB(A) while spinning at nearly 2800 RPM. We advise users who find this too loud to set PWM levels to 35%-40%.
Build Quality / Design
The build quality is robust and durable. ASRock did not compromise on quality despite the ASRock Phantom Gaming 360 LCD being cheaper. The radiator fans are made from Liquid Crystal Polymer and use dual-ball bearings for a longer lifespan. However, I’d have loved to see ARGB lighting on the fans during this segment; instead, they provided it on the LCD module.
The centrepiece of this liquid-cooler is the massive 3.4-Inch LCD that supports 480×480 and 60 FPS Video playback. The LCD module slides to the water block magnetically, and it’s sturdy. We did not notice any wobbling of the module.
VRM cooling is another salient feature of this all-in-one, which performs very well. If you’re pushing your CPU to the extreme limits, you might want to use the active-cooling on the VRMs, which this cooler provides.
Value
ASRock Steel Legend 360 LCD is priced at $159.99, $30 cheaper than the Phantom Gaming 360 LCD ($189.99). The main compromise here you’re making to save that cash is the radiator thickness, while they did not cut a lot on the fans. In fact, I have loved the Steel Legends fans more than the ones it included in the Phantom Gaming. Other than that, you still retain the exact same 3.4-inch 60Hz magnetic display, embedded VRM fan, and identical water block. I believe $160 makes absolute perfect sense for this all-in-one, given all the features; a similar all-in-one from premium brands could cost nearly $200 USD these days.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
Story Highlight
An insider suggests that Xbox is considering the possibility of removing Call of Duty from Game Pass.
It is said that the series’ addition to Game Pass has disrupted the service and led to the recent price hikes.
Microsoft could face huge backlash if it ends up going through with this decision.
As the gaming giant continues to move forward, the hybrid console-PC ecosystem and Game Pass are expected to remain the central focus for Microsoft, but a new rumor suggests the latter could undergo major changes. In fact, Microsoft could get rid of Call of Duty from the service this year.
Why it matters: Xbox previously struggled hard to acquire Activision Blizzard, pitching Call of Duty’s availability on Game Pass as a major benefit to consumers from this deal.
According to Jez Corden, rumblings suggest that Xbox is currently considering the removal of Call of Duty from Game Pass. In a recent YouTube livestream, the popular Xbox insider and journalist stated that this is something he had heard, and it is certainly a possibility.
If they take Call of Duty out of Game Pass this year, which is a possibility from what I’ve heard, I think it’ll reveal some of the cracks in the strategy.
-Jez Corden
In the same video, Jez Corden noted that Call of Duty’s addition of the subscription model has impacted the success of Activision Blizzard’s long-running franchise.
As he puts it, Call of Duty has played a major role in the recent Game Pass price hikes, which have led to Game Pass Ultimate starting from a whopping $30/month. He also discussed how Call of Duty’s influence could even lead to a situation where Microsoft eventually creates an all-new tier of the service with AAA titles on par with Call of Duty.
Of course, Microsoft’s decision to back down after introducing games like Black Ops 7 to Game Pass would certainly lead to plenty of negative feedback and outrage. In fact, many have already begun showing early signs of backlash in the YouTube comments and social media discussions.
Black Ops 7 Launched Day-One on Game Pass
Whether Call of Duty will still be available on Game Pass should be officially confirmed at this year’s Xbox Games Showcase.
For now, Activision is expected to debut Modern Warfare 4, developed by Infinity Ward, at this event. In typical Xbox fashion, this announcement should be accompanied by confirmation of whether the title will be available on the popular subscription service.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
Story Highlight
In a major poll with over 270K participants, players voted Red Dead 2 as the best game ever made.
The 2nd and 3rd spots are currently held by Elden Ring and The Witcher 3 currently.
The polls are still active, but Red Dead Redemption 2 has kept its spot at the top since the start.
Gaming has come a long way since its advent. With new tech taking over, and everything consistently evolving, we see new things daily. However, amid all this some games remain universal classics, and fans have had their say.
In a major poll conducted recently, fans voted for Red Dead Redemption 2 as the best game ever made. There are over 270,000 participants in the poll at the time of writing, and a huge majority voted in favor of Rockstar’s outlaw title.
Why it matters: Alomst 8 years since its launch, Red Dead 2 is still considered the pinnacle of open-world titles, with a gripping story, characters with great depth, and graphics that still hold up years later.
Fans vote for Red Dead 2 as the best game ever made in major poll
GameRant conducted the poll which is still active with over 270K voters so far. But ever since the voting started, there has been one clear winner, and that is Red Dead Redemption 2, Rockstar’s classic released in 2018.
The rest of the positions have been shifting but Elden Ring and The Witcher 3 have been the most recurring names. Notably, a huge majority of the top 10 games released in this decade or at least in the 2000s.
RDR2 helped define an entire generation of gaming
Even relatively newer titles like Cyberpunk 2077 have managed to book a spot in the top 10. Again, the voting is still going on so the positions are constantly changing, but Red Dead 2 has managed to stay at the top.
Rockstar’s entry was nothing short of revolutionary for the industry. The same could be said for The Witcher 3. Both these titles helped define a long list of titles and set a benchmark in gaming, which studios still look up to.
What are your thoughts on Red Dead Redemption 2 being voted as the best game ever made? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
