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When building a high-performance gaming or professional PC, choosing the right cooling solution is crucial. The Asus ROG Ryujin series offers some of the most advanced all-in-one (AIO) liquid coolers on the market. Recently, Asus released the ROG Ryujin III 360, an upgrade over the previous ROG Ryujin II 360. In this article, we compare these two models to highlight what’s new and improved.
Design and Build Quality
The Asus ROG Ryujin III 360 features a sleek, modern design with enhanced aesthetics. It maintains the signature ROG branding, but introduces a more refined look with thinner tubing and a streamlined pump housing. The radiator is slightly thicker, allowing for better heat dissipation.
The ROG Ryujin II 360 retains a similar design but with a slightly bulkier pump unit. Both models use high-quality materials, but the newer version emphasizes a more minimalist appearance with subtle RGB accents.
Cooling Performance
The Ryujin III 360 introduces improved heat transfer capabilities thanks to a new cold plate design and optimized pump. This results in lower CPU temperatures under load, especially during intensive gaming or rendering tasks.
Benchmark tests show that the ROG Ryujin III 360 offers approximately 2-3°C better cooling performance compared to the RYUJIN II 360, making it a more effective solution for overclocked CPUs.
Features and Technology
The ROG Ryujin III 360 introduces several new features:
- Enhanced Pump: Quieter operation with increased durability.
- Integrated Fan Control: Improved software controls for fan and pump speeds.
- ARGB Lighting: Customizable RGB lighting on the pump and radiator for aesthetic flexibility.
- OLED Display: A new, larger 3.5-inch OLED screen displaying system stats and custom images.
The RYUJIN II 360 also features RGB lighting and a smaller OLED display, but the new model enhances these with better resolution and more customization options.
Compatibility and Installation
Both coolers support a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets. The Ryujin III 360 includes updated mounting brackets for easier installation and improved compatibility with newer CPU sockets.
Installation procedures are similar, but the newer model’s improved mounting system reduces setup time and increases stability.
Price and Value
The Asus ROG Ryujin III 360 is priced slightly higher than the RYUJIN II 360, reflecting its upgraded features and performance. However, the investment provides better cooling efficiency, enhanced aesthetics, and more advanced controls, making it a worthwhile upgrade for enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The Asus ROG Ryujin III 360 builds upon the strengths of the RYUJIN II 360 with notable improvements in cooling performance, design, and features. For users seeking the latest in cooling technology with customizable aesthetics and enhanced control, the newer model is the better choice. However, those on a budget or with less demanding needs may find the RYUJIN II 360 still offers excellent performance at a lower price.