Head-to-head · Best Aio Liquid Coolers

ASUS ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB vs EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about premium performance buyers — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #2 in Best Aio Liquid Coolers

ASUS ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB

4.3

$399.99as of Jul 9

The ASUS ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB is ASUS's flagship liquid CPU cooler featuring ASETEK's 8th generation pump, an integrated VRM fan, and an upgraded 480p LCD screen with 32MB memory. Reviewers noted its strong cooling performance and premium build quality, though some questioned the necessity of the VRM fan and criticized the relatively low-resolution display. The cooler supports all major sockets including AM5, LGA1700, and AM4, and comes with magnetic ARGB fans that are easy to install and control via motherboard software. It's best suited for high-end enthusiasts who value visual customization and robust cooling performance.

Strengths

— Features ASETEK's 8th generation pump with 3-phase motor for stronger performance
— Includes integrated VRM cooling fan for motherboard component cooling
— Upgraded 480p 60 Hz LCD screen with 32MB memory capacity supporting up to 2,000 GIF frames

Watch-outs

— Integrated VRM fan may be unnecessary and could add noise
— Display is only 480p 60 Hz, which may not meet high-end expectations
— Magnetic fans are not separately purchasable, limiting upgrade options

$399.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Aio Liquid Coolers

EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB

4.4

$159.99as of Jul 9

The EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB delivers high-performance liquid cooling with excellent build quality and features like daisy chain fan connectivity and ARGB lighting. TechPowerUp's review praised its top performance, while Hardware Busters noted it ranks second behind the Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 Atmos in terms of raw cooling efficiency. However, it becomes quite loud at full speed and comes with a premium price tag. This cooler is ideal for users seeking premium AIO performance with RGB customization and ease of installation, though those prioritizing absolute performance might consider the Cooler Master alternative.

Strengths

— Top performance
— Excellent RAM clearance
— High build quality

Watch-outs

— Expensive
— It gets loud at full speed

$159.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

ASUS ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB

Compared to the NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB, it avoids the issue of the VRM fan being potentially unnecessary and provides better compatibility across socket types. However, it's less quiet than the Cooler Master MasterLiquid PL360 Flux and lacks the premium build quality of the EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB.

EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB

It's also more robust than the Thermaltake TH360 V2 ARGB and offers better build quality than the DeepCool LT720 V2. However, it's significantly more expensive than the Cooler Master MasterLiquid PL360 Flux and the Lian Li Galahad II Trinity 360, and it gets loud at full speed unlike the be quiet! Dark Rock Elite 360.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	ASUS ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB	EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB
Radiator Size	360mm	360mm
Pump Type	ASETEK Emma Gen8 V2	—
Display Type	480p 60 Hz, 32MB memory	—
Voltage	2 volts	—
Wattage	1.2 kwh	—
Material	Aluminum, Copper, Plastic, Metal, Glass	Aluminum
Warranty	6 years	5-year
Fan Size	3 x 120mm	—
Noise Level	36.45 dB(A)	—
Dimensions	399.5mm x 120mm x 30mm	—
RGB Lighting	—	D-RGB

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