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.
Full review
Flagship Performance
The ASUS ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB represents the pinnacle of AIO liquid cooling technology, featuring Asetek's 8th generation Emma Gen8 V2 pump that delivers significantly improved performance over previous iterations. According to ThinkComputers.org's Bob Buskirk, the cooler's pump operates at 3600 rpm with a 3-phase motor design that enhances efficiency and stability. The unit's 360mm radiator with 30mm thickness provides exceptional cooling capacity, while the 32% larger copper cold plate allows for better heat dissipation from high-performance processors. This configuration enables the cooler to maintain CPU temperatures 7.5% lower compared to standard ROG Ryujin III models, as claimed by ASUS in their official specifications.
Advanced Display and Customization
One of the most distinctive features of the Ryujin III 360 ARGB is its upgraded 3.5-inch full-color LCD display that supports 480p resolution at 60Hz with 32MB memory capacity. TechRadar's review noted that this display can showcase up to 2,000-frame GIFs, a significant improvement from the 500-frame limit of previous models. The display supports system monitoring functions including clock frequencies, voltages, temperatures, fan speeds, and water flow data. DigitalCitizen.life's Radu Tyrsina emphasized that users can personalize the display with custom wallpapers, text, and animations, with integration available for Giphy and AIDA64 Extreme software. The LCD screen can be easily removed for maintenance, as demonstrated in ASUS's official exploded view diagrams, making it both functional and aesthetically impressive.
VRM Cooling Innovation
The Ryujin III 360 ARGB introduces an embedded VRM cooling fan that sets it apart from standard liquid coolers. According to Root-Nation.com's review, this fan can reduce motherboard VRM temperatures by up to 36°C, as demonstrated in testing with AMD Ryzen 9 9950X processors. The cooler's design includes an embedded axial-tech fan that improves airflow around VRM components, addressing a common issue in high-performance builds where VRM temperatures can become problematic during sustained overclocking. The fan's performance was measured at 5.15 mmH2O static pressure with 89.73 CFM airflow, operating at 36 dB(A) noise level. This feature represents ASUS's attempt to create a more comprehensive cooling solution that addresses both CPU and motherboard thermal concerns simultaneously.
Magnetic Fan System
The Ryujin III 360 ARGB employs a revolutionary magnetic daisy-chainable fan design that reduces cable management complexity. As noted by Basic Tutorials' Jonas in his December 2024 review, the three 120mm fans feature magnetic connectors that allow them to snap together, requiring only a single cable for power and control. Each fan operates at 2800 RPM maximum with 5.15 mmH2O static pressure and 89.73 CFM airflow. The fans utilize fluid dynamic bearings (FDBs) for reduced friction and enhanced durability, with a three-section blade design featuring increased blade count from seven to nine. This design increases airflow efficiency while maintaining noise optimization. The fans also feature 8x addressable RGB LEDs per fan, providing extensive customization options for RGB enthusiasts.
Real-World Performance
Independent testing by ThinkComputers.org showed the Ryujin III 360 ARGB maintaining CPU temperatures 7.5% lower than standard models when tested with Intel Core Ultra 9 285K processors. The cooler demonstrated excellent performance across various workloads, with the embedded VRM fan showing measurable temperature reduction during sustained high-load operations. However, overclock3d.net's Mark Campbell noted that while the cooler excels in performance, the additional VRM fan may be unnecessary for most users since motherboards are designed to be adequately cooled without this extra airflow. The unit's noise levels were measured at 36 dB(A) under typical operating conditions, which is considered relatively quiet for such high-performance cooling equipment. Testing revealed that the cooler's 360mm radiator with 30mm thickness and 7mm tubing radius provides superior cooling capacity compared to previous generations.
Build Quality and Design
The Ryujin III 360 ARGB showcases exceptional build quality with a copper cold plate, aluminum radiator, and magnetic ARGB fans. Root-Nation.com's reviewer noted that the cooler's design includes rubberized mounting lugs to reduce vibrations, similar to the RYUO III 360 ARGB model. The pump features a distinctive air duct system that improves VRM cooling, a feature not commonly found in competing products. The unit's dimensions are 399.5 x 120 x 60 mm with a weight of approximately 2.0 kg, making it compatible with most standard cases. The cooler supports multiple socket types including AMD AM5, AM4, and Intel LGA 1700, 1200, and 115x sockets. ASUS's 6-year warranty on the cooler demonstrates confidence in its durability, though some Reddit users have reported firmware-related issues that may affect long-term reliability.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its impressive features, the Ryujin III 360 ARGB has several notable drawbacks that potential buyers should consider. The embedded VRM fan, while innovative, has been criticized by some reviewers as unnecessary since motherboards are designed to be adequately cooled without additional airflow. Overclock3d.net's Mark Campbell specifically noted that small fans like this can be an annoying source of noise. Additionally, the cooler's premium price point of approximately $257 makes it significantly more expensive than competing AIO coolers, with some reviewers questioning whether the added features justify the cost. Basic Tutorials' Jonas highlighted that while the cooler offers excellent performance, its complexity may make installation challenging for less experienced users. The magnetic fan system, while innovative, can be prone to disconnection during shipping or transport, as reported by several users in Reddit discussions.
Who It's Best For
The ASUS ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB is ideal for enthusiasts and gamers who demand maximum cooling performance from their systems and are willing to pay a premium for advanced features. It's particularly suited for users with high-end processors like AMD's 9000 series or Intel Core Ultra processors, where the embedded VRM cooling becomes more beneficial. DigitalCitizen.life's Radu Tyrsina recommends it for those who want to keep their processor's temperature low and stable while enjoying customizable RGB lighting effects. The cooler's compatibility with multiple socket types makes it versatile for various build configurations. However, casual users or those on tight budgets should consider more affordable alternatives, as the Ryujin III 360 ARGB's features may be overkill for standard gaming or productivity workloads. The cooler is best suited for users with compatible cases that can accommodate its 399.5mm length and 30mm thickness dimensions.
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
- +Thicker 30mm liquid cooling radiator compared to previous model's 27mm design
- +Magnetic ROG ARGB fans with easy snap-together installation and RGB control via motherboard software
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
How it compares
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.
Who this is for
At a glance: high-end performance seekers.
Why you’d buy the ASUS ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB
- 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.
Why you’d skip it
- 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.
Rating sources
“In short, this is ASUS' new flagship ROG branded CPU cooler, and that makes this a highly premium product.”
“The RYUJIN III 360 ARGB is the crowning achievement of the genius from ASUS.”
“The ASUS ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB Extreme is the flagship of its own series and, with a price of € 256.99, is one of the most expensive compact water coolers on the market. However, the ASUS ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB Extreme offers a lot in return.”
Our 4.3 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
