ASUS ROG RYUO IV 360 ARGB Review: A Premium Look with Performance Quirks

The ASUS ROG RYUO IV 360 ARGB is an all-in-one liquid CPU cooler featuring a prominent 6.67-inch curved 2K AMOLED display.

The device offers numerous features, including customizable settings, a slide mechanism for display adjustment, naked-eye 3D effects, and daisy-chained ARGB fans.

Performance tests showed mixed results; on the AMD AM5 test bench, its performance was described as lacking, falling behind other 360 mm AIOs at 45 dBA, with air coolers like the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO achieving similar or better results (within roughly 2°C).

Conversely, on the Intel LGA1700 test bench, the ROG RYUO IV 360 ARGB delivered excellent cooling results. It performed well at both max RPM and at 45 dBA, placing it near the upper echelons of AIO liquid coolers.

Noise levels presented a noticeable issue, specifically the pump noise, which was described as unpleasant when fans were lowered to a more tolerable level. While high fan RPM makes the noise unnoticeable, reaching 45 dBA required dropping the pump to 80% PWM. The cooler’s reliance on limiting pump speed for low noise led to it losing ground in noise normalized tests.

In terms of build quality, reviewers reported good fit and finish. The large AMOLED screen was noted as vibrant and crisp. Setup and cable management were easy thanks to the daisy-chained fans and user-friendly software. However, the warranty structure presents a contrast: the main AIO unit comes with an excellent six-year warranty, but the AMOLED display only has a shorter two-year warranty.

When comparing the cooler to custom water loops, the ASUS ROG RYUO IV 360 ARGB is priced at $419.99, a price point that enters it into comparison territory with lower-tier custom loops that could outperform its thermal performance and reduce noise.

If users prefer an AIO simplicity over going custom, alternatives exist, such as the ASRock Phantom Gaming 360 LCD, which offers similar visibility but better AMD performance. The primary direct competition for the curved display is the Lian Li HydroShift II OLED Curved 360P28.

Performance between the ASUS and Lian Li models was found to be similar, though the Lian Li unit had a slight edge. Despite this, the ASUS commands nearly $100 more at the time of review.

While the ROG RYUO IV 360 ARGB is deemed visually stunning with its massive curved AMOLED display, its high price, suboptimal performance on AMD platforms, and noticeable pump noise limit its overall appeal outside a niche market for dedicated ROG/ASUS fans. However, ASUS was singled out for superior ease of installation, setup, and configuration compared to the Lian Li unit.

Source: TechPowerUp