ASUS ROG RYUO IV 360 ARGB CPU Liquid Cooler Review
Conclusion
The ROG Ryuo IV 360 is a beautiful cooler, just like its SLC counterpart
We reviewed ASUS’ ROG Ryuo IV SLC 360 ARGB CPU liquid cooler last year, and our thoughts on this non-SLC version are similar to those on its SLC counterpart. So what’s the difference? That comes down to radiator design and tubing layout. The SLC version uses shorter tubing runs and features a wider, non-standard radiator design. The standard, non-SLC version we tested today uses a more traditional design with a standard radiator and normal (longer) tubing runs.
The non-SLC version we tested today offers broader PC case compatibility and stronger cooling performance. In our Cinebench stress tests, this model consistently delivered better thermals than its SLC version. Unfortunately, we’re not sure why this is the case. Perhaps the SLC model’s non-standard radiator design makes coolant circulation harder. That would lower the cooling potential of any liquid cooler. Since we have no way to test this, consider it an unproven hypothesis.
It’s a good cooler, but it’s also very expensive
With an asking price of £299.99, this cooler needs to deliver a lot. Thankfully, the ROG Ryuo IV series delivers some of ASUS’ best-looking liquid coolers to date. With its large AMOLED screen and robust surround, this cooling solution oozes the premium quality ROG is known for.
The good news is that this premium aesthetic is backed up by strong cooling performance. As mentioned before, this non-SLC version delivered better cooling performance than its SLC counterpart, and it was already a solid performer.
Our gripes with this cooler are minor. We are somewhat baffled that this cooler cannot be controlled using ASUS’ Armoury Crate software. While ASUS’ InfoHub software is good, we expected ASUS’ Armoury Crate App to support all of the company’s products. Needing several apps instead of an “everything app” is a tad disappointing.
(Expect to see this cooler again in our upcoming ASUS ROG CRONOX PC Case Review)
Two types of people will be discussing this product: those who think it’s gorgeous and want one inside their PC, and those who see ROG and this cooler’s pricing and will cry, “It’s too expensive” and “ROG Tax” at anyone who will listen. Pricing-wise, yes, this cooler is expensive. That’s what you get when a premium brand designs a premium product. You don’t get fancy AMOLED screens on your CPU cooler without paying more, especially when it comes with a fancy metal surround.
Pricing aside, the Ryuo IV is a solid product that looks fantastic. This version delivers stronger cooling performance than the SLC version and greater PC case compatibility. However, these benefits come at the loss of the SLC model’s shorter tubing and more minimalist aesthetic. Like its SLC counterpart, we are giving the ASUS ROG Ryuo IV 360 an OC3D Exceptional Aesthetics award.
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