ASUS ROG Ryujin III WB CPU Water Block: features and compatibility

The ASUS ROG Ryujin III WB is a CPU water block for open-loop (custom) liquid cooling. It sits on the processor, carries heat away into a coolant loop, and adds a 3.5-inch colour LCD and a small fan for the motherboard's power circuitry. It is a component for PC builders, not a complete cooler.

What a water block does

In custom water cooling, coolant flows through a loop of tubing, a pump, a radiator and one or more water blocks. The CPU block is the part touching the processor. Heat moves from the chip into a metal cold plate, then into the liquid, which carries it to the radiator. Compared with air coolers, custom loops can handle large heat loads and offer more flexible layouts, though they need more planning and upkeep.

Cold plate and micro-fins

ASUS says the block is powered by Asetek, a well-known liquid-cooling designer, and uses a copper alloy cold plate with 178 micro-cooling fins. Fine fins increase the surface area that touches the coolant, which helps move heat quickly from the plate into the liquid. ASUS states this gives rapid, thorough cooling that lets the CPU reach its full potential.

The 3.5-inch LCD

The top of the block carries a full-colour 3.5-inch LCD that ASUS says refreshes at 60 FPS. It can show system information, and per the description supports personalised GIF animations, so it doubles as a feature of a showcase build. Customisation is handled through ASUS software, so check the brand's support page for supported operating systems.

Embedded VRM fan

Motherboard VRMs (voltage regulator modules) deliver power to the CPU, and they warm up under load, especially when a large air cooler is replaced by a block with no fan of its own. ASUS includes a large embedded Axial-tech fan that increases airflow over this area, and quotes a reduction in VRM temperatures of up to 35°C (the listing carries a footnote on test conditions).

Fittings and compatibility

The block comes with all-copper ROG fittings, which connect the tubing to the block. ASUS lists compatibility with Intel LGA 1700, 1200 and 115X sockets and AMD AM4 and AM5. The model number on this listing ends in "WB-AM4", so confirm which mounting hardware is included.

Who it suits

It suits experienced builders putting together a custom loop, especially in ROG-themed systems where the LCD and lighting are part of the look. Anyone new to water cooling may prefer to read up on loop design first, because the block alone doesn't include the pump, radiator, reservoir, tubing or coolant.

What to check before you buy

• Socket: confirm your CPU socket is supported and that the right mounting kit is in the box.
• Other loop parts: you will need a pump, radiator, reservoir, tubing and coolant.
• Fitting size: check that the fitting thread and tubing size match the rest of your loop.
• Clearance: check the block's height against your case, RAM and motherboard layout.
• Power and connectors: check the manual for the headers needed for the LCD and fan.
• Software: confirm LCD customisation works with your operating system.

The short version

• A custom-loop CPU water block with an Asetek-built design.
• 178 micro-cooling fins and a copper alloy cold plate.
• 3.5-inch full-colour LCD at 60 FPS with GIF support.
• Embedded Axial-tech VRM fan, rated by ASUS at up to 35°C lower VRM temperatures.
• Supports Intel LGA 1700, 1200 and 115X and AMD AM4 and AM5, with ROG copper fittings included.

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