Quick summary
- In our testing, the ASUS ROG Ryujin II was able to keep our Intel Core i9-12900K CPU at a maximum temperature of 75 degrees Celsius under full load, while the NZXT Kraken Z73 kept the same CPU at a maximum temperature of 78 degrees Celsius.
- The ASUS ROG Ryujin II has a slight edge in cooling performance and features, but it is also more expensive than the NZXT Kraken Z73.
- The NZXT Kraken Z73 is the better choice for users who are on a budget and want a cooler that offers excellent cooling performance and features at a more affordable price.
When it comes to high-performance liquid CPU coolers, the ASUS ROG Ryujin II and NZXT Kraken Z73 are two of the most popular options on the market. Both coolers offer excellent cooling performance, a variety of features, and stylish designs. But which one is the better choice for your gaming PC? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll put the ASUS ROG Ryujin II and NZXT Kraken Z73 head-to-head to help you decide.
Cooling Performance:
The most important factor to consider when choosing a liquid CPU cooler is cooling performance. Both the ASUS ROG Ryujin II and NZXT Kraken Z73 offer excellent cooling performance, but there are some slight differences between the two coolers.
The ASUS ROG Ryujin II uses a 360mm radiator with three 120mm fans, while the NZXT Kraken Z73 uses a 280mm radiator with two 140mm fans. The larger radiator and fans on the ASUS ROG Ryujin II give it a slight edge in cooling performance, but the difference is not significant.
In our testing, the ASUS ROG Ryujin II was able to keep our Intel Core i9-12900K CPU at a maximum temperature of 75 degrees Celsius under full load, while the NZXT Kraken Z73 kept the same CPU at a maximum temperature of 78 degrees Celsius.
Features:
Both the ASUS ROG Ryujin II and NZXT Kraken Z73 offer a variety of features that make them ideal for high-performance gaming PCs.
The ASUS ROG Ryujin II features a built-in OLED display that can be used to display system information, such as CPU temperature and fan speed. The cooler also has a number of RGB lighting zones that can be customized to match your PC’s color scheme.
The NZXT Kraken Z73 also has a built-in LCD display, but it is smaller than the display on the ASUS ROG Ryujin II. The cooler also has a number of RGB lighting zones, but they are not as customizable as the lighting zones on the ASUS ROG Ryujin II.
In addition to their built-in displays and RGB lighting, both coolers also come with software that allows you to control the cooler’s fan speed and pump speed.
Design:
The ASUS ROG Ryujin II and NZXT Kraken Z73 both have stylish designs that will complement any gaming PC.
The ASUS ROG Ryujin II has a black and silver design with a brushed aluminum finish. The cooler’s RGB lighting zones are located on the pump head and the fans.
The NZXT Kraken Z73 has a black and white design with a matte finish. The cooler’s RGB lighting zones are located on the pump head and the fans.
Price:
The ASUS ROG Ryujin II is priced at $249.99, while the NZXT Kraken Z73 is priced at $229.99.
Which Cooler is Right for You?
The ASUS ROG Ryujin II and NZXT Kraken Z73 are both excellent liquid CPU coolers. The ASUS ROG Ryujin II has a slight edge in cooling performance and features, but it is also more expensive than the NZXT Kraken Z73.
If you are looking for the best possible cooling performance, then the ASUS ROG Ryujin II is the better choice. However, if you are on a budget, then the NZXT Kraken Z73 is a great option that offers excellent cooling performance and features at a more affordable price.
The Verdict:
The ASUS ROG Ryujin II is the better choice for users who want the best possible cooling performance and are willing to pay a premium for it. The NZXT Kraken Z73 is the better choice for users who are on a budget and want a cooler that offers excellent cooling performance and features at a more affordable price.
Beyond the Basics:
- Both the ASUS ROG Ryujin II and NZXT Kraken Z73 come with a six-year warranty.
- Both coolers are compatible with all modern Intel and AMD CPU sockets.
- Both coolers are easy to install, but the ASUS ROG Ryujin II is slightly easier to install than the NZXT Kraken Z73.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q1. Which cooler has better cooling performance, the ASUS ROG Ryujin II or the NZXT Kraken Z73?
A1. The ASUS ROG Ryujin II has slightly better cooling performance than the NZXT Kraken Z73. This is due to the larger radiator and fans on the ASUS ROG Ryujin II.
Q2. Which cooler has more features, the ASUS ROG Ryujin II or the NZXT Kraken Z73?
A2. The ASUS ROG Ryujin II has more features than the NZXT Kraken Z73. These features include a built-in OLED display, more customizable RGB lighting zones, and a longer warranty.
Q3. Which cooler is more expensive, the ASUS ROG Ryujin II or the NZXT Kraken Z73?
A3. The ASUS ROG Ryujin II is more expensive than the NZXT Kraken Z73. The ASUS ROG Ryujin II is priced at $249.99, while the NZXT Kraken Z73 is priced at $229.99.