It's well documented that a liquid cooler is the most effective type of cooler.
But do you actually need an aio, especially if you aren't going to push max OC limits?
For the build I'm piecing together I ended up going with an air cooler, Scythe Mugen 5, on an Intel I7-10700k. I'm more comfortable with the install, didn't want the risk of a leak down the road, and felt like the extra $150 was better spent elsewhere.
What do you say? AIO is a must, a nice to have, or other? [Reply]
Originally Posted by vailpass:
Yeah, there’s something to be said for coordinating. Was the install fairly straight forward?
Yep! I have my radiator mounted to the inside part of the top of the case with fans right underneath it pushing/blowing the warmth out. I do not remember it being a pain the ass at all. I think I watched an EVGA-produced video before I installed and that probably helped me formulate my approach. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Pants:
Yep! I have my radiator mounted to the inside part of the top of the case with fans right underneath it pushing/blowing the warmth out. I do not remember it being a pain the ass at all. I think I watched an EVGA-produced video before I installed and that probably helped me formulate my approach.
Originally Posted by KCTitus:
Did a CoolerMaster 360 a few months ago...top mounted the radiator and to do had to sacrifice the front USB hub. oh well...
It was simple enough, but I mistakenly took out the MB to mount the bracket and I didnt need to, so that added about an hour to the project.
My CPU was giving me thermal issues and wouldnt OC, but this AIO dropped the normal operating temp by 20 degrees C. Id say it was worth it.
Good to know. 360 is a big rig. I'm doing a Corsair 280 in an NZXT h710 case that has a dedicated top rack for a radiator so I'm HOPING that will make it easier on me as a first-time AIO installer.
That's a huge performance bump you got, 20 degrees? Thanks for the input. [Reply]
Originally Posted by vailpass:
Good to know. 360 is a big rig. I'm doing a Corsair 280 in an NZXT h710 case that has a dedicated top rack for a radiator so I'm HOPING that will make it easier on me as a first-time AIO installer.
That's a huge performance bump you got, 20 degrees? Thanks for the input.
yep...my idle temp went from 40+ to 20...I was shocked. Good to hear you're top mounting, because the most important thing is to make sure the pump is below the radiator's input/output hose connections. That keeps the air pocket in the radiator and not the pump. Over time fluid will slowly evaporate and the air pocket in the system will grow, you just dont want it to get into the pump. [Reply]
Originally Posted by KCTitus:
yep...my idle temp went from 40+ to 20...I was shocked. Good to hear you're top mounting, because the most important thing is to make sure the pump is below the radiator's input/output hose connections. That keeps the air pocket in the radiator and not the pump. Over time fluid will slowly evaporate and the air pocket in the system will grow, you just dont want it to get into the pump.
Thanks, this is good information. I didn’t know pump placement relative to the radiator mattered. [Reply]