I'm putting together a gaming PC with a budget of around $2500, and I'm unsure about which all-in-one (AIO) cooler to choose. The RAM is a little confusing because Amazon lists it as CL 36, but I actually found it for CL 32, so I'll be adding about $50 to the total. I'm planning to swap out the AIO fans for Lian Li Uni fans. Is the Lian Li Galahad a good pick for cooling? Also, can I customize the LCD screen on it? Here's my build for reference: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/kVRQb2
6 Answers
Honestly, if you're just looking for efficiency, tower air coolers are very effective. Custom water loops look awesome, but they're more about aesthetics than performance. You could save some cash and still cool effectively with air!
I have the Lian Li Galahad myself—it was awesome until my pump died a few months later. But Lian Li replaced it quickly for free, so no hard feelings there. Just a heads up, my old version didn't allow screen changes, but I believe the newer ones do! You can upload images or GIFs now, which is pretty cool.
If you're looking for something budget-friendly, the Arctic Freezer III Pro has been great for me, whether you go for 360mm or 420mm sizes! It performs well without breaking the bank.
I haven't compared it to others, but the Arctic Freezer 3 Pro 360mm has been fantastic for me. My temps barely go above 60°C on heavy loads! Of course, my cooler ambient temp might help. Great performance for around $100 without any flashy screens—nice touch!
Both the Lian Li Galahad and the Arctic Freezer are solid choices for AIO cooling. The Arctic Freezer may edge out in raw performance, but the difference is minimal. If you go for a reputable brand, you should be in good hands. Just steer clear of Corsair RGB RAM if you’re mixing it with non-Corsair RGB hardware—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later for not dealing with multiple RGB software hassles.
Actually, the Galahad's performance can be a bit higher than the Freezer's despite the latter being quieter overall. Check this chart: [link](https://gamersnexus.net/megacharts/cpu-coolers#200W-normalized-100)
Thanks for the heads up about the RAM! I really want my build to look great with RGB.
Most AIOs will do the trick! For peak performance, check out the Arctic Freezer III Pro or the Galahad II Lite. But since your build seems more about looks, even a mid-tier AIO is going to serve you fine. If visuals are your focus, you might want to check out options like the Hyte THICC with its swivelable mount or the Lian Li Hydroshift for a clean aesthetic. For the LCD, I'm not familiar with Lian Li's software, unfortunately.
No rattling sounds or issues at all? I've read some reports about that.