I'm currently gathering parts for my new PC and need some advice on cooling. I'm considering using the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE along with some Thermalright 120mm case fans for cooling my Ryzen 9 9950X3D and RTX 5090. I'm also thinking about undervolting both the CPU and GPU to manage temperatures better. Will this setup be adequate, or would it be wiser to invest in liquid cooling instead?
2 Answers
Liquid cooling does look better, but honestly, it can be tricky. The longevity of a liquid cooler can be a concern. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE should handle your setup well if you keep it clean. A minimal aesthetic? Consider the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO. If your budget allows for an AIO, the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II is top-notch but remember to maintain it frequently—clean your PC every few months! Under-volting may not be a must unless you're in a super hot area.
If you're planning to undervolt, a solid air cooling setup should definitely work well for you. However, if you want to overclock, you might benefit from a liquid cooling solution. Nowadays, air coolers are incredibly efficient. Just make sure your case has good airflow and decent fans, and you should keep your temps safe without worrying about throttling.

I appreciate the insight! Seems like air cooling might be the way to go for me.