I'm building a new computer with the AM5 platform, specifically the Ryzen 7 7700 processor. It's got a TDP of 65W, and I initially thought a basic single tower air cooler would do the job. But I've noticed that many users with the Ryzen 5 7600 are using AIOs instead. I found out that AM5 processors can run a bit hot, which makes AIOs popular due to their cooling performance. Having never used an AIO, I found that modern air coolers, particularly dual tower models from brands like Thermalright and Deepcool, also perform really well for AM5 chips. While I like the idea of a dual tower air cooler, I'm concerned about their weight and how secure they are when moving the case. Meanwhile, AIOs are pricier and have moving parts but weigh less, making it easier to move the setup. So, should I go with an air cooler or an AIO for my Ryzen 7 7700?
6 Answers
An AIO is really overkill for this CPU. The Thermalright Phantom Spirit works great and is super reliable. AIOs can be for fun, but they're not necessary, plus they tend to have a limited lifespan and might need replacing.
If you're looking for recommendations, the Thermalright Phantom Spirit is a great choice. It’s under 60€ and does a fantastic job keeping my 9800x3d below 80°C even during heavy usage.
It’s wild how affordable Thermalright can make their coolers while delivering such solid performance!
I have a Ryzen 7 7700 too and I'm using the Thermalright Peerless Assassin. After my build, I stress-tested it, and temps stay below 80°C in games and around 35-40°C at idle. Pretty decent!
What thermal paste did you choose? And did you use the dot method or the cross pattern for application?
Honestly, an air cooler will be perfectly fine for the Ryzen 7 7700. AIOs mainly look good and are more for aesthetics than necessary cooling.
But isn't there a chance the weight of a dual tower cooler will cause issues when moving the PC around? Is it sturdy once installed?
I own a dual air cooler for my 7800X3D and it works like a charm, even under stress tests. If you find a decent AIO at a good price, it can't hurt to get it for future upgrades, but you can definitely get great performance with an affordable dual fan cooler.
If you're considering AIOs, the Arctic Liquid Freezer III is a solid value for performance. Just keep in mind it can be a bit pricey.
I really want one, but the cost is a stretch for me, especially since it's so highly regarded. Guess that justifies the price!
I'm definitely going to check out the Thermalright options. I prefer air coolers because they have fewer moving parts, making them more reliable long-term compared to AIOs.