I'm building my first PC and I've selected an AMD RYZEN 7 7800X3D as my CPU. Initially, I planned to go with the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE air cooler, but after discussing it with a friend who's helping me, I bought a Razer Hanbo Chroma RGB AIO Liquid Cooler instead because it seemed like a good deal. However, I've come across a lot of mixed and negative reviews about the AIO, especially concerning its fan performance. I'm now unsure which cooler would be best for my setup—should I stick with the air cooler or go with the AIO?
5 Answers
Good thing you got a 360mm AIO; they're usually overkill on a 7800X3D, but if you want the aesthetics, it’s a win. However, the air cooler is more straightforward and will keep your CPU cool without making it sound like a jet engine. I'm a fan of simplicity, and the Peerless Assassin should keep you well under 80°C while gaming.
Get yourself an Arctic Liquid Freezer III Pro if you want a reliable AIO, or stick with the Thermalright Peerless Assassin since it’s pretty affordable and performs excellently too. You can't go wrong with either option depending on what you prefer.
Honestly, the Thermalright air cooler is a solid choice for the RYZEN 7 7800X3D. Most folks don't need an AIO unless they’re pushing the limits with heavy workloads or overclocking. A good air cooler like the Peerless Assassin often outperforms budget AIOs when it comes to noise and reliability. You're probably better off with it, especially if you're not looking for a super flashy setup.
The Peerless Assassin does a fantastic job on my 7800X3D, so definitely go for that if you want efficient cooling. If you're looking to save some cash, that cooler is perfectly capable of handling what you need.
That Razer AIO isn't the best performer out there. Despite its reputation, it should handle the cooling just fine for your CPU, though expect it to be noisier than the air cooler. If you prefer the aesthetic of the AIO, consider swapping out the fans for some quieter ones to improve performance. Just keep in mind that the thermal difference might be negligible as long as your temps stay under 85°C.

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