Hey everyone! I'm gearing up to upgrade my PC and I've got my eye on the AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D for gaming. I've done a bit of research on cooling solutions and I'm leaning towards either the Arctic Cooling Liquid Freezer III Pro or the EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 Dark. However, I've found that the reviews I come across are pretty dated and the information isn't consistent. I'm looking for something quiet above all else, but I also don't want to compromise on cooling efficiency. My case is completely enclosed and soundproofed on the sides, but has an open-top design, so I'm not keen on flashy RGB lighting. Does anyone have any recommendations or experiences with these AIOs? Also, I've been considering switching all my fans to Noctua G2s to lower noise levels. How loud are the pumps for these options? Would Noctua fans enhance their performance in terms of cooling and sound? I also have the space for a 420mm radiator—should I go that route with 140mm fans, or stick with a 360mm radiator and 120mm fans? I think a 420mm radiator could offer better cooling and quieter operation, but I'd love to hear your thoughts!
4 Answers
Going for a 420mm AIO might be overdoing it for the 9850X3D, especially for gaming. But if noise is your priority, it can allow for a quieter fan curve. You could even undervolt your CPU to lower its thermal demands even further. That extra cooling headroom can help keep things whisper-quiet!
Honestly, a dual-tower air cooler might be the best route. The 9850X3D isn't extremely power-hungry, so you wouldn’t need hardcore cooling. Swap out the stock fans for Noctua ones, and you should be golden. You can keep temps in check without having to deal with all the noise from pump-based coolers.
If you're really set on the 9850X3D, I’d recommend considering the watts it consumes. The 9800X3D is a bit less demanding and might save you some cooling hassle. But if you go for the 420mm radiator, go with the fans that can maintain low RPMs for maximum noise reduction. Test out manual fan curves for optimal performance!
I totally get that! I’m currently using a high-spec AIO with my 3080 setup, and I also play CPU-intensive games like Star Citizen. Having that extra cooling could definitely help, but maintenance can be a pain. I hear you on not wanting to deal with constant upkeep!
If silence is what you’re after, consider a high-quality dual tower air cooler like the Noctua NH-D15. It’s a bit bulky, but it’s super effective and can be quite quiet. Plus, you can always pair it with Noctua fans for even better performance and noise control. If budget is a concern, the Thermalright Phantom Spirit is a great alternative that won’t break the bank!
Exactly! A 420mm can give you about 32% more surface area, which should help maintain lower temperatures at lower fan speeds, especially in your semi-open case.