I'm running an AM5 system with a Ryzen 7 9800X3D and currently use an air cooler. I'm considering switching to an AIO liquid cooler for $100 or less, mainly to improve temperatures under heavy loads and possibly get better performance. What models are worth considering, and would an AIO actually be a meaningful upgrade over a good air cooler?
3 Answers
For a practical upgrade, I’d stay with air cooling. Models such as the be quiet! Pure Rock 3 or a larger dual-tower cooler can keep this processor under control, even during heavy workloads. A Noctua NH-D15 is another excellent option if you can find it close to your budget. A modest undervolt can also reduce temperatures without sacrificing much performance.
AIO cooling probably won’t provide a major performance improvement here. A solid air cooler can handle the 9800X3D very well, costs less, and has fewer failure points. If you mainly want the look of liquid cooling, then choose the AIO you like aesthetically, but don’t expect a dramatic temperature or performance difference.
If you definitely want an AIO, the Arctic Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 is often available for roughly $70–$90 and is one of the stronger options in that price range. Just make sure your case supports a 360 mm radiator and that the mounting hardware is compatible with AM5.
Is that generally considered the best AIO around this price, or are there other models I should compare it with?
I was hoping to keep temperatures lower during maximum loads, but it sounds like a good air cooler may already be enough for that.