I'm using an AM5 system with a Ryzen 7 9800X3D and currently have an air cooler. I'm considering switching to an AIO liquid cooler for $100 or less, mainly to keep temperatures lower during heavy workloads and possibly improve performance. Which models are worth considering at this price, and would an AIO actually be a meaningful upgrade over a good air cooler?
4 Answers
There isn’t much of a cooling upgrade unless you move to a larger, high-end radiator. For the 9800X3D, even many basic coolers are sufficient, so choose an AIO based on looks, radiator compatibility, warranty, and noise rather than expecting a major performance difference.
An AIO probably won’t provide a meaningful performance upgrade here. A solid air cooler around $40–$60 can handle the 9800X3D well, and a mild undervolt can help reduce temperatures further. A liquid cooler mainly makes sense if you prefer the appearance or need more clearance around the CPU socket.
My main goal is keeping temperatures lower during maximum load so the chip can sustain its best performance.
I’d stick with a good air cooler at this budget. A quality air cooler can perform about as well as many inexpensive AIOs, while having fewer failure points and no pump that can eventually stop working. The Noctua NH-D15 is another strong option and can compete with large liquid coolers, though it may cost slightly over $100 depending on the sale.
If you specifically want an AIO, the Arctic Liquid Freezer III Pro is usually available around $70–$90 and is one of the stronger options in that price range. The 360 mm version offers plenty of cooling capacity, assuming your case supports it.
Is that generally considered the best AIO option around this budget?
I didn’t realize a $100 cooler was still considered a budget option, but I mainly want better cooling under sustained heavy loads.