My HP Omen is running hot, and I've seen people install Corsair H60 liquid coolers in similar systems. I found a supposedly brand-new H60 for $25, but it appears to be a pre-2018 model. Since it may be close to eight years old despite never being used, should I take the chance, or would I be better off buying a new air cooler instead?
4 Answers
A 120mm AIO generally isn’t a great value even when it’s new. A similarly priced air cooler, such as a Thermalright Assassin King or another decent tower cooler, will usually cool as well or better, have no pump to fail, and come with a fresh warranty. Just confirm that it fits inside the case.
There are exceptions. Some older Corsair units have run reliably for many years, while newer ones have also failed unexpectedly, so age alone doesn’t guarantee failure. However, an older 120mm model is still a gamble, and newer air coolers are inexpensive enough that I wouldn’t take that gamble unless the system has a specific radiator-mounting requirement.
I’d skip an AIO that old, especially one being sold privately with no meaningful warranty. Pumps can wear out, seals can age, and some coolant can gradually permeate over time even if the unit stayed unused. A typical lifespan is roughly five to seven years, though some last much longer and others fail sooner.
That makes sense. I was mostly tempted by the low price, but having it fail after installation would make the savings pretty pointless.
I’d only consider it if you could verify the storage history and had a good return option. Otherwise, buy a new air cooler. Even if the pump still works, an old cooler may have lost some coolant over time, and a small 120mm radiator already has limited cooling capacity.
Exactly. A new $25–$40 air cooler would likely outperform that H60 in the best-case scenario and should be much less risky.