I'm trying to decide how to handle repeated noise problems with the fans on my CPU cooler. My system has a Ryzen 7 7700X running with an 80 W power limit and a negative 20 curve offset, a DeepCool AK620, Gigabyte RTX 4070 AERO OC 12GB, MSI MPG B650 EDGE WIFI motherboard, 32GB of DDR5 memory, and a Cougar Duoface Pro RGB case. I mainly play games at 1440p.
The AK620's original fans eventually developed an annoying humming or resonance, so I replaced them with Arctic P12 PRO fans. Unfortunately, one of those developed a noticeable rustling or scratching sound and was replaced under warranty. The replacement fan has now started making a similar noise as well.
While gaming, the CPU usually stays around 65–75°C, so temperatures are not really a concern. My priorities are reliability and low noise rather than achieving the lowest possible temperatures. Would it make more sense to buy another pair of fans and keep the AK620, and if so, which models would you recommend? Or should I switch to an AIO liquid cooler for a quieter and more dependable setup?
3 Answers
I wouldn’t move to an AIO based on these temperatures alone. Before buying more fans, check that the noise is not caused by a loose mounting clip, cable contact, fan vibration against the heatsink, or a particular PWM speed range. If the fan itself is faulty, replacing it is still the simpler and more reliable fix.
A quality Noctua NF-A12x25 would be a good replacement. You could use a single fan in the middle of the heatsink, and it should provide plenty of cooling for your current settings while staying quiet and lasting a long time. The main drawback is that it may not match the appearance of a white-themed build.
I’d keep the AK620 and replace the fans rather than changing the entire cooling system. Your gaming temperatures are already perfectly reasonable, and an AIO would add a pump and more potential failure points when your main goals are reliability and quiet operation. The AK620 is still more than capable of cooling the 7700X, especially with your power limit and undervolt.
That makes sense. I’m reasonably happy with the P12 PRO’s performance, but I’m returning the second one because it has also developed a rustling noise.