Hey folks! I've been having some issues with my AIO cooler (the be Quiet! Silent Loop 2 360mm). Recently, I've noticed that the fans on the radiator are spinning much faster, and HWMonitor shows my CPU temp jumping from a low of 60°C to a high of 100°C, even when I'm just running lightweight programs like Vivaldi, Adobe Audition, and Word. It's been about three years since I built this system, and here are my specs for context:
- Intel i9 10900
- Asus Z490 E-Gaming
- Asus Strix RTX 3060
- Corsair Vengeance 32GB 3000MHz
- be quiet! Silent Loop 2 360mm (mounted on top, exhaust)
- Asus 650w
- Various storage drives (250GB Nvme for OS, 500GB SSD for misc, 2x2TB SSDs for music, and 1TB for games)
- 6 Noctua Chroma 120mm fans (3 intake on the side, 2 intake from bottom, and 1 exhaust in the rear)
What do you think? Should I stick with the AIO or switch to an air cooler? Any advice would be appreciated!
2 Answers
Honestly, it really depends on what you prefer. AIOs are generally easier to install and remove compared to the bulkiness of air coolers, which is one reason I lean towards them. But keep in mind that AIOs usually last about three years before the coolant might start evaporating, which might be what you're experiencing. In your case, if you’re thinking about longevity, an air cooler could be a better option.
You might want to reach out to Be Quiet since they offer a 3-year warranty for their AIOs. It's worth checking in with them, even though you're a bit past that time frame. Sometimes they’ll actually assist you with replacements or repairs if there's a fault. Just a thought!
Thanks for the tip! I've already contacted them. So far, they've suggested some troubleshooting steps like removing the AIO and shaking it a bit. Waiting to hear back from them for more detailed support.