Air Cooler vs Liquid Cooler for My First PC Build: What’s Best?

I recommend looking at dual tower air coolers. They keep the CPU cool and are a breeze to replace if something goes wrong with the fans. Plus, they usually come at a much lower price than liquid coolers, which can get pricey.

For my builds, I usually choose AIO liquid coolers. They're generally quieter and can look better in your case. However, be aware that an air cooler is easier to maintain without worrying about dust clogging the fins or potential leaks.

If you do go with an air cooler, something like the Thermalright Phantom Spirit would be a solid choice. It performs well and is pretty affordable. Liquid coolers might help with aesthetics, but they can also come with issues like dust buildup in fans.

Both systems work by moving heat away from your CPU, but air coolers are simpler and often more reliable. Liquid coolers can look amazing, but they can occasionally leak or have pump failures down the line. If you’re not overclocking and just using the 9800X3D, an air cooler is likely enough for your needs.

Air coolers can handle that CPU just fine! They're reliable and usually more straightforward to set up. If you're leaning towards aesthetics, then a liquid cooler might be more your style, but for performance, an air cooler will do the job without issues.