How should I cool this first-time AM5 gaming build without using an AIO?
Asked by
MellowOrbit42
I'm planning my first PC build and don't know much about cooling. I'd prefer to avoid an AIO liquid cooler because it seems too advanced for me. The system will use a Ryzen 5 9600X, a Gigabyte B850M microATX motherboard, 32GB of DDR5-6000 CL30 memory, a 1TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD, and a Radeon RX 9060 XT in a Lian Li A3-mATX case. I'd like to add RGB fans for some lighting and keep the total cost below $1,900. What CPU cooler and case-fan setup would work well?
Answers
The Ryzen 5 9600X is fairly easy to cool, so a reasonably priced single-tower air cooler should be enough. A Thermalright Assassin X 120-class cooler would handle it without needing an AIO. A dual-tower cooler would also work, but it is not necessary unless the price difference is very small.
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A dual-fan air cooler is another good option if it only costs a little more than the basic single-fan models. It will still be simpler to install than liquid cooling and gives you extra thermal headroom, although the 9600X does not really require something that large.
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There are a few places to reduce the total cost if you want to improve the graphics card. PCIe 5.0 storage usually offers little noticeable benefit for gaming, and CL30 memory may not be worth a large premium over a similar DDR5-6000 kit. Those savings could potentially help you move up to a Radeon RX 9070, assuming it fits the case and the final power requirements work with your build.
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You can save money by using a single-tower air cooler, since this CPU does not produce much heat. For the case, add three RGB fans: two mounted at the bottom as intake and one at the rear as exhaust. That should provide useful airflow while still giving you the lighting you want. Make sure the fans use connectors supported by the motherboard, or include a hub if needed.
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MellowOrbit42: Thanks! I’m planning to keep the CL30 memory, but I agree that a PCIe 5.0 SSD probably isn’t worthwhile for my use. I’ll look for affordable RGB fans that match the motherboard’s headers.