Should I Choose AIO Liquid Cooling or is Air Cooling Enough for My 5090 FE Build?

January 19, 2026 3 answers
Asked by CoolGamer42
Hey there! I'm in the process of upgrading my rig inside an AP201 case and I'm at a crossroads with my CPU cooler. I need to decide whether I should go for an AIO liquid cooler or stick with an air cooler. Personally, I really like the aesthetics and functionality of air coolers, but I've come across some mixed opinions regarding the cooling capabilities of the 5090 FE, especially when it comes to CPU temperatures. Can anyone share their thoughts or experiences with this? By the way, I have a 9800x3d processor! Thanks!

Answers

MightyMouse123
Air cooling should do just fine, but it really depends on your overall airflow setup in the case. Remember, AIOs are still just air coolers at heart; they just push the heat to a radiator first. If your GPU is pumping out warm air near the CPU, it could raise temps regardless of the cooling method. But for smaller cases like mATX, I find AIOs easier to install too!
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CuriousCoder
What CPU are you working with? With a 5090 like yours, if youโ€™re playing highly demanding games at max settings, the CPU might overheat without decent cooling. Just keep that in mind!

CoolGamer42: I have a 9800x3d! Thanks for the heads up, I appreciate it!

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TechieTommy
Honestly, I don't think the cooler choice will make a huge difference. If you already have an AK620 and it's performing well, stick with it! If it's not cutting it during heavier tasks, then you might want to look into a dual tower air cooler or an AIO. Just test what you have first to see how it handles.
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