I'm in the process of building my first budget PC and was considering the Thermalright Assassin X 120 air cooler. However, I'm really drawn to the sleek design of AIO (All-in-One) coolers. Do you think the extra cost for an AIO is justified? If it is worth it, could you suggest some good white AIO cooler options? Thanks for any help!
5 Answers
I switched from the Thermalright to an AIO cooler and while there’s not much of a performance difference, the aesthetics can be really appealing if that's important to you. I enjoy having a clean look and even have a fun Legend of Zelda GIF on mine! But honestly, for a budget build, I think spending a lot on aesthetics might not be the best use of your money.
These days, the price difference is pretty small. For instance, check out the Thermalright Aqua Elite ARGB - it’s a solid white AIO that doesn't break the budget!
Honestly, it comes down to your budget. For basic builds, AIOs usually aren’t worth the extra cost. You can snag a solid air cooler for around $30 that can rival even some mid-range AIOs. Unless you're planning on heavy overclocking, a high-quality air cooler will probably meet your needs just fine. Plus, they tend to be quieter and more reliable in the long run.
If you prefer the look of an AIO, go for it! Thermalright makes great options in both air and AIO coolers that won't set you back too much. Just a heads up, white AIOs tend to cost a little more, but for performance, they often outperform air coolers in heat dissipation, especially if you’re looking at larger radiators.
That’s really up to you! If the looks matter a lot to you, then an AIO might be worth it. Personally, I wouldn’t pay more for one unless it's absolutely stunning. My air cooler (the AK620 WH) looks awesome in my setup without breaking the bank, so I prioritize cost over style.
Totally get that! If aesthetics are secondary, sticking with cheaper options is the way to go.