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Should I Upgrade to a Larger AIO for My Ryzen 7 9700X?

March 10, 2026 6 answers
Asked by CoolCoder42
I'm using a 240mm AIO cooler with my Ryzen 7 9700X for video encoding in HEVC format, which puts a constant load on the CPU. I've noticed that my CPU temperature peaks at 80°C during encoding. I'm wondering if switching to a 360mm AIO would provide any benefits for cooling my CPU further.
AIO cooling CPU temp Hardware Ryzen 7 9700X thermal paste video encoding

Answers

AIOEnthusiast1
The 240mm AIO should be sufficient for the 9700X. One thing to check is if your thermal paste is still effective; if it's dried up, that can cause higher temperatures. Reapplying it could help.

ChillFan99: Good point! A simple thermal paste refresh can often make a significant difference in CPU temps.

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FanaticBuilds
If you really want that 360mm AIO, it could give you slightly cooler temps thanks to more coolant and better airflow. There are some solid options available for around $100 that you might consider. Just make sure they're compatible with AM5 if you go that route.
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CoolingExpert32
Another quick fix would be to max out your pump speed and adjust your fan curves for the radiator fans. This could help reduce temps without any extra cost until you decide about the upgrade.
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TechGuru88
Your CPU is rated up to 95°C, so hitting 80°C is actually pretty normal. A larger cooler isn't necessary since your current AIO is doing fine.
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OverclockMaster65
If you're looking to lower temps without replacing the cooler, try tweaking the PBO2 to set a negative curve offset and adjust the power limits. This could help stabilize your temps while maintaining performance without needing to replace hardware.

CoolCoder42: Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely look into tweaking those settings.

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ChillFan99
80°C is perfectly acceptable for your CPU under load. You probably won't see any real advantages from lower temperatures unless you have specific concerns. If you're worried about noise, consider just lowering your fan speeds a bit; the temperatures should remain safe.
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