Hey everyone! I'm in the process of building my first PC this year and I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the cooling options out there. I've read in different places that an AIO cooler might be 'overkill' for the Ryzen 7 5700X, and they might be right! However, I'm really looking to future-proof my setup for higher-end CPUs when I'm ready to upgrade in a couple of years. My budget is around $170 CAD. Any suggestions on what kind of AIO I should go for? Thanks in advance!
5 Answers
The 5700X isn't known for running hot, so pretty much any AIO you choose will do the job!
Honestly, a decent AIO is probably more than you need for the 5700X, but I run a 280 AIO on mine and it works just fine! Good air coolers can be as effective as a basic 240 AIO and often perform just as well unless you’re dealing with a really hot CPU. If you decide to go with an AIO, just make sure it fits your case. I've had good luck with the Arctic Liquid Freezer series—it’s a nice balance between cost and performance!
I wouldn't say an AIO is overkill for your 5700X. I have a Ryzen 7 3800X and I'm using an Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360. Just make sure it fits in your case! I had a tough time getting mine into a midsize case because it's pretty thick.
If you're looking to future-proof your setup, you might consider going with an air cooler instead. They last a lot longer and can be just as effective. For your budget, you could snag a solid Noctua cooler which comes with free mounting kits for future sockets. I've had my NH-D14 since 2009, and it’s still going strong!
When it comes to size, any 240mm AIO or larger would work well! The key here is that heat dissipation depends on the surface area, so go with whichever AIO you think looks the best since the aesthetics often play a big part in choosing.
That's a great point! I just want to make sure I have enough room in my case before I buy anything.