Build Advice Cooling updates: RGB or not RGB?

Feb 23, 2025
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I need to make an update on my cooling system (case fans and CPU), since I have them for years now and dust and ages are showing their effects.

This is my complete current setup: https://it.pcpartpicker.com/list/ZHkhv4.

I love RGB but the RGB components are really expensive and also it is a pain to have everything coordinated and working like a charm. When I initially bought the components I have, I was kind of ignorant and also tight on budget, consequently I have ended up building an RGB system without having ARGB motherboards and fans. Consequences were that the color of the fans are kind of terrible, and it's hard to match even the simple color with all the fans and CPU cooling system. I am kind of tired now to have this "same color, different shades" for every component, and now I am here to ask your help.

First of all let's start with what I want/prefer to keep:
  • Case: I like the aesthetic of this case, so if it is possible I want to keep it
  • All the main components: including Memory, GPU, CPU, etc.
What I want to change:
  • Case fans: the 2 big 200mm fans and also the 120mm fan on the back
  • CPU cooling: I wish to have another AIO as where I live the Summer is extremely hot, and I need something that keep the computer on the right temps
Now the main issue: considering that the CM case I have has 2 big 200mm fans on the front (with the possibility to mount 3x120mm), trying to keep this current setup is forcing me to choose a few brands, such as Cooler Master again, Thermaltake and others, meanwhile for 120mm basically I have the freedom of choice. Especially choosing RGB I am worried that I will end up again with the same issues (colors not matching) and also having a terrible software management.

What I am asking from you, if you can suggest me two possible setup for my system and my case: one with RGB and one without RGB. Of course I am only talking about fans and AIO. Can you also suggest me a led strip to attach inside the case that makes a good light and it customizable through a software or something?

Thank you very much for any help you will provide.
 
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

1| If the case meets your requirements, then you shouldn't change it.
2| If you perform a BIOS upgrade, you don't need to swap motherboards when you drop in a Ryzen 5000 series processor.
3| We can deduce you're located in Italy, thanks to the URL you've linked above for your PCPartPicker listing but you should include your budget for the fans.
4| You mean you want to get another AIO? If so, have you looked into the Arctic Liquid Freezer III in the 360mm variant?

If you want the bling of ARGB/RGB, make sure you're not working with proprietary connectors.
 
AIO cooling is essentially air cooling.
The difference is where the radiator is located.
Your case is wonderful for air cooling. 200mm fans supply plentiful airflow at a very low noise level.
You do not need liquid cooling for any processor that you can upgrade on your current motherboard.
Be aware that aio coolers have a limited useful life.
In time, the pump will fail or get clogged.
Or, air will intrude through the tubes and the unit must be replaced. Think 5 years.

A good twin tower air cooler has about the cooling capability as a 280mm aio.


I am not a fan of RGB, but preferences are yours.
How you do that, I have no clue.
 
I need to make an update on my cooling system (case fans and CPU), since I have them for years now and dust and ages are showing their effects.

This is my complete current setup: https://it.pcpartpicker.com/list/ZHkhv4.

I love RGB but the RGB components are really expensive and also it is a pain to have everything coordinated and working like a charm. When I initially bought the components I have, I was kind of ignorant and also tight on budget, consequently I have ended up building an RGB system without having ARGB motherboards and fans. Consequences were that the color of the fans are kind of terrible, and it's hard to match even the simple color with all the fans and CPU cooling system. I am kind of tired now to have this "same color, different shades" for every component, and now I am here to ask your help.

First of all let's start with what I want/prefer to keep:
  • Case: I like the aesthetic of this case, so if it is possible I want to keep it
  • All the main components: including Memory, GPU, CPU, etc.
What I want to change:
  • Case fans: the 2 big 200mm fans and also the 120mm fan on the back
  • CPU cooling: I wish to have another AIO as where I live the Summer is extremely hot, and I need something that keep the computer on the right temps
Now the main issue: considering that the CM case I have has 2 big 200mm fans on the front (with the possibility to mount 3x120mm), trying to keep this current setup is forcing me to choose a few brands, such as Cooler Master again, Thermaltake and others, meanwhile for 120mm basically I have the freedom of choice. Especially choosing RGB I am worried that I will end up again with the same issues (colors not matching) and also having a terrible software management.

What I am asking from you, if you can suggest me two possible setup for my system and my case: one with RGB and one without RGB. Of course I am only talking about fans and AIO. Can you also suggest me a led strip to attach inside the case that makes a good light and it customizable through a software or something?

Thank you very much for any help you will provide.
One of The best AIO currently is the ROG RYUJIN III. I can assure you it is amazing - I added it to my build recently and the CPU never reaches above 58C. Noctua fans are great for the case.