how often should you replace an AIO?

[Spankymcbob1]

Trying to figure out if I should replace my h100i, it gets the job done but I've been noticing it's lacking a bit lately. I've had it since it first came out and I'm starting to think the rad is getting gunked up. I have good fans on it atm and MX4 Thermal paste, and I know it's mounted correctly.

If I do replace it what should I replace it with? I was thinking about getting the Phantek Pro case in about 2 weeks and I know it can take pretty much any type of cooler.

I'm also on X99

 

[Geekwad]

I was never a huge fan of AIOs as they do wear out over time and need to be entirely replaced. Good air coolers get 80-90% of the performance available, are cheaper, and easy to maintain. For liquid cooling, nice modifiable kits are at most price points, and allow upgrading and expansion over time (and are designed to offer a way to maintain the setup):

http://www.performance-pcs.com/xspc-raystorm-extreme-universal-cpu-watercooling-kit-w-ex120-radiator-420-pump-res-22041.html

http://www.performance-pcs.com/ek-kit-p360-premium-watercooler-kit.html

With lots of nice steps in between.