Question Question about AIO liquid cooler for Threadripper 7970x

[stephenp]

Hi there,

I am building a new system with the AMD Threadripper 7970x. I'm in the US.

I've found a few references to compatible coolers for the 7970x but some I can only find the product information for and not an actual available stock. And others are just compatible but not necessarily recommended. It sounds like AIO liquid cooling is the way to go.

I found reference to this one: ASUS ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB ( https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-ROG-III-360-ARGB/dp/B0CBJRZ2Y7/?tag=68890-20&th=1 ) It's in stock, but it's on the expensive side at $340 (to me at least). If this is the price point I have to accept I can bite the bullet, but I'm hoping there may be others that are compatible (and recommended).

Can you tell me if either of these would work? I know they do not have the full plate (at least not built in) to cover the full CPU. So I assume they are compatible, as in, they have the hardware to fit, but if they aren't going to cool it appropriately it's going to be a waste of money no matter how cheap they are.

1. Thermaltake TOUGHLIQUID Ultra 360 AIO Liquid Cooler https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FS3Y1GS?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
2. ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 420 A-RGB https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09VGPZ262/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

I think this is the last piece I need to finish the build. I appreciate you assistance!
-Stephen

 

[Eximo]

Well the CPU comes with an Asetek mounting ring. So any Asetek style pump will fit. But that is literally putting a round peg in a square hole. It is functional, but I think some of the bespoke str4/str5 air coolers would work better anyway.

Enermax made a line of AIO specifically for Threadripper, though their reputation wasn't great. They tended to clog up quickly.

I kind of trust Alphacool though, so a nice large CPU format block is best.

https://modmymods.com/alphacool-eisbaer-pro-aurora-360-cpu-11771.html

Personally, I wouldget the product below plus a radiator and a small reservoir and do a semi-custom loop for best results. (Ignore the Intel part, it is designed for str4 and compatible with str5 according to recent posts.

https://shop.alphacool.com/en/shop/...3094-alphacool-eisbaer-pro-es-solo-full-black

 

[stephenp]

Well the CPU comes with an Asetek mounting ring. So any Asetek style pump will fit. But that is literally putting a round peg in a square hole. It is functional, but I think some of the bespoke str4/str5 air coolers would work better anyway.

Enermax made a line of AIO specifically for Threadripper, though their reputation wasn't great. They tended to clog up quickly.

I kind of trust Alphacool though, so a nice large CPU format block is best.

https://modmymods.com/alphacool-eisbaer-pro-aurora-360-cpu-11771.html

Personally, I wouldget the product below plus a radiator and a small reservoir and do a semi-custom loop for best results. (Ignore the Intel part, it is designed for str4 and compatible with str5 according to recent posts.

https://shop.alphacool.com/en/shop/...3094-alphacool-eisbaer-pro-es-solo-full-black

From everywhere I read it sounds exactly like you describe, "a round peg in a square hole". A custom loop is something I've never had the desire to touch, just because I don't know anything about them :| Seeing a "fill" hole makes me think I can mess it up and it'll leak all over. But, I'll do some reading.

I'll look at the 360 you mention as well- that sounds much more appealing to me just because it's an all in one solution.

Thank you again for your input!
-Stephen

 

[Eximo]

That particular cooler is meant to be expanded, it has a quick disconnect so that you could add any compatible hardware without having to fill it.

Basically it has a 'real' pump in it that can handle more than just a CPU. Which should mean it will last a long time just running the CPU loop. Also fully capable of being converted into the core of a custom water loop since it accepts standard fittings. Given the price, it is a quite a bargain at the moment.

 

[stephenp]

That particular cooler is meant to be expanded, it has a quick disconnect so that you could add any compatible hardware without having to fill it.

Basically it has a 'real' pump in it that can handle more than just a CPU. Which should mean it will last a long time just running the CPU loop. Also fully capable of being converted into the core of a custom water loop since it accepts standard fittings. Given the price, it is a quite a bargain at the moment.

Thank you. I'm in the US so it looks like I can't get it directly from alphacool. But I did find it on Amazon for $90. But the radiators on the Alphacool amazon store don't have fans. Would I be piecing this together with fans, plus the radiator, plus a reservoir? I found some reservoirs from $24 up to $100+ for the Alphacool branded.

 

[Eximo]

Are you going down the custom path? Yes, you have to supply your own fans. You have to measure out where your radiator is going to go and how thick that will be with 25mm or 30mm thick fans.

Performance-PCs, Titan Rig, ModMyMods and a few other places are good for water cooling components in the US.

https://www.performance-pcs.com/water-cooling/pumps/alphacool-eisbaer-pro-es-solo-full-black.html

RGB version:

https://www.performance-pcs.com/wat...aer-pro-aurora-solo-digital-rgb-ac-13000.html

Thick 360mm radiator:

https://www.performance-pcs.com/wat...exxxos-hpe-45-full-copper-360mm-radiator.html

very basic reservoir:

https://www.amazon.com/Computer-Rad...44765&sprefix=g+1/4+reservoir,aps,102&sr=8-21

You'll need one plug/cap at least. That would be for filling.

https://www.performance-pcs.com/wat...urled-high-profile-black-nickel-ph-68127.html

Optionally you can get an extender and a ball valve, and a cap.

https://www.performance-pcs.com/wat...ball-valve-matte-black-xspc-ballvalve-mb.html

https://www.performance-pcs.com/wat...e-fitting-chrome-finish-xspc-g14-mm-5-sl.html

six fittings:

https://www.performance-pcs.com/wat...fitting-g1-4-deep-black-sixpack-ac-17387.html

Clear tubing, you can search around for this stuff if you want black or something. I like Primochill tubing myself.

https://www.amazon.com/Alphacool-Sc...fix=alphacool+10mm+13mm+tubing,aps,101&sr=8-3

If you want to blow some budget on high end fans:

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Yw...30-67-cfm-120-mm-fans-3-pack-ph-f120t30_bg_3p

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/cF...550-cfm-120mm-fan-nf-f12-pwm-chromaxblackswap

Decent fans:

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/9r6NnQ/arctic-p12-max-8104-cfm-120-mm-fan-acfan00280a

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/MvWJ7P/thermalright-tl-b12-extrem-112-cfm-120-mm-fan-tl-b12-extrem

 

[stephenp]

Are you going down the custom path? Yes, you have to supply your own fans. You have to measure out where your radiator is going to go and how thick that will be with 25mm or 30mm thick fans.

Performance-PCs, Titan Rig, ModMyMods and a few other places are good for water cooling components in the US.

https://www.performance-pcs.com/water-cooling/pumps/alphacool-eisbaer-pro-es-solo-full-black.html

RGB version:

https://www.performance-pcs.com/wat...aer-pro-aurora-solo-digital-rgb-ac-13000.html

Thick 360mm radiator:

https://www.performance-pcs.com/wat...exxxos-hpe-45-full-copper-360mm-radiator.html

very basic reservoir:

https://www.amazon.com/Computer-Radiator-Cylinder-Reservoir-Reduction/dp/B07TXGKR4K/ref=sr_1_21?crid=2YDJO1MLXIPPA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FzcUrhJl5KoZkXEizDD2FCoXpKifYJEhkW09dz1zDwWYMk_imQDcpOkTpmf3lcOayamQEqNQkOCnkuapPAL2zVkccBg3Ir6jewd-iaFJb1JMRgxr2CK0YpuubTk212126ZR_J1kxb906revkhVqOqxzm0CvLZxHWeN9jwLyfvDGlujtDzTIcMh7fqjg8T_d8.VRy1vi2LBK_vpB6E9zScq9RxhdiMVO7Y0h4g-Ijvmlg&dib_tag=se&keywords=g+1/4+reservoir&qid=1711744765&sprefix=g+1/4+reservoir,aps,102&sr=8-21

You'll need one plug/cap at least. That would be for filling.

https://www.performance-pcs.com/wat...urled-high-profile-black-nickel-ph-68127.html

Optionally you can get an extender and a ball valve, and a cap.

https://www.performance-pcs.com/wat...ball-valve-matte-black-xspc-ballvalve-mb.html

https://www.performance-pcs.com/wat...e-fitting-chrome-finish-xspc-g14-mm-5-sl.html

six fittings:

https://www.performance-pcs.com/wat...fitting-g1-4-deep-black-sixpack-ac-17387.html

Clear tubing, you can search around for this stuff if you want black or something. I like Primochill tubing myself.

https://www.amazon.com/Alphacool-Schlauch-Alpha-tube-3Meter/dp/B00OQCZEZ4/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1BM6I3KFKT1OC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lntshwipoUVDjwBVvcMo6zYzo8xlq0IqHH4xjxdsCrYrWqSvBx5tVp8n_6lKcYxE6d0HtYvui2BmZra4RPODG4lpVnsrtvs3N3u2p9kZHV3w3lqPUu8Tvfo4ZltSdDH2SUJZxPNUJB7rcF3OmMAdGZcMNBeR2eclIYhGy4teOzba_hXjtnoHWHFKpLbQpiupWAhnwq9ZkaOwXatM3N_rOEwAzsR2mBCQQTu8W_xOo6w.gCP7x_BJCbcdtbnTmU5BXaYI5Czo6UCJonFJP8aqkAE&dib_tag=se&keywords=alphacool+10mm+13mm+tubing&qid=1711744433&sprefix=alphacool+10mm+13mm+tubing,aps,101&sr=8-3

If you want to blow some budget on high end fans:

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Yw...30-67-cfm-120-mm-fans-3-pack-ph-f120t30_bg_3p

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/cF...550-cfm-120mm-fan-nf-f12-pwm-chromaxblackswap

Decent fans:

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/9r6NnQ/arctic-p12-max-8104-cfm-120-mm-fan-acfan00280a

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/MvWJ7P/thermalright-tl-b12-extrem-112-cfm-120-mm-fan-tl-b12-extrem

Well, I don't want to but I think I might go down this custom path. I'm diving in now so I'll let you know if I come across questions. Thank you so much for your input and all of these links!

 

[stephenp]

Clear tubing, you can search around for this stuff if you want black or something. I like Primochill tubing myself.

Is there a specification for the tubing other than the inner and outer dimensions? I'm finding a lot of different options, some colored, some rubber, etc.

Here's what I'm looking at in black: https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Silicone-Tubing-Rubber-Transfer/dp/B085N2BF91/?th=1 3-foot would be more than enough, right?

 

[thestryker]

I'm curious curious why you're not looking at air cooling here.

https://noctua.at/en/nh-u14s-tr5-sp6
https://www.arctic.de/us/Freezer-4U-M/ACFRE00133A

 

[stephenp]

I'm curious curious why you're not looking at air cooling here.

https://noctua.at/en/nh-u14s-tr5-sp6
https://www.arctic.de/us/Freezer-4U-M/ACFRE00133A

Everything I read said that AIO are much louder but better at cooling. I know this processor is going to be hot so I assumed water cooling was going to be the best option. I've used Noctua in other builds and I was really happy with them, but the last few (it's been many years now) have been water coolers.

But I'm not totally opposed to air cooling if I'm mistaken. They are much lower cost-wise.

 

[thestryker]

Everything I read said that AIO are much louder but better at cooling. I know this processor is going to be hot so I assumed water cooling was going to be the best option. I've used Noctua in other builds and I was really happy with them, but the last few (it's been many years now) have been water coolers.

But I'm not totally opposed to air cooling if I'm mistaken. They are much lower cost-wise.

Any air cooler built for larger sockets is going to be capable of cooling that CPU under maximum load so unless you're going over the stock 350W TDP you'd be fine. I checked through the initial press TR 7xxx CPU reviews and most of them are using consumer AIOs which won't cover the IHS but apparently are sufficient.

Custom loops are great, but they also cost a lot of money so unless you have a specific need I'm not sure they're worth it.

 

[stephenp]

Any air cooler built for larger sockets is going to be capable of cooling that CPU under maximum load so unless you're going over the stock 350W TDP you'd be fine. I checked through the initial press TR 7xxx CPU reviews and most of them are using consumer AIOs which won't cover the IHS but apparently are sufficient.

Custom loops are great, but they also cost a lot of money so unless you have a specific need I'm not sure they're worth it.

Thank you so much for your input. I'm at a loss for what to do. I've read more forum posts and so many people talk about the fans not being efficient enough to keep the CPU cool, even the Noctua gets knocked a lot but I've only seen a few real users talkin about it- some say it's fine while others say they couldn't get the temps low enough and swapped it out. I had no idea I was getting into so much work with this CPU. The AIO cooler that Puget Systems uses doesn't seem to exist for purchase anywhere...

Clear tubing, you can search around for this stuff if you want black or something. I like Primochill tubing myself.

I'm getting more excited about a custom loop but the more I read the more confused I'm getting. I'm now looking into the liquids. Some people say to use diluted vehicle anti-freeze, some use plain distilled water, others use distilled water mixed with additives to prevent bacteria. Then some people say I need to check pH levels and adjust every few months... I don't even check my vehicle antifreeze every few months. Knowing myself, I need to be able to set this system up forget about it.

Am I getting into a maintenance schedule with a custom loop setup?

Thank you so much for both of your suggestions and input, I do appreciate it!

 

[thestryker]

Thank you so much for your input. I'm at a loss for what to do. I've read more forum posts and so many people talk about the fans not being efficient enough to keep the CPU cool, even the Noctua gets knocked a lot but I've only seen a few real users talkin about it- some say it's fine while others say they couldn't get the temps low enough and swapped it out. I had no idea I was getting into so much work with this CPU. The AIO cooler that Puget Systems uses doesn't seem to exist for purchase anywhere...

That's because Puget uses an OEM Asetek AIO which they don't sell on the retail unfortunately. The only two retail solutions I'm aware of are the Liqtech II TR4 and Eisbaer Pro. In theory Silverstone will release theirs at some point, maybe, could be, possibly (I have zero trust this will happen) which would be the best AIO solution.

Am I getting into a maintenance schedule with a custom loop setup?

With a custom loop there absolutely is going to be maintenance involved. Liquid temperature and flow rate sensors can eliminate the schedule aspect, but at some point you're still likely to have to flush the system.

Personally speaking with what's on the market right now I'd just buy the Freezer 4U-M as it seems to be very good and comes with none of the liquid cooling drawbacks.

https://www.phoronix.com/review/arctic-freezer-4u-m

Level1Techs have also used it, but I'm not going to try to find the video while I'm on my phone since I don't rememeber which one it is off the top of my head.

The key with any of the air coolers is making sure your case has decent airflow.

 

[stephenp]

The key with any of the air coolers is making sure your case has decent airflow.

That makes sense about Puget. It was driving me nuts that I couldn't find it anywhere!

The case I bought is the Pop XL Air Full Tower Case which looks like a decent case. It just got delivered today and was pretty significantly damaged in shipping, so it's possible I'll go with a different model but I'll likely stick with this one.

I'll look more closely at the Freezer cooler you mentioned.

 

[Eximo]

Personally I use distilled water with a little biocide thrown in. I also have a silver kill coil which is a small ribbon of actual silver that prevents a lot of bacterial growth. Haven't had a problem with this in many years. (Copper, Nickel, Brass, Silver are pretty much the limits of what metals you can mix in a water cooling loop, aluminum components must be avoided)

Off the shelf AIO tend to have aluminum radiators, but the coolant they use is both an anti-corrosive and anti-freeze (for shipping) Anti-freeze would only be useful if you are planning to go below freezing with a chiller. Other wise nearly pure water is the ideal coolant.

I would call it irregular maintenance. I maybe flush the entire system every two years, and top off the system every year or so. Can never quite eliminate some evaporation.

Inner and outer diameter, soft or hard. Hard tubing fittings are generally different. Compression fittings are typically used for soft tubing and the fittings have to match the tubing. There are nearly endless options when it comes to fittings.

I prefer soft tubing, as I said Primochill makes some good tube, Flex I think it is branded as. It used to come with biocide, but not sure if that is still true. The different types have different properties. Maximum bend radius and the like, different porosity (evaporation), and different looks.

Hard tubing takes some skill to make it look right, also a lot harder to take apart if you need to change something. Any new components with slightly different positions means new tubes.