Question Should I go with AIO or AIR tower cooling for the CPU in the Cooler Master h500 case?

[Antediluvian]

Hi,

I'm trying to figure out what would be the best option for my CPU cooler. I'm building a new system in Cooler Master Mastercase h500 argb case.

I'm torn between Liquid Freezer II AIO and bequiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 AIR cooler. I'm open to any other suggestions, my PC case can only support up to 240mm radiator on top and 167mm AIR CPU cooler clearance.

I'm also open to returning this case and getting Fractal Design Torrent if that is a better option.

Thanks

 

[SkyNetRising]

What cpu?

 

[Antediluvian]

Ryzen 7800x3d cpu
Asrock x670e taichi mobo
Asus tuf 4090 gpu

 

[Phaaze88]

I'm trying to figure out what would be the best option for my CPU cooler

There isn't a best between air and AIOs, there's always a catch somewhere.
Do you prefer one or the other? If not, perhaps flip a coin?

bequiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
Cooler Master Mastercase h500 argb

If your ram is at least 48mm tall, you might not be able to close the side panel without having to remove the cooler's front fan.

I'm also open to returning this case and getting Fractal Design Torrent if that is a better option.

Better in what way? Cable management? Dust filtration? The size of the coolers that can fit?

They're both good airflow cases, and you can't immediately discern which is better here when at the very least, they don't use the same fans and you're likely not to use the same fan curves between them.


If you haven't tried an AIO yet, then no time like the present, right? I do advise having a secondary cooler on hand - but, if you have a Micro Center or similar nearby, that works too.

 

[geofelt]

From a cooling point of view, there is no big difference.

If you go aio, plan for replacing it in about 5 years.
The mechanical pumps will fail or get clogged or air will intrude into the system.

 

[Antediluvian]

Thanks @Phaaze88 & @geofelt.
I've decided to go with liquid cooling. Arctic is giving 6 years warranty, should be more than enough to cover this build.