Question Will I be disappointed going from a custom loop to an AIO ?

[axlrose]

I know there is no perfect answer. Just kicking around ideas. My current outdated build is an EKWB L360 loop. I have never used an AIO. I'm sure the cost puts what I want to do in a custom loop out of reach. I'm not interested in overclocking manually.

Is it louder? Is there a difference enough to be in the middle of air cooled and full custom loop? Is it just aesthetics?

Thanks.

 

[Phaaze88]

Maybe disappointed?
AIO is the cheap and convenient version of custom loop - just about everything else in the tradeoff is worse, but lower pricing and more convenience is so attractive for many...

 

[CountMike]

I know there is no perfect answer. Just kicking around ideas. My current outdated build is an ekwb L360 loop. I have never used an aio. I'm sure the cost puts what I want to do in a custom loop out of reach. I'm not interested in over clocking manually.

Is it louder? Is there a difference enough to be in the middle of air cooled and full custom loop? Is it just aesthetics?

Thanks.

Main difference is in heat exchange and pump. If cold plate/heat exchange is not up to scratch, a Mac truck radiator and swimming pool water pump can't help.
Most modern AIOs use Asetek heat exchange with pump or it's variations. they got pretty good nowadays. Sure, well installed custom cooling looks impressive but have no real advantage cooling vise. Disadvantages are many, from demanding skills to install, to need for regular and often maintenance without which performance drops., None of that with AIO. Permanently sealed so coolant doesn't deteriorate so fast, no need to flush and change for at least warranty period now typically 5-6 years. Lesser chance of leaks because of only 4 permanent fittings, can't get loose or get dislodged. Easy to dismantle, change paste or move around, only 2 main parts permanently connected, easy as a pie. Performance, except for CPUs like for instance high end Threadripper which most don't make AIOs is at par with with normal custom cooling.
If you aim to cool your present CPU you don't need more than a 240mm AIO. 360 leave for 200-250W+ TDP processors or even AIO coolers, there are many air coolers that can handle that much heat.

 

[axlrose]

I'm sure they are 9k dollars, but I'm used to a single slot GPU. Are the new cards that come with a water block still three slot cards or are they smaller?

 

[Phaaze88]

I'm sure they are 9k dollars, but I'm used to a single slot GPU. Are the new cards that come with a water block still three slot cards or are they smaller?

They're dual slot.
https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/gigabyte-aorus-rtx-5090-xtreme-waterforce-wb.b11949

https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/inno3d-rtx-5090-ichill-frostbite.b12046