CPU cooler vs AIO cooler

AshB1989 · 8 Nov 2020 at 13:04

I've just bought an Artic 34 esports duo, but considering changing for an AIO cooler.

Can you recommend any cheap ones thatll fit the B550 Mortar mobo and CoolMaster 320L m-atx case. I've seen one on OC for £50 but no if it is any good.

Thanks

Begbie · 8 Nov 2020 at 13:08

Why do you want an AIO over the artic?

AshB1989 · 8 Nov 2020 at 13:11

Begbie said:
Why do you want an AIO over the artic?

AIO are inconspicuous and will hide at the top of my case, as opposed to the Artic 34, which takes up a lot of room.

mickyflinn · 8 Nov 2020 at 13:12

Why would you want to change the arctic is an excellent coole ?

£50 gonna get you this

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/cool...-lite-240-aio-cpu-cooler-240mm-hs-07l-cm.html

Gray2233 · 8 Nov 2020 at 13:16

mickyflinn said:
Why would you want to change the arctic is an excellent coole ?

£50 gonna get you this

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/cool...-lite-240-aio-cpu-cooler-240mm-hs-07l-cm.html

You'd have to pay me £50 to use that. lol...

So what if it takes up room, what else are you planning on putting in there?

If this is purely for aesthetic reasons I'd consider improving your budget, with the CM 240 linked above you're paying £50 for a probable performance downgrade (sidegrade at best) and more points of failure.

Begbie · 8 Nov 2020 at 13:23

AshB1989 said:
AIO are inconspicuous and will hide at the top of my case, as opposed to the Artic 34, which takes up a lot of room.

Do you have something to put in that space?

Like it's kinda designed to fit that there. If it's purely an asthetic thing, just bare in mind you'll end up with a noiser (possibly) warmer system with a cheap AIO. They will also fail quicker than a air cooler.

AshB1989 · 8 Nov 2020 at 13:31

So essentially its aesthetics > performance if I get a cheap AIO?

What sort of money am i looking at for a decent aio?

mickyflinn · 8 Nov 2020 at 13:41

AshB1989 said:
So essentially its aesthetics > performance if I get a cheap AIO?

What sort of money am i looking at for a decent aio?

£80

ARCTIC LIQUID FREEZER II HIGH PERFORMANCE CPU WATER COOLER - 240MM

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/arct...ormance-cpu-water-cooler-240mm-hs-07b-ar.html

AshB1989 · 8 Nov 2020 at 13:47

I could stretch to that in fairness. Wondering whether it is necessary as I wont be overclocking it.

mickyflinn · 8 Nov 2020 at 13:58

AshB1989 said:
I could stretch to that in fairness. Wondering whether it is necessary as I wont be overclocking it.

Although the cooler master is not the best if you want it get it , your choice how to spend your money.

What cpu are you cooling and can you return the arctic ?

Mesai · 8 Nov 2020 at 14:03

Doubt you'll see much difference swapping unless you OC. Also consider that the optimal radiator setup is intake, which results in extra heat for the GPU - you're honestly wasting your money given that you already have a pretty solid cooler.

mickyflinn · 8 Nov 2020 at 14:23

Mesai said:
Also consider that the optimal radiator setup is intake, which results in extra heat for the GPU .

Nonsense the optimal is to exhaust the heat straight out the case, You don't want to dunp heat into a case.

pc-guy · 8 Nov 2020 at 14:46

mickyflinn said:
Nonsense the optimal is to exhaust the heat straight out the case, You don't want to dunp heat into a case.

No, best for temperature is to have the rad at intake. Cold air through radiator.

as you said yourself you want hot air out so why run that hot air through your radiator.

There are pros and cons for top mounting rads such as spatial allowance. But from a pure temperature and performance perspective front mount at intake gives best results.

mickyflinn · 8 Nov 2020 at 15:02

pc-guy said:
No, best for temperature is to have the rad at intake. Cold air through radiator.

as you said yourself you want hot air out so why run that hot air through your radiator.

There are pros and cons for top mounting rads such as spatial allowance. But from a pure temperature and performance perspective front mount at intake gives best results.

I agree purely for cpu temps but at the expense of higher internal temps. It's a trade off

Apologies @Mesai

AshB1989 · 8 Nov 2020 at 15:40

Alright, fairly conclusive - I'll keep the Artic34.

Mesai · 8 Nov 2020 at 17:47

mickyflinn said:
I agree purely for cpu temps but at the expense of higher internal temps. It's a trade off

Apologies @Mesai

No worries, in general I think AIOs are better than air, but it's a bit of a luxury/aesthetic thing. In this case, I suggest OP trying what he has first.

Ross Thomson · 8 Nov 2020 at 18:36

mickyflinn said:
Nonsense the optimal is to exhaust the heat straight out the case, You don't want to dunp heat into a case.

nonsense - you're over estimating the amount of heat that gets dumped by a radiator. exhaust will make the cpu hotter because of the hot air in the case

LeMson · 8 Nov 2020 at 18:42

I have an esports cooler, it's decent, give it a try first before saddling yourself with an aio

AshB1989 · 9 Nov 2020 at 09:49

LeMson said:
I have an esports cooler, it's decent, give it a try first before saddling yourself with an aio

Will do, my man.

Something Else · 9 Nov 2020 at 13:09

No problems with my 34 duo, keeps my 3700x at 70-71c and is essentially silent.

Only hear my GPU when gaming