The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best AIO Coolers in 2023
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best AIO Coolers in 2023 Are you on a quest to maximize your CPU's clock speeds, whether it's an Intel Core i9-13900K or a Ryzen 7 7800X3D? Perhaps you simply crave a whisper-quiet system, even when your PC is under heavy load. In either case, the choice of the best AIO (all-in-one) cooler for your new PC build or CPU upgrade is crucial. AIO coolers offer a level of convenience and affordability that's hard to beat compared to custom liquid cooling loops. Traditionally, they've excelled in keeping CPU temperatures low while generating minimal fan noise. However, times have changed, and air coolers have stepped up their game, sometimes even surpassing AIO coolers in performance and size. Before you embark on your AIO cooler journey, several key factors demand your attention. We'll delve into these essential considerations, helping you make an informed choice that aligns with your cooling needs and system requirements.
The Convenience of AIO Coolers
AIO coolers have long held the upper hand when it comes to convenience. Compared to the complexities of custom liquid cooling loops, AIO coolers are a breeze to install. They're also more budget-friendly while delivering commendable cooling performance. However, not all AIO coolers are created equal, so let's explore what you should keep in mind when making your selection.
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Sizing Up Your Space
First and foremost, you'll need to ensure that your PC case has ample room to accommodate an AIO cooler. Ideally, you should mount it in a location that allows for efficient heat dissipation, such as the top or rear of your case. AIO coolers come in various sizes, primarily defined by the dimensions of the radiator and the number of fans they can house. The standard sizes are 120mm (single 120mm fan), 240mm (dual 120mm fans), or 360mm (triple 120mm fans).
While there are less common options like 140mm, 280mm, and 420mm AIO coolers, the three standard sizes mentioned above cover most needs. In general, larger radiators offer greater cooling potential. However, factors like radiator thickness, materials, and the performance of the fans and pump also play a pivotal role in determining cooling efficiency and noise levels.
If you're running a mid-range CPU without the extreme demands of high core counts and ultra-high clock speeds, a 120mm AIO cooler might suffice. Typically, you can mount it in the rear exhaust fan area of your PC case. However, it's important to note that Intel's 12th and 13th Gen CPUs and AMD's Ryzen 7000 series are more demanding in terms of cooling. In such cases, opting for a 240mm AIO cooler is a wiser choice, even though it might limit your case options.
Custom Cooling Loops: A Silent but Pricey Option
For those who prioritize silence, low temperatures, and have a more flexible budget, custom cooling loops are worth considering. These setups offer exceptional performance but come at a significantly higher cost. They also involve a steep learning curve for assembly and installation. Additionally, they can complicate future component upgrades, especially if you decide to include your GPU in the cooling loop.
Custom loops are not for the faint of heart, but they can deliver unparalleled cooling and aesthetics. For a deeper dive into their performance and visual appeal, take a look at our Blue Shift build feature.
Don't Forget the Thermal Paste
In your pursuit of the ideal AIO cooler, don't overlook the importance of thermal paste or another thermal interface material (TIM). Most AIO coolers include thermal paste, either in a syringe or pre-applied to the cold plate. However, for optimal thermal transfer between your CPU and cooler plate, it's worth exploring the array of thermal paste products we've rigorously tested to identify the best option for your CPU.
With these crucial considerations in mind, you're now better equipped to embark on your journey to select the best AIO cooler that perfectly complements your PC build or CPU upgrade. Whether you prioritize high-performance overclocking or a silent computing experience, the world of AIO coolers has a solution tailored to your needs.
