Which AIO Cooler?

Teknik · 3 Dec 2018 at 10:57

Hi,
I'm planning to build a i7-9700k on a gigabyte Z370I mobo in an EVOLV SHIFT X.
I've had a corsair h60 for several years in my current PC and I like how tidy it is etc so I'm leaning towards an AIO water cooler. If my graphics card supported a custom waterblock i would love to do a custom loop but since i bought a non reference card thats not an option!

I'm currently thinking of the corsair H115i Pro but i'm not sure if there are better options out there for the same/similar money?

tamzzy · 3 Dec 2018 at 11:16

alphacool is the OEM for the bequiet silent loop series. they're also generally better performing than their equivalent asetek aio coolers

My basket at Overclockers UK:

1 x Alphacool Eisbaer LT240 CPU AIO Water Cooling Unit - 240mm (11445)= £89.99
1 x Alphacool Eisbaer LT360 CPU AIO Water Cooling Unit - 360mm (11446)= £99.95
1 x be quiet! Silent Loop Superior Liquid CPU Cooler - 280mm= £139.99

Total: £340.43 (includes shipping: £10.50)

Teknik · 3 Dec 2018 at 11:28

I'm limited to a max of 280mm, is there much difference performance/noise wise between a 240 vs 280mm?

tamzzy · 3 Dec 2018 at 11:30

Teknik said:
is there much difference performance/noise wise between a 240 vs 280mm?

yes, due to larger radiator area. you can run fans at lower speeds (lower noise) for the same cooling, or run them at same speed (same noise) for better cooling. or a combination of the two.

Teknik · 3 Dec 2018 at 11:47

In that case I'm best looking at the be quiet option since if/when i change my gfx card and add a waterblock its unlikely that a 240mm radiator would be enough to cool both a i7-9700k and a decent graphics card?

tamzzy · 3 Dec 2018 at 11:53

Teknik said:
In that case I'm best looking at the be quiet option since if/when i change my gfx card and add a waterblock its unlikely that a 240mm radiator would be enough to cool both a i7-9700k and a decent graphics card?

all aios have thin rads. i wouldn't run a cpu+gpu combo on an aio, regardless of the radiator size. the pump capacity is just too low.
you'll also need to mod an aio to fit the gpu block in - except for the alphacool, which has QDC fittings.

Teknik · 3 Dec 2018 at 12:00

Are there any decent custom loop kits out there for a similar price to the cost of a premium AIO or would I be better buying individual components?

tamzzy · 3 Dec 2018 at 12:06

not quite custom loop, but see it more as a modular loop.

My basket at Overclockers UK:

1 x EK Water Blocks EK-MLC Phoenix 280mm All in One CPU Water Cooler= £159.95

Total: £168.65 (includes shipping: £8.70)

please note that the pump is mounted on the radiator, so check the dimensions fit your case

Teknik · 3 Dec 2018 at 12:40

Just looking as it appears Phantek (who make my case) do a lot of watercooling bits except radiators or pumps!
I think given that my gfx card will actually be mounted behind my motherboard that most standard AIO that are modular to allow for the inclusion of a gfx card wont work due to the extra distance involved.
I have a feeling my options are CPU AIO or full custom.

Teknik · 3 Dec 2018 at 13:23

Right... an hour of research later, turns out i can fit either a 280mm radiator, or a 240mm and a 120mm radiator...
As such, would a 120mm radiator be enough to cool an i7-9700k to leave the 240mm slot for a future AIO for gfx?

tamzzy · 3 Dec 2018 at 15:15

Teknik said:
As such, would a 120mm radiator be enough to cool an i7-9700k

No, I wouldnt recommend that.

Teknik · 3 Dec 2018 at 16:47

Going to go for the be quiet option and figure out the graphics card when I save up enough!
Thanks for the advice!

MartinPrince · 4 Dec 2018 at 12:27

Teknik said:
would a 120mm radiator be enough to cool an i7-9700k to leave the 240mm slot for a future AIO for gfx?

Definitely not!

You'll be wanting a minimum of a 240mm for the 9700k.
What Tamzzy has advised you of is pretty much what I would get as well in your situation.

Dyewitness · 5 Dec 2018 at 12:38

Just got this and its smashing

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/asus...cooler-with-oled-display-240mm-hs-04h-as.html

Apone70 · 6 Dec 2018 at 07:53

If your going to go for a 280mm then I would go for the new Corsair Platinum check OC3D's review on youtube.

Resident · 8 Dec 2018 at 18:45

Tbh if you're looking at future expansion it would make more sense to build a proper custom loop.

Create a cpu loop with the biggest rad, best pump and reservoir then later when you come to w/c the gpu it'll just be a case of draining, adding to the loop and refilling.