Do you need water or air cooling for this build?
Do you need water or air cooling for this build?
Hello All,
My cousin is planning to assemble a computer and we've compiled a list of parts. We still have some concerns about CPU cooling and would appreciate your advice and suggestions.
Component List:
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
Intel Core i7-13700K 3.4 GHz 16-Core Processor
($399.94 @ Amazon)
Motherboard:
Asus ProArt B760-CREATOR WIFI ATX LGA1700 Motherboard
($229.99 @ B&H)
Memory:
Corsair Vengeance 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-5600 CL36 Memory
($94.99 @ Amazon)
Storage:
Samsung 970 Evo Plus 250 GB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME SSD
($23.98 @ B&H)
Storage:
Samsung 980 Pro 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD
($129.99 @ Adorama)
Video Card:
MSI VENTUS 3X OC GeForce RTX 4070 12 GB Video Card
($599.99 @ B&H)
Case:
Asus TUF Gaming GT301 ATX Mid Tower Case
($89.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply:
Asus ROG-STRIX-850G 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
($201.84 @ Amazon)
Operating System:
Microsoft Windows 11 Home OEM - DVD 64-bit
($117.98 @ Other World Computing)
Monitor:
Samsung Odyssey G52A 27.0" 2560 x 1440 165 Hz Monitor
($429.99 @ Best Buy)
Total:
$2318.68
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts where applicable
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2023-09-07 09:48 EDT-0400
Regarding CPU cooling, my cousin is thinking about a liquid system, but a friend advises an air cooler and notes that liquid models need upkeep. Which do you believe offers the better balance? Which cooler models would you suggest?
Furthermore, when examining our component list, are there any improvements or adjustments you'd like to propose? What would help maximize performance while keeping costs in check?
Thank you for your input and recommendations!
EDIT: This build is intended for gaming and cybersecurity applications.
Both "Liquid Cooling" and "Water Cooling" were mentioned. The URL from Newegg is provided for reference. They're grouping them under "Water / Liquid Cooling." I also used liquid cooling, and it was quite straightforward to set up. That's why I didn't understand your point.
What? No. AIOs offer a fast, straightforward alternative to custom loops.
-no maintenance needed, aside from occasional cleaning, which everyone should do no matter what cooler they have.
-needs minimal upfront planning or research.
-generally more budget-friendly.
For that ease, AIOs don’t match the performance of what they’re copying.
There’s no perfect choice; your cousin must compare the advantages and disadvantages before deciding.
It’s clear, but to follow the rules, the intended build purpose should be specified.
Some of the items you selected are quite expensive. A larger air cooler would suffice. Something similar to this?
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: Intel Core i7-13700 2.1 GHz 16-Core Processor (($366.99 @ Amazon))
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 White ARGB 66.17 CFM (($44.90 @ Amazon))
Motherboard: MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4 ATX LGA1700 (($169.99 @ Amazon))
Memory: Timetec PINNACLE Konduit 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3600 CL18 (($56.99 @ Newegg Sellers))
Storage: Crucial P5 Plus 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD (($97.99 @ Amazon))
Video Card: ASRock Steel Legend OC Radeon RX 7800 XT 16 GB (($519.99 @ Newegg))
Case: Cooler Master MasterBox 520 Mesh ATX Mid Tower (($64.99 @ Newegg))
Power Supply: Thermaltake Toughpower GF1 Snow - TT Premium 850 W (($108.86 @ Amazon))
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 Home OEM - DVD 64-bit (($117.98 @ Other World Computing))
Monitor: Dell G3223D 31.5" 2560 x 1440 165 Hz (($299.99 @ Amazon))
Total: $1848.67
Prices cover shipping, taxes, and available discounts
Generated by PCPartPicker
2023-09-08 02:47 EDT-0400
His budget is enough for it. So why he should buy DDR4 motherboard instead of DDR5?
You're saying that "of course liquid cooler can be better, but since an air cooler will be sufficient, no need to pay extra for a liquid cooler". Is that right?
Also I checked the performance tests of AMD RX 7800 XT and NVIDIA RTX 4070, surprisingly AMD is better. You can call me old-fashioned if you want, but for some reason, I just can't warm up to AMD. If it were up to me, I think I'd still go with NVIDIA. Of course, I've passed on your advice to my cousin; the final decision will be his. Thank you for taking the time.
Big air coolers like the peerless assassin often performs better than most 240mm AIO. with a locked 13700, i see no reason to go AIO. have a look at these charts: Thermalright Frost Commander 140 Review: Strong Performance, Incredible Value A whole lot of cooling for $50. But fan noise will be an issue for some.
They ought to evaluate both the advantages and disadvantages of each cooler before deciding. There isn't a single best option.
If you identify significant weaknesses in either model, your cousin might have a clearer direction.
When considering air coolers, compatibility with compact cases is limited; most high-quality ones are at least 150mm tall, making an AIO more suitable.
Subject opinion on appearance is often mentioned, so it’s worth noting.
Dual and triple fan AIOs can handle cases with multiple fans or no fans available, since they combine CPU and case cooling functions.
Fan design should aim for a balance between cooler and case fans to minimize noise. AIOs may require more effort on their own, but they can handle heavier loads.
Some argue the weight of larger coolers is questionable, especially when their mounting support outperforms air coolers. They’re also lighter—many GPU coolers exceed 1500g, while most air coolers stay under 2000g.
AIOs have limited lifespans due to issues like loop clogging, corrosion, low fluid levels, or pump failure. You should replace them when they stop working well or don’t fit the new case.
Pumps in AIOs often fail without warning, whereas air coolers may develop rare defects like burst heatpipes, usually noticeable on first use.
They resist leaks but aren’t completely leak-proof; accidents could cause issues unless handled carefully.
Some smaller air coolers can match the performance of compact AIOs (120/240mm).
A 280mm size seems ideal, though it’s not widely used.
Thank you all for the thorough explanations and perspectives! Your insights have been very useful in grasping the advantages and disadvantages of air and liquid cooling. It's evident that each solution has its own challenges, and your analysis of the main issues for each is highly valued.
Your knowledge and openness to discuss have strengthened our understanding and helped us choose more wisely.
Again, thank you for dedicating your time to share such important information!