What's up with the MATX?
What's up with the MATX?
Hello. I'm planning to refresh my PC and have a few queries that might interest you. Because of budget constraints and the fact I don't need overclocking, I'm considering these two motherboards for either CPU: (I haven't picked a specific one yet). For Intel, check out this board: https://www.asus.com/motherboards-compon...a-wifi-d4/. For AMD, look at this one: https://www.asus.com/motherboards-compon...s-wifi-ii/. I'm interested in using an AI cooler to manage the CPU temperature, but I haven't found any AI cooler connectors on these boards. Does that mean I should stick with a traditional air cooler? It seems like most MATX boards don't have AI connectors either, so are they only compatible with air coolers? If I go with AMD, you mentioned this cooler: https://www.corsair.com/us/en/Categories...9060036-WW. For Intel, the options look like: https://www.asus.com/motherboards-compon...-120-argb/ or https://nzxt.com/product/kraken-120. You're considering between the Ryzen 9 5900X and the 15 3600K models.
You can control the CPU fan settings for an all-in-one system. It performs well, but I won’t secure a budget Prime board on a 5900X or a 13600K. Avoid using any 120mm AIO cooler, especially a poor H60 model on those boards... Pick your CPU first—13600K is generally superior to 5900X now. Then select a board and cooler that suit it.
Most AIO models don’t require a separate pump header on the motherboard. Some include CPU1 and CPU2 connections. For variable-speed pumps, you’ll need a PWM header; otherwise, set it to full power if it’s not variable. The 13600k outperforms the 5900x in gaming and productivity tasks. The 5900x remains solid for AMD users, with similar feel. However, for pure data performance, the 13600k edges ahead in every metric.
Consider another option instead of the Prime board. Are you referring only to this model or the entire mATX line? Can I modify something that works in a standard ATX case? For the AIO, do you have any suggestions that aren’t expensive? Edit: Would you prefer the TUF GAMING LC 240 ARGB AIO?