These AIO's Will Keep your Ryzen 9 9950X Cool

As a seasoned PC builder with years of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that the Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360L Core ARGB is a fantastic mid-range AIO for the Ryzen 9000 series CPUs. With its focus on performance and premium thermal paste, it’s an excellent choice for those who want a balance between aesthetics and cooling efficiency.

The AMD Ryzen 9000 series CPUs represent the latest desktop processors from Team Red, boasting minor enhancements compared to their predecessors. This lineup comprises four models, ranging from the budget-friendly Ryzen 5 9600X to the high-end Ryzen 9 9950X. The entry-level model is straightforward to manage heat, but the power-hungry and performance-oriented 9950X may require more attention when it comes to cooling, depending on the workload.

The upcoming Ryzen 9000 CPU line is designed for the AM5 platform. Although the Ryzen 9 9950X boasts impressive energy efficiency, heavy usage might necessitate a high-performance all-in-one (AIO) cooling system, especially during gaming sessions. Some demanding AAA games can strain CPUs to their maximum capacity, leading to stuttering, crashes, and subpar performance. To aid in your purchasing decision for an AIO cooler, this guide provides helpful insights.

Game Rant’s 2024 Picks for the Best AIO’s for the Ryzen 9 9950X

The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 240 A-RGB is proof of their excellent reputation in liquid cooling. As its name implies, it’s an All-in-One (AIO) cooler that measures 240mm, and it comes with two P12 PWM PST fans featuring RGB lighting, capable of spinning at speeds up to 2000 revolutions per minute (RPM). These fans are quite efficient at moving air over the substantial 38mm radiator. This means heat is dispersed more effectively, ensuring your CPU stays cool under all conditions.

This cooler doesn’t have a display on its pump head like some other all-in-one models might, but it does boast RGB lighting instead. ARCTIC has simplified installation by using an all-in-one connector, allowing the pump, VRM, and radiator fans to be managed through a single PWM setting. This cooler is versatile in terms of compatibility; it’s suitable not only for AMD AM5 and AM4 processors but also for Intel LGA1700 and the forthcoming LGA1851 sockets.

One distinctive feature that sets ARCTIC coolers apart, including this one, is their clever approach to addressing the hotspot issue in Ryzen CPUs. Since the hotspot on these processors isn’t centrally located, the AMD mounting solution includes a 5mm offset orientation to balance this out. This results in outstanding cooling efficiency regardless of the tasks you challenge your Ryzen 9 9950X with.

Frugal shoppers seeking high-quality liquid CPU coolers will appreciate the ENERMAX AQUAFUSION ADV Series 240mm Cooler. This cooler boasts two 120mm SquA RGB fans that can reach speeds of up to 2000 RPM. Additionally, the pump head features an Infinite RGB Reflection design, creating a mesmerizing illusion of infinite depth when combined with the surrounding RGB lights.

In a unique dual-chamber setup, the pump, nestled inside the water block, is strategically positioned to avoid direct contact with the heat-producing component (the CPU). ENERMAX has prioritized an innovative method for liquid coolant entry into the water block – it’s injected at the hottest point and then spreads outwardly, thus eliminating sudden heat spikes. To accelerate heat dispersal, they’ve also optimized the coolant flow path.

As a gamer, I’m thrilled about the ENERMAX AQUAFUSION ADV Series 240mm AIO. This bad boy is only 27mm thick, yet it performs remarkably well due to its advanced technologies. It’s compatible with Intel LGA 1851/1700 and older sockets, as well as AMD AM5/AM4 and older, making it a versatile choice for my system. At around $80, this is an outstanding budget AIO that keeps my Ryzen 9 9950X running cool. Plus, it comes in both black and white options, so if my setup aesthetic leans more towards white, I’ve got a matching cooler here to choose from.

Individuals seeking top-tier cooling solutions for their Ryzen 9 9950X and have budgets exceeding $300 may want to explore the ASUS ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB. This cooler boasts a sizable 3.5-inch LCD on its pump block, offering system monitoring data or customizable animations and backdrops. Being a 360mm All-In-One (AIO) cooling system, it is equipped with three 120mm ARGB fans capable of reaching up to 2200 RPM, providing substantial airflow through the radiator.

Instead of using its own in-house pump, as ARCTIC does, the ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB is relying on a more prominent player in the water-cooling market: Asetek. The 8th generation pump features a three-phase motor that offers increased flow, reduced impedance, and operates at lower decibel levels compared to its predecessor. This means better heat dissipation and quieter operation overall.

One standout feature of the Ryujin III 360 ARGB is its magnetic fan connection, leading to a simple cable link to the motherboard. This cooler is versatile, as it’s compatible with both current and upcoming Intel and AMD CPUs, including your high-performance Ryzen 9 9950X. With this assurance, you can confidently push your processor to its maximum capabilities without worrying about the cooler compromising on performance.

Suitable for the newest Ryzen 9000 series processors, the LIAN LI Galahad II Trinity stands out as a budget-friendly AIO cooler. This 360mm cooler comes equipped with three interconnected ARGB PWM fans, requiring only one power and data cable for all of them. The fans rest atop a 27mm thick radiator, making it one of the thinner options available, yet its maximum RPM of 2450 ensures efficient cooling performance is not sacrificed.

The LIAN LI Galahad II Trinity comes in both black and white options, but it is called Trinity because of three interchangeable pump caps that are included in the package. This is what makes the cooler so unique, as no other AIO allows you to switch out the pump cap to match your aesthetic. The three caps have different designs for how they showcase the RGB lighting within. The Duo-infinity cap is like an infinity mirror while the Sink-hole is a diffuser combined with the infinity mirror style. The Dazzle cap is a full, flat RGB chuck that doesn’t have the LIAN LI branding or the infinity mirror aesthetic.

The company has simplified the process of installing the AIO, offering 45-degree connectors and leather straps to manage the tubes more efficiently. Notably, Lian Li provides a thermal paste control film and spreader in the package, eliminating the need for concerns about applying an excessive amount of thermal paste.

Among the limited number of All-in-One (AIO) coolers with a 420mm size, the Corsair iCUE H170i ELITE CAPELLIX XT stands out due to its impressive cooling capabilities and captivating RGB illumination. Power users who frequently push their CPUs to maximum capacity will appreciate the high performance and efficiency of this model. The 420mm radiator comes equipped with three 140mm AF RGB ELITE fans, each containing eight LEDs for a spectacular light display when controlled via Corsair’s iCUE software. Additionally, these fans have a zero-RPM mode, ensuring they only activate when the temperature or load surpasses a specific threshold.

This AIO from Corsair comes with the iCUE Commander Core controller, which simplifies cable management to some extent. However, the absence of daisy-chaining might be a downside for certain users. Moreover, it’s equipped with Corsair’s XTM70 Extreme Performance thermal paste right out of the box.

If you’re not satisfied with the standard RGB pump head, you have the option to replace it with the ELITE LCD upgrade kit (sold separately). Despite its high price tag, the Corsair iCUE H170i ELITE CAPELLIX XT offers exceptional performance. However, do keep in mind that the radiator size might not fit in many PC cases, so it’s essential to verify compatibility with your specific case before making a purchase.

The Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360L Core ARGB offers a high-performing 360mm all-in-one cooler, complete with RGB lighting and top-tier thermal paste, at a cost of less than $100. While it boasts an abundance of RGB with its three 120mm ARGB fans, Cooler Master prioritizes performance over additional features such as flashy screens or customizable pump caps. The pump head does not feature a display, and there is only a small, subtle Cooler Master logo illuminated in RGB.

These three fans may not be the fastest rotating, maxing out at 1750 RPM, but they excel in reducing noise levels. Even though their maximum speed is on the slower side, they manage to move 71.93 CFM of air, which is quite commendable. This Cooler Master AIO incorporates rifle bearing fans that are rated for an impressive MTTF (Mean Time To Failure) of over 160,000 hours. The pump design also features a dual-chamber setup to more effectively target hotspots and enhance water flow.

This product features black and white color options, works with AM5 and LGA1700 sockets, and it doesn’t have thermal paste pre-applied, but includes a high-quality CryoFuze thermal paste (with a claimed thermal conductivity of 14W/Mk) that should suffice without requiring additional investment in better thermal paste. The Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360L Core ARGB is an outstanding mid-range AIO cooling solution, well-suited for the Ryzen 9000 series CPUs.

Finding the Right AIO for Ryzen 9000 Series CPUs

Before you purchase a new AIO, there are a few things that everyone should consider:

Size and Compatibility

The size of the radiator is based on the number of fans that can be installed on it and there are a few different size options to choose from. You can get a compact 120mm AIO that has a single 120mm fan and a radiator of around the same size. On the other end of the spectrum is a 420mm radiator that houses three 140mm fans, but the more common option is a 360mm AIO with three 120mm fans. Most cases can accommodate a 360mm AIO.

To start your hunt for a new All-in-One (AIO) cooler, verify that it’s compatible with the case you currently own or intend to purchase. Some radiator thicknesses might pose issues in certain cases, but luckily, coolers like the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II, which are 38mm thick, should fit comfortably in most setups.

Fan Connectors

In most cases, having more fans usually results in dealing with more cables too. But manufacturers such as LIAN LI and Thermaltake offer the advantage of daisy-chaining multiple fans on a radiator, so you only need one cable to handle and connect to your motherboard. Alternatively, you could opt for a hub like the one provided with the Corsair iCUE H170i ELITE CAPELLIX XT, which offers another solution to managing cables.

Display

AIO manufacturers have embraced the trend of putting displays on top of the pump head, and you can find an AIO with a screen from most brands. These displays can be used to show essential real-time system metrics or show off the latest GIFs and animations. These AIOs usually have a larger water block or pump head and can be trickier to install.

FAQ

Q: Do CPU coolers work with all CPUs?

As a gaming enthusiast, I always ensure that my CPU cooler matches the socket type of my processor to guarantee seamless performance. Luckily, most high-quality coolers are compatible with both Intel and AMD processors, making the search easier.

Q: Is liquid cooling better than air cooling?

As a gamer, I’ve noticed that liquid cooling offers some sweet perks compared to traditional air cooling. For one, it’s got a knack for keeping things cooler, especially under heavy gaming loads. Plus, it tends to run quieter, which is always a plus when you’re trying to focus on your game. However, let’s not forget that it comes with a higher price tag and more intricate components that could potentially break down over time due to their moving parts.

2024-09-23 17:06

These AIO’s Will Keep your Ryzen 9 9950X Cool