All-in-One-Wasserkühlung oder Luftkühler für aktuelle Gaming-Systeme?

[mohsin025]

I am currently planning a new gaming setup and am still undecided whether an all-in-one water cooling system is really worth it or whether a high-quality air cooler is the better choice.

Many benchmarks show differing results. Some users report lower temperatures with an all-in-one solution, while others believe that modern air coolers are the better option in terms of noise, price, and reliability.

I'm particularly interested in experiences with current CPUs under sustained load. I'm less concerned with RGB lighting or aesthetics, and more interested in cooling performance, noise levels, and long-term stability.

During my research I also came across systems from Viper, which made the question even more interesting for me: Is there still a noticeable advantage to an all-in-one water cooling system for gaming and productivity applications today, or is the difference often overestimated?

I would be interested in the following points:

• Which CPU are you currently using?
• What temperatures do you reach under gaming or rendering load?
• Did you experience any problems with the pump or noise level of your all-
in-one liquid cooler? • Would you buy an all-in-one liquid cooler again today?

I'm curious to hear about your experiences and recommendations.

 

[FatalEvent]

I started with water cooling over 20y ago, because of sensitivity to noise/tinnitus, and "relocate" the fan noise from the pc "next to me", to ~10ft away, long tubing and a storage box to install rad/fans/pump/res.

One of the things to realize:
most that have problems/"dying" AIO, its usually based on Asetek design and more or less low tier crap (except maybe for last 1 or 2 gens), while brands with their "own" pump design usually dont have the same issues/high failure rate.

But with many saying "never" dont", its like buying a "no name" luxury sedan for "20K", and based on this experience alone, state that buying a Bentley or Rolls isnt worth it..

There is also the difference between Closed Loop Coolers (most designs), which are sealed units, and any issues will mean (warranty) replacement/throwing it out, while some others have common G1/4 connections (used in LC loops), and allow you to repair/replace/upgrade anything, so much better long term, but usually a bit more on the cost side.

The biggest advantage of LC is the ability to "dump" the cpu (gpu) heat straight outside the case, which will drop all other temps as well (pwm/vrm/chipset/drives/psu or gpu), something not even the best or most expensive/technologically advanced air cooler will ever do, unless your case flow is at vacuum noise level.

in short, like everything else, if done properly, Liquid Cooling isnt less reliable, but quieter at the same temp, or lower temp at the same noise level.

so you can either go "value" and get the Arctic LF III pro (maybe even a refurb from their site), or (better) the Alphacool Eisbaer (not the LT or Extreme), as you get a proper copper radiator (sealed units dont have those), a bit better pump, and something that you can keep forever.

My 280 Eisbaer was converted (tubing/D5 pump clone) about 5y ago to incl the gpu, but the original pump is still in use with a friend, so wasnt replaced because of failure..

Eisbaer 360
the 280 might fit more cases, and is almost as good.

Arctic new

Arctic refurb