Selecting the suitable kind of cooling while putting together a PC is just as essential as any other aspect of your build.
Making the proper decision here will allow you to push your other components to the limit. For most PC enthusiasts, this is one of the most vital aspects of a build.
Making the incorrect choice may result in lower performance, harm to your computer’s parts (in the worst case), and a substantial amount of annoyance.
Among the PC-building community, the question of whether to install an Air Cooler or an AIO is often one of the most frequent asked on websites such as Reddit, Tom’s Hardware, and PCPartPicker.
This guide will inform you about the advantages and drawbacks of both options and hopefully assist you in making the right decision for your next construction.
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What Is An AIO?
For those unfamiliar with the term, an “AIO” stands for an all-in-one sealed closed-loop liquid cooling system. That’s quite a mouthful, which is why we will continue to call it “AIO” throughout the remainder of this exhaustive guide.
An all-in-one operates very similarly to the cooling mechanism of a car’s integrated combustion engine.
A water pump cycles the liquid through a water block mounted on your CPU (Computer Processing Unit) and out to a thermal exchanger, which will typically be a radiator. The radiator is chilled by one or more fans.
AIOs are also known as “sealed loops” as they are never intended to be opened. This differs from “customized loops,” which need maintenance and are extremely prone to malfunctions.
What Is An Air Cooler?
Fans can be installed in many varied slots on your case, depending on the model you have, and sometimes directly into the CPU.
An air cooler occupies much less space than an AIO system, meaning you have a better chance of fitting it into your build. They also don’t require much, so most beginners choose them over AIOs for their first build, especially when working on a limited budget.
However, having multiple air coolers installed at the same time can be quite loud. If you are someone who enjoys total silence while working, this can be problematic.
Whether you should purchase an AIO or air cooler for your build is largely a matter of individual preference, but you should consider the following things.
AIO vs. Air Coolers – Pros And Cons
Everyone knows that the group of people who construct their own PCs are evenly divided when it comes to selecting their preferred cooling technique.
Some say AIOs are superior, while others believe the potential risks of leaks and pump malfunctions are simply not worth it.
Let’s examine a comparison and the elements you should be most worried about when picking between the two cooling options.
Pros And Cons of AIOs
The benefits of AIOs are:
- Better looks and usually great RGB customization via manufacturer software.
- Little or no maintenance upon installation.
- Better cooling performance and less overall noise.
The disadvantages of AIOs are:
- Usually more expensive than air coolers due to the more complex design and function.
- Slightly more difficult installation process compared to installing fans.
- Risk of pump failure and leaks, albeit a small one.
Pros And Cons of Air Coolers
The advantages of Air Coolers are:
- Tons of options regarding price, size, and brand.
- Less expensive and easier to fit in various builds.
- Top-tier brands are still affordable, which isn’t the case with AIOs.
The drawbacks of Air Coolers are:
- Cleaning the fan blades occasionally is essential, which can be difficult if you have many fans installed.
- More than two or three fans working simultaneously can get quite noisy.
- If you favor aesthetics more than the average user, you might not like how your build looks with fans.
Final Thoughts
Right now, the outcome of this “conflict” probably seems fairly equal. That’s because the answer to this question has always been one of individual preference.
Those who like pushing their systems to the absolute limit will benefit from the improved cooling performance provided by AIOs while more “moderate” users are unlikely to notice a difference between the two.
From a practical point of view, if you are building a PC with a standard case that isn’t transparent, go for the cheaper solution, which is air coolers.
If you prioritize aesthetic appeal and every minuscule detail matters, AIOs can assist you in achieving your ideal build while providing improved temperatures with reduced noise.
Also, both are ultimately cooling systems, meaning the one that does a better job at preventing your PC from overheating should be the victor. This is why we suggest starting from there.
If you have a very potent CPU, such as the 11900K or the Ryzen 5900X, you need something to keep it cool at all times, especially while it’s under intense load. Grab an AIO if this applies to you.
However, if you have a restricted budget and utilize your computer for basic activities and minimal workload, you can cut expenses by reducing costs and acquiring an air cooler.
