need a CPU AIO

Plankton said:

I'm in the market for a single rad 120 mm RGB AIO cpu cooler. I've never used one and want your guys/gals opinion on your personal experiences and preferred brands.

Like everything else it comes down to features and cost. I'm partial to Corsair and just replaced my old H115i Pro with this one - CORSAIR - Hydro Series H115i RGB PlatinumH115i RGB

That said, as one who have used AIO (ALL-In-One) aka CLC (Closed-Loop-Coolers), since 2010, I'd suggest you check them for leaks every now and then. Don't get me wrong, I've never ever had one leak and I've had a few them, two currently in use now, but they do contain fluid so... And even if I did a pro custom water setup I'd still check for leaks.

Also, since water evaporates over time (and these can't be serviced), I put theme on a time change schedule where I replace them at least every 4 years. People will point to this as a negative but I could also point out that those big heavy air coolers warp boards and break connections over time. Neither is likely to happen, but...

Anyway, I don't want to scare you away, I love them, but its something you should know and think about.

Lastly at the end of the day pretty much all AIO's perform the same so it really is a matter of what features and price.

Good luck.

Brawndo said:

Many are azetek pumps (Corsair, NZXT, Asus, EVGA etc). So there won't be much difference beside aesthetics. Check ratings.

FYI, the Corsair AIO, I linked to in my post above uses a CoolIT, NOT Asetek pump.

YouTube review by Gamer's Nexus - Corsair H115i Platinum AIO Review: Finally Not Asetek

Lance1 said:

I do realize that your discussing water cooling solutions but I have always been partial to air cooling. I believe that there is a reasonable point of failure to water as opposed to air. Just my two cents. My cooling solution in the pic with a push pull fan configuration. At full load the CPU runs around 38c and at normal load in the mid 20's c

Yes....I'm a big proponent of air cooling. I've always used the Hyper 212 Evo......best bang for buck air cooler IMO on the market. I just don't wont something that big in there, like what you have I would really like a 120mm low profile down flow to keep the looks aesthetically pleasing and still have great cooling performance.

Right now I have this Dark Flash 100 mm low profile down flow and it's just not getting the job done.

Plankton said:

Yes....I'm a big proponent of air cooling. I've always used the Hyper 212 Evo......best bang for buck air cooler IMO on the market. I just don't wont something that big in there, like what you have I would really like a 120mm low profile down flow to keep the looks aesthetically pleasing and still have great cooling performance.

Right now I have this Dark Flash 100 mm low profile down flow and it's just not getting the job done.

I want to use this one myself which is a down cooler but not sure of its clearance for ram really myself

DARK ROCK TF silent high-end Air coolers from be quiet!

Brawndo said:

Not reviews scores like Amazon, but actual videos hehe.

You mean like the one I posted in post #13

Plankton said:

Yes....I'm a big proponent of air cooling. I've always used the Hyper 212 Evo......best bang for buck air cooler IMO on the market. I just don't wont something that big in there, like what you have I would really like a 120mm low profile down flow to keep the looks aesthetically pleasing and still have great cooling performance.

Right now I have this Dark Flash 100 mm low profile down flow and it's just not getting the job done.

If you looking for aesthetics as well as good performance the Noctua NH-L12S could be a contender. Here's a review.

RoadBlaster said:

I want to use this one myself which is a down cooler but not sure of its clearance for ram really myself

DARK ROCK TF silent high-end Air coolers from be quiet!

Wow...that's huge and a double fan. Be Quite makes some quality components.