Whenever you use your CPU for extended time periods, it begins to heat up (see CPU temperature). It is essential for it to cool down again to be able to function efficiently. In this case, you can make use of a cooler that can take in this heat and carry it away from the CPU.
There are several kinds of coolers available in the market for you to choose from. Here, we will specifically focus on all-in-one (AIO) and air coolers.
When it comes to AIO vs air coolers, there are different ways in which each of them transports the heat away from the CPU.
Based on your requirements and several other factors which we will look into here, you can determine which cooler is better for you.
Let's get started!
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AIO Coolers
An AIO cooler is a liquid cooler that comprises all the relevant components within its unit. All you need to do when it comes to this kind of cooler is to connect the cooler to the CPU and allow it to transfer the heat.
To do this, you have to attach a block to the CPU which receives the heat. This block then transfers the heat to a liquid which is known as a coolant. This coolant heats up and is then pumped to a radiator through one of the tubes. Once it reaches there, the radiator pushes the heat out using the fans connected to it.
Once the coolant is cool again, it makes its way back to the block through the other tube of the cooler. This process takes place extremely quickly and can continue to function while you keep using your PC.
It can also easily fit into any compatible case as long as it has all the relevant connection spots. This kind of cooler also provides several features that you can customize to make the AIO cooler more suitable for your usage needs and standards.
Pros
- The cooling process in an AIO cooler is much quicker.
- An AIO cooler is generally small and thin, making it an effective choice in terms of space.
- You can easily overclock your CPU without worrying about overheating.
- It can be compatible with several kinds of cases.
- It comes with a wide range of features that allow you to change the settings of the lights and fans.
- It functions quietly throughout the process, minimizing disturbance.
Cons
- It can be slightly expensive due to the presence of multiple functions and features.
- It can be difficult to install due to the extra steps that you will need to carry out in a careful manner.
Top 3 AIO COOLER Picks:
NZXT Kraken X53 240mm - RL-KRX53-01 - AIO RGB CPU Liquid Cooler...
- Design: With a re-designed cap and larger infinity mirror ring LED, the new Kraken X allows for adjusting the orientation of the pump head to fit without affecting the direction of the logo
- Bigger And Brighter: 10% bigger infinitty mirror cap allows for more vivid RGB and a rotating cap accommodates re-orienting the logo no matter the direction the cooler is installed
- Design: With a re-designed cap and larger infinity mirror ring LED, the new Kraken X allows for adjusting the orientation of the pump head to fit without affecting the direction of the logo
- Bigger And Brighter: 10% bigger infinitty mirror cap allows for more vivid RGB and a rotating cap accommodates re-orienting the logo no matter the direction the cooler is installed
- Better Control: Full CAM integration allows you to manage your Kraken's performance with precision
- Incredible Performance: The Aer P radiator fans feature a chamfered intake and fluid dynamic bearing that provides silent operations, durability, and powerful cooling performance
- Simple Installation: Fine nylon mesh sleeves strengthen the rubber tubing, providing durability and protection against mishandling
- Compatible Socket and CPU: Intel Socket LGA 1151, 1150, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, 2066 / AMD Socket AM4, TR4(bracket not included)
NZXT Kraken Z63 280mm - RL-KRZ63-01 - AIO RGB CPU Liquid Cooler...
- Customize Your Battlestation: With a bright, 2.36” LCD screen capable of displaying 24-bit color, you can now completely customize the look of your CPU cooler.CPU Compatibility : Intel LGA: 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, 2066. Intel Series: i9, i7, i5, i3, Pentium, Celeron. AMD Socket: AM4, sTRX4, TR4. AMD Series: Ryzen 9, Ryzen 7, Ryzen 5, Ryzen 3,Threadripper; Threadripper bracket not included.Refer to the PDF attached below in Technical Specification for Installation
- Customize Your Battlestation: With a bright, 2.36” LCD screen capable of displaying 24-bit color, you can now completely customize the look of your CPU cooler.CPU Compatibility : Intel LGA: 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, 2066. Intel Series: i9, i7, i5, i3, Pentium, Celeron. AMD Socket: AM4, sTRX4, TR4. AMD Series: Ryzen 9, Ryzen 7, Ryzen 5, Ryzen 3,Threadripper; Threadripper bracket not included.Refer to the PDF attached below in Technical Specification for Installation
- Stay In Control: CAM's elegant, user-friendly software makes you the master of your PC with simple-to-use, intuitive controls, you can manage your Kraken's performance and appearance with ease
- Incredible Performance: Featuring a chamfered intake and fluid dynamic bearings, they deliver silent operation, long-term reliability, and powerful cooling performance
- Two 140mm Aer P radiator fans with chamfered intake and fluid dynamic bearings. Fine nylon mesh sleeves strengthens rubber tubing to protect from leaks
- Simple Installation: With the fully programmable display, the pump can be rotated to fit the needs of your motherboard without affecting the direction of the logo or image
- CPU Compatibility : Intel LGA: 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011, 2011-3, 2066. Intel Series: i9, i7, i5, i3, Pentium, Celeron. AMD Socket: AM4, sTRX4, TR4. AMD Series: Ryzen 9, Ryzen 7, Ryzen 5, Ryzen 3,Threadripper; Threadripper bracket not included.
- Refer to the PDF attached below in Technical Specification for Installation
Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L RGB V2, Close-Loop AIO CPU Liquid Cooler, 240...
- 3rd Generation Dual Chamber Pump for overall cooling efficiency and performance
- New SickleFlow Refreshed exterior design for improved lighting and fan blades for a quiet airflow performance
- RGB Lighting Signature cooling performance with an RGB design for all of the users wanting lighting effects that are fully customizable
- 3rd Generation Dual Chamber Pump for overall cooling efficiency and performance
- New SickleFlow Refreshed exterior design for improved lighting and fan blades for a quiet airflow performance
- RGB Lighting Signature cooling performance with an RGB design for all of the users wanting lighting effects that are fully customizable
- Industrial Grade Seal High Industrial Grade EPDM material to strengthen the seal for improved longevity and Anti-Leaking
- AMD AM4/AM3 plus/AM3/AM2 plus/AM2/FM2 plus/FM2/FM1
- Intel LGA1700*/1200/1151/1150/1155/1156/1366/2066/2011-v3/2011 Intel's Alder Lake LGA1700 Kit, Available on Amazon Part:603005870-GP ASIN:B09V3CFDP3
Air Coolers
An air cooler is a popular kind of cooler that relies on pipes and fins in its structure to cool down the CPU. The overall process that an air cooler follows is similar to that of an AIO cooler, although there are several differences when it comes to the medium and structure.
This kind of air cooler is usually attached to the CPU using a baseplate that accepts the heat from the CPU. The cooler then transfers this heat from the plate to the metal pipes. These pipes carry the heat towards a cluster of metal fins.
Here, there is usually one (or more) fan that pushes the warm air away from the CPU and towards a case where the air disperses.
An air cooler is generally quite large, but larger coolers tend to be more effective while cooling than smaller ones. It is also convenient to use and install and does not cost too much money. Overall, an air cooler can be a dependable choice to make as long as you ensure that it is compatible with your needs.
Pros
- It is affordable and cost effective.
- It is simple to install since there are no extra components required for cooling.
- Since it only makes use of air, you do not need to worry about potential spills or leaks.
- The replacement and maintenance process tends to be much easier.
- There are several shapes and sizes that you can choose from depending on your requirements.
- It is usually compatible with most kinds of cases.
- Available as low profile CPU coolers.
Cons
- An air cooler tends to be quite large and heavy, requiring more space around the PC for efficient functioning.
- Overclocking might not always be possible with an air cooler since it ultimately transfers the heat to the case, which can end up increasing the overall temperature after a point.
- It can be a bit noisy.
Top 3 AIR COOLER Picks:
Noctua NH-D15, Premium CPU Cooler with 2X NF-A15 PWM 140mm Fans (Brown)
- State-of-the-art dual-tower design with 6 heatpipes and 2 fans provides class-leading cooling performance for overclocking or near-silent systems
- Successor of the classic NH-D14; more than 250 awards and recommendations from leading international hardware websites and magazines
- State-of-the-art dual-tower design with 6 heatpipes and 2 fans provides class-leading cooling performance for overclocking or near-silent systems
- Successor of the classic NH-D14; more than 250 awards and recommendations from leading international hardware websites and magazines
- 2 highly optimised NF-A15 140mm fans with PWM support and Low-Noise Adaptors for automatic speed control and ultra-quiet operation
- Includes high-end NT-H1 thermal paste and SecuFirm2 mounting system for easy installation on Intel LGA1700 (LGA17xx family) LGA1200, LGA115x, LGA2011, LGA2066 and AMD AM4 & AM5
- Renowned Noctua quality backed up by 6-year manufacturer's warranty, deluxe choice for Intel Core i9, i7, i5, i3 (e.g. 13900, 13700, 13600) and AMD Ryzen (e.g. 7950X3D, 7900X3D, 7800X3D, 7700)
be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black, BK007, 150W TDP, CPU Cooler, Elegant...
- A high 150W TDP cooling efficiency
- Four high-performance 6mm heat pipes with HDT technology
- Asymmetrical construction avoids blocking memory slots
- Pure Wings 2 120mm PWM fan for silent operation of max. 26. 8 dB(A)
- A high 150W TDP cooling efficiency
- Four high-performance 6mm heat pipes with HDT technology
- Asymmetrical construction avoids blocking memory slots
- Pure Wings 2 120mm PWM fan for silent operation of max. 26. 8 dB(A)
- Elegant black surface.Easily installable installation kit can be mounted from atop the motherboard.Three-year manufacturer's
NZXT Kraken M22 120mm - RL-KRM22-01 - AIO RGB CPU Liquid Cooler...
- Advanced Lighting Modes: With an infinity mirror Design, add amazing color and lighting to your CPU cooler for a fully dynamic lighting experience
- Engineered For Performance: Engineered to achieve superior cooling while keeping noise levels to a minimum. System Requirements-CAM software requires Microsoft Windows 10 operating system
- Advanced Lighting Modes: With an infinity mirror Design, add amazing color and lighting to your CPU cooler for a fully dynamic lighting experience
- Engineered For Performance: Engineered to achieve superior cooling while keeping noise levels to a minimum. System Requirements-CAM software requires Microsoft Windows 10 operating system
- Master Your Control: Using CAM, manage the performance with precision and make changes quickly, using the desktop or mobile app. You can even monitor pump speed and liquid temperature.
- All-New Radiator Fans: The Aer P radiator fans included are Designed for liquid-cooling perfection; Providing silent operation, durability, and powerful cooling performance. Fan Noise Level - 21-38dBA
AIO vs Air Cooler—Which One Should You Pick?
Now that you have a better understanding of these two kinds of coolers, we can now move on to the AIO vs air cooler comparison guide that can allow you to make a more informed choice.
There are several factors and criteria that you should keep in mind while making your choice and deciding which one is better. Let's take a look at these criteria in further detail.
Installation
The process of installation in terms of AIO vs air cooler is not that different. Overall, both kinds of coolers require you to connect them to the CPU using baseplates that will then transfer the heat to tubes or pipes.
This process, however, is slightly more convenient in an air cooler due to the fewer components involved in the structure.
When it comes to an AIO cooler, there are a few additional steps that you will need to follow such as installing the water block and the radiator. Despite these additional steps, the process is still quite uncomplicated and plain sailing.
Price
Another important consideration here is the cost of the coolers at the time of purchase as well as in the long run. In this case, the air cooler can be more cost effective as compared to the AIO cooler due to its simple design and function.
In the long run, as well, the components of the air cooler can easily be replaced without making changes to the entire structure. This is because the primary part that would require replacing is the fan since it drives the entire cooling process.
The AIO cooler is slightly more expensive because it can meet more advanced needs and comes with a range of additional features and parts.
Thermal Performance
In terms of the thermal performance of the AIO vs air cooler, the AIO cooler performs better. It can carry out the cooling process much more quickly due to the presence of the block and the radiator.
This includes sending the heated coolant to the radiator and the cool liquid back to the CPU.
An air cooler might take a longer time, especially as time passes by. This is because it relies on the air of the fan to disperse the heat while it takes a shorter time in liquids.
Size
The AIO cooler can be a better option when it comes to the overall size of the air cooler. This is because the AIO cooler is a lot lighter and thinner than the air cooler. However, you will still need to account for the radiator of the AIO cooler, as that can require a bit more space to fit.
On the other hand, air coolers are much heavier and bigger. They can be difficult to move around and require enough space near the PC to be effective.
That being said, it is possible for you to start off with smaller sizes of each as long as they meet your requirements.
Design
AIO coolers have a sleeker and higher quality design as compared to air coolers. They have several features such as LED lighting and display, efficient tubing and pumping, customizable settings and more.
The design aspect, however, is purely dependent on your needs. If you require a cooler that will blend in well with the rest of your structures, then an AIO cooler might work better.
Air coolers are a lot simpler in design and can look like a plain box. It does not include any custom features or lighting options. Yet, they can serve your requirements effectively as well.
Compatibility
You need to take the compatibility of the cooler into account as well. For instance, you should ensure that all the tubing and components are suitable for the PC that you use.
How much you use your PC and for what purpose can also make a difference. If you have a high level of usage, then it might be better to opt for an AIO cooler.
Compatibility with the case also matters here. An AIO cooler will have more specific needs due to the multiple components it has, but as long as there are suitable connections in the case, you will not face too much of an issue.
Noise
An AIO cooler is quieter in its functioning as compared to an air cooler. This is because of the higher levels of insulation along with the lower reliance on the fan.
Since an air cooler is much simpler in its design and function, the noise levels tend to be higher because the fan needs to keep rotating rapidly to provide a cooling effect.
However, with advancements in the technology of air coolers, you can look for options that allow you to control the speed of the fan to reduce noise.
Overclocking
Overclocking refers to a method of using your computer for a longer or more intensive task. This can put some pressure on your CPU to run faster, sometimes causing it to heat up.
This can be a common occurrence when it comes to gaming. If you plan on overclocking your CPU, it would be better to opt for an AIO cooler since it directs the heat away from the CPU as well as the case, allowing for more rapid and prolonged cooling.
On the other hand, an air cooler disperses the heat into the case itself, which can end up heating the entire system after a certain time period.
Maintenance
In terms of general maintenance and cleaning of the cooler, the air cooler might be a more convenient option since it contains a limited number of components. The structure is also fairly simple, allowing you to easily clean it up.
The main part that will require regular maintenance is the fan, since the entire process relies on it. However, the pipes and plates are also important to maintain.
The maintenance process can be more complex for an AIO cooler due to the radiator and the presence of a coolant. It might also cause leaks in case of an accident.
Durability
AIO coolers are quite efficient and can last for several years. However, they are also more fragile than air coolers since they contain a coolant, a block, a chip as well as a radiator. In case anything goes wrong, it could affect the entire system, including your CPU.
Air coolers, on the other hand, can last longer since they do not come with too many risks. However, if used more than their capacity, they can lead to overheating and failure sooner than expected.
You should check the warranty period of the cooler that you buy to get some quality assurance. It is also important for you to only use the cooler up to its capacity and prevent accidents as far as possible.
CPU Requirements
Your CPU may have requirements of its own depending on how fast or slow it needs to work, how old it is, how much it tends to overheat and more.
In such a case, it might be better for you to opt for an AIO cooler to ensure better cooling. However, if you do not have advanced needs, then an air cooler can work well too.
Final Thoughts—AIO vs Air Cooler
We have now taken you through all the points of distinction when it comes to the AIO vs air cooler. With this informed understanding of the working of each of these coolers as well as their differences and contextual usage, you can make your decision about which one will work well for you.
Overall, the AIO cooler can be a better option due to its advanced functions. However, an air cooler can work efficiently for simpler needs as well.
