edit 2: He has bought the air cooler!
He will be running the 9800X3D, which I don’t think gets hot enough to require an AIO. We are choosing between Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 (AIO) and the Peerless Assassin 120 (air cooler)
Benefits of choosing an AIO (Arctic Liquid Freezer III) is better temperatures, nicer aesthetic. Downside of going with AIO is the possibility that it will leak/wear out over time, shorter lifespan compared to air cooler (which can pretty much last forever)
He will be getting a Lian Li case (the O11 Vision Compact) with the RGB fans set, meaning he could go with the cheaper 5 fan set instead of 8 if he decides on AIO. Combined with a decent sale on the AIO in my region, the price difference isn’t that large.
What do you guys think?
edit: Mmm the internet people seem to disagree with each other
Air cooling is superior to AIOs. The difference in thermals isn’t worth the price, increased failure points or aesthetics.
I don’t want water in my computer, simple as that.
Water cooling is intellectually interesting to me and I love the aesthetic but I would never choose it for my build. I don’t have disposable income if something went really wrong. I also would never clean the water.
I never have to think about my air coolers, I love them.