Since a few months ago I keep hearing weird noises when turning ON my HTPC (using a SilverStone Technology SST-SG13B-V2 ITX case with a Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite 120 AIO), but it performed mostly fine (CPU Temps at 70 Max). After a few years of use, I decided to change the thermal paste, and to my surprise, I found this mess.
Is this a case of water cooling failing? Do I need to replace it? Should I try again with an AIO or go with a low profile air cooler?