tkitch

If changing fan speeds didn't do it, then it's mountned poorly, or the AIO is defective. But more likely it's mounted wrong.

There's no such thing as "99% sure I mounted it correctly" with temps like this. Make sure that the pump and fan speed are set too low at the temps you're seeing.

yeah, you shouldn't be 30c over ambient. Either the AIO is configured wrong, or you've got the block mounted poorly.

for the fans: https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-2-Pack-Way-Splitter/dp/B07PXLHNZ6 fan splitters. you can usually run 3-6 fans on one header (depeninding on their power draw) For the argb: it's basically the same: https://www.amazon.com/Jstincal-Splitter-Addressable-Extension-Computer/dp/B0C59BF1T3 argb can run up to like 125-150 LEDs on one header. (The number of LEDs varies per device, so do math.)

seems a bit high, what's the ambient temp around you?

What? The Eisbaer is an AIO. It's got the block and pump.

Jay mentioned being owed a 6 figure sum from EK.

Arctic's launch prices were introductory. They said as much at launch.

Buy the cheapest Alphacool Eisbaer AIO you can. (The Pump/Res are on the CPU Block.) The Radiator uses standard G1/4 fittings. You can then swap the tubes to any radiator you want.

an i7 7700 is plenty to run a NAS with a bunch of supporting apps on it. With a GPU to transcode, you'll barely notice a plex load on the box.

technically, slightly, but in reality, not enough to matter.

Backblaze B2 is 6$/mo for 1TB of data. Don't trust anyone who is "free" with your data.

are you gonna walk someone through cutting open the end of the x4 slot to put in a gpu? I sure as hell ain't.

the firmware long-since fixed the 980 pro. If the manual doesn't mention disabling sata, then it most likely won't. Are you actually using all your sata ports anyways?

you're in a dangerous spot between "not knowing enough" and "wanting to know too much" So for a normal user (not buying the most powerful CPU from a company, not overclocking, etc.) Here's what you usually want to keep an eye out for: The "B" Series boards (B650 and B660/B760 currently for AMD/Intel) are solid middle of the road options, and support enough features to make most people happy. The *70 (AMD) and *90 (Intel) are usually slightly higher end chipsets, but also more expensive. But if they're a reasonable price, they're also a damned good option. Otherwise the only thing to really look for: Does it have enough IO for you? IO to look out for: USB C, USB A, What type of USB? Thunderbolt? Etc. (WIFI onboard if you need/want it) Also an important one: M.2 Slots Beyond that, not nearly as much matters, as most people add a GPU and nothing else to PCIE Slots. If you're wanting to buy high-end, there's more to know, but that's a dangerous (and expensive) path to follow, so don't do that unless you know you need to