waterblock for AM4

[Jim, in Iowa]

I upgraded to an R5 3600 from my ancient i7 2600k. My original AIO pump still works, but its incompatible with the AM4 mount. In looking for an AM4 block, I see the prices are crazy. I can buy an AIO for the same money. 

 

What's the best play - AIO, or waterblock for $80? 

[GUVII]

waterblock, if you still have your original loop. Why? Because AIO still use a mix of metals in their loops rather than just using copper. A custom loop would perform better than any AIO on the market.

[Grabhanem]

Are you coming from an AIO or a custom loop? You'd have a hard time replacing the block on an AIO, though you could probably get a bracket for next to nothing.

[Jim, in Iowa]

I started with an AIO, and expanded the loop to include my GPU and a new truck-sized radiator. Now that I have a new CPU, I can keep the original pump and add a waterblock for the CPU, or just work a new AIO into the existing rad loop. Same price, given the high price of the waterblocks. 

[Grabhanem]

On 3/28/2020 at 5:38 PM, Jim, in Iowa said:

I started with an AIO, and expanded the loop to include my GPU and a new truck-sized radiator. Now that I have a new CPU, I can keep the original pump and add a waterblock for the CPU, or just work a new AIO into the existing rad loop. Same price, given the high price of the waterblocks. 

What AIO are you using? I didn't know expandable AIOs had been around for that long. If you're running a modded AIO I would be a bit concerned about reliability.

 

Alternatively, I believe there are one or two AM4 boards that use Intel mounting, from Asrock I believe?

[Jim, in Iowa]

It's a modded AIO. Cut the lines and connect to, in this case, a ridiculously large radiator. I've ordered a new AIO designed for AM4 mounts. I'll do the same - cut into the loop and run the liquid through my custom rad. The funny thing is that the AIO was about the cost of an AM4 waterblock by itself.