Custom loop - worth it for my case?

[Master PC]

I am quite interested in installing a custom loop for my current setup (3060Ti + 5900X cooled by ROG 280mm AIO). 

 

I'm more of a simple person who currently play GTA5, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, and Assassin's Creed - Valhalla. Other day-to-day activities are surfing Chrome, watching and rendering vids, and benchmark tests.

 

1) For one who does the above daily activities, Is it worth spending the extra bucks and maintenance time on a Custom Loop kit?

2) Will the cooling temps be a lot lower than an AIO?

3) How often should I maintain it?

[tkitch]

Is it worth it?  Nobody can make that call but you.

 

Will it cool better?  Generally yes.  Better pumps. better waterflow, etc.  So usually even with the same radiator size, you get better temps.

 

The question is, in your mind is it worth the time, money, end effort of installing a custom loop, with the associated headaches as mentioned, for the better cooling and the pride and satisfaction of seeing your completed loop once it's done?

[PDifolco]

Well you'll get a few C less for many $ and time invested  

 

Custom loop is enthusiast activity, technically it's not worth it, the question is would you enjoy doing it ?

 

[Bob__]

With a custom loop you will drop a couple of degrees on your CPU and GPU should remain mostly the same. For 100's of dollars more I think that It is not worth it. If you really want that extra cooling I recommend this case

 

https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/omen-by-hp-45l-atx-case-gt20-0230t-pc

[LIGISTX]

24 minutes ago, Master PC said:

I am quite interested in installing a custom loop for my current setup (3060Ti + 5900X cooled by ROG 280mm AIO). 

 

I'm more of a simple person who currently play GTA5, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, and Assassin's Creed - Valhalla. Other day-to-day activities are surfing Chrome, watching and rendering vids, and benchmark tests.

 

1) For one who does the above daily activities, Is it worth spending the extra bucks and maintenance time on a Custom Loop kit?

2) Will the cooling temps be a lot lower than an AIO?

3) How often should I maintain it?

It’s not at all “worth it” just for cooling performance. It will run cooler, but your parts almost certainly are running plenty cool, more cool isn’t exactly more better; it’s not worse, but it’s also not better, it’s meaningless. 
 

What custom water DOES do well is quiet. My loop is there for 2 rears, 1 cuz I am just a tech head and enjoy it (and can afford it), and for quiet. My PC is never audible, at idle only the top fans run and they are only 600 rpm. In game load top 3 140’s and front 2 140’s spin up to 900 rpm (both my rads, and both thick boys) and 120 rear and bottom fans spin about the same speed. But, my loop cost over 700 dollars, I have over 150 alone just in fittings. 

[Stahlmann]

There are main 3 reasons (imo) to go for a custom loop:

 

- Style

- Silent operation

- You love tinkering with your PC

 

Be it GPUs or CPUs, both have good enough air coolers nowadays that they don't limit performance and unlock most of the part's overclocking headroom.

 

I personally did it purely because of silent operation. Worst case my fans go up to 900 RPM, which makes them barely audible. Best case, they're only running at 400 RPM being completely silent. My PC is completely inaudible unless i put it under 30+ minutes of load. For me personally it's worth it, but i wouldn't recommend it for most people, especially if they don't mind their PC making a bit of noise.

 

For me it's been no added maintenance so far. I've been running my loop for almost 2 years without flushing and have clear blocks on my CPU and GPU. There is still no gunk buildup or residue in my blocks or reservoir and my thermal performance is as good as the day i filled it up.