Cooling issue with current setup

[kiwicorn]

Budget (including currency): up to 150 AUD maximum

Country: Australia

Games, programs or workloads that it will be used for: Gaming, mild video editing/desktop use (family PC)

So I built my PC as a first build 2 years ago when I was new to PC building and PC parts in general, with less that optimal and some stupid decisions, such as using a Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE to cool an i7 12700k (no overclocking but at the time the k was cheaper). Before I was using a second hand GTX 1060, so the CPU loads seemed fine with the cooling it provided, but now as I come to know a bit more about PC parts in general and upgrading to an RTX 3060, the CPU overheats every time a game requires a proper CPU load in conjunction with GPU load in games such as TLOU 1 or 2 or even Fortnite on DX12 rendering. It is unable to sustain anything over a 75%+ CPU usage with temps skyrocketing to 95+ degrees. 

Context aside, I wanted to upgrade to an AIO for proper cooling, but even after doing research I am either unsure or still not informed about the compatibilities with my motherboards or CPU requirements. I even researched air coolers, and saw that the Thermalright Assassin X 120 might be enough, but I do not want to make the same mistake I did during my build and not have adequate cooling, again. Are there any recommendations for AIOs or even air coolers that can sustain an i7 12700k (no overclocking on my motherboard, but still sustain heavy loads) in heavy CPU games?

Here are the relevant parts (names from amazon):

• Intel S1700 Core i7 12700K 12 Core 3.60 GHz CPU
• Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler, TL-P9-S PWM ARGB Fan
• Asrock B760M PG Lightning LGA 1700 mATX Motherboard

(Case if necessary for size requirements, it is massive for my build and definitely not a good choice along with the motherboard in hindsight): Thermaltake S100 Snow Edition Tempered Glass Micro ATX Case

This build is definitely not optimal or well made, hence the cooling issue so ignore the other faults :)))

[Poinkachu]

34 minutes ago, kiwicorn said:

Budget (including currency): up to 150 AUD maximum

Country: Australia

Games, programs or workloads that it will be used for: Gaming, mild video editing/desktop use (family PC)

So I built my PC as a first build 2 years ago when I was new to PC building and PC parts in general, with less that optimal and some stupid decisions, such as using a Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE to cool an i7 12700k (no overclocking but at the time the k was cheaper). Before I was using a second hand GTX 1060, so the CPU loads seemed fine with the cooling it provided, but now as I come to know a bit more about PC parts in general and upgrading to an RTX 3060, the CPU overheats every time a game requires a proper CPU load in conjunction with GPU load in games such as TLOU 1 or 2 or even Fortnite on DX12 rendering. It is unable to sustain anything over a 75%+ CPU usage with temps skyrocketing to 95+ degrees. 

Context aside, I wanted to upgrade to an AIO for proper cooling, but even after doing research I am either unsure or still not informed about the compatibilities with my motherboards or CPU requirements. I even researched air coolers, and saw that the Thermalright Assassin X 120 might be enough, but I do not want to make the same mistake I did during my build and not have adequate cooling, again. Are there any recommendations for AIOs or even air coolers that can sustain an i7 12700k (no overclocking on my motherboard, but still sustain heavy loads) in heavy CPU games?

Here are the relevant parts (names from amazon):

• Intel S1700 Core i7 12700K 12 Core 3.60 GHz CPU
• Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler, TL-P9-S PWM ARGB Fan
• Asrock B760M PG Lightning LGA 1700 mATX Motherboard

(Case if necessary for size requirements, it is massive for my build and definitely not a good choice along with the motherboard in hindsight): Thermaltake S100 Snow Edition Tempered Glass Micro ATX Case

This build is definitely not optimal or well made, hence the cooling issue so ignore the other faults :)))

If you want it cheap, grab an AIO from Thermalright

 

For Air cooler : 

 

 

 

Compatibility wise : 

Basically what you need to make sure is your :

1. Socket type

 - Your CPU is 12700k, so it is LGA1700. You can see on a cooler spec page what socket it supports.

 - Example : 

 

2. Radiator size clearance (if AIO), or CPU Cooler clearance (if Air).

 - This info you can find on your PC case spec page. Example for your pc case 

https://www.thermaltake.com/s100-tempered-glass-snow-edition-micro-chassis.html#additional

 

From that info we know that your PC case can only support up to 280mm AIO, and 165mm tall Air Cooler.

Now let's grab for example the air cooler from the 3rd video I posted:

https://www.thermalright.com/product/phantom-spirit-120-evo/

 

From this section we know it supports many socket type, including yours (LGA1700)

 

From this section we know it's 157mm tall, and so should fit without problem in your case

 

And since the review video says he tested it with 14900K at 253 Watts power limit, and it managed to bring it's temp under 90.

It is surely enough for yours, which has 125w TDP, and Max turbo to 190w.

[kiwicorn]

4 minutes ago, Poinkachu said:

Liquid Freezer III Pro 360

 

Or if you want it cheap, grab a 360 AIO from Thermalright

 

Older model

 

360 radiators don't work with my case: https://thermaltake.com.au/products/s100-tempered-glass-snow-edition-micro-chassis-ca-1q9-00s6wn-00

"...interior can fit CPU coolers up to 165mm in height, radiators up to 280mm... supports five 120mm fans or four 140mm fans at the top and front"

[Poinkachu]

2 minutes ago, kiwicorn said:

360 radiators don't work with my case: https://thermaltake.com.au/products/s100-tempered-glass-snow-edition-micro-chassis-ca-1q9-00s6wn-00

"...interior can fit CPU coolers up to 165mm in height, radiators up to 280mm... supports five 120mm fans or four 140mm fans at the top and front"

The post was updated before your reply, refresh page

[kiwicorn]

4 minutes ago, Poinkachu said:

The post was updated before your reply, refresh page

thanks so much mate!

[Why_Me]

2 hours ago, kiwicorn said:

Budget (including currency): up to 150 AUD maximum

Country: Australia

Games, programs or workloads that it will be used for: Gaming, mild video editing/desktop use (family PC)

So I built my PC as a first build 2 years ago when I was new to PC building and PC parts in general, with less that optimal and some stupid decisions, such as using a Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE to cool an i7 12700k (no overclocking but at the time the k was cheaper). Before I was using a second hand GTX 1060, so the CPU loads seemed fine with the cooling it provided, but now as I come to know a bit more about PC parts in general and upgrading to an RTX 3060, the CPU overheats every time a game requires a proper CPU load in conjunction with GPU load in games such as TLOU 1 or 2 or even Fortnite on DX12 rendering. It is unable to sustain anything over a 75%+ CPU usage with temps skyrocketing to 95+ degrees. 

Context aside, I wanted to upgrade to an AIO for proper cooling, but even after doing research I am either unsure or still not informed about the compatibilities with my motherboards or CPU requirements. I even researched air coolers, and saw that the Thermalright Assassin X 120 might be enough, but I do not want to make the same mistake I did during my build and not have adequate cooling, again. Are there any recommendations for AIOs or even air coolers that can sustain an i7 12700k (no overclocking on my motherboard, but still sustain heavy loads) in heavy CPU games?

Here are the relevant parts (names from amazon):

• Intel S1700 Core i7 12700K 12 Core 3.60 GHz CPU
• Thermalright Assassin X 90 SE ARGB CPU Air Cooler, TL-P9-S PWM ARGB Fan
• Asrock B760M PG Lightning LGA 1700 mATX Motherboard

(Case if necessary for size requirements, it is massive for my build and definitely not a good choice along with the motherboard in hindsight): Thermaltake S100 Snow Edition Tempered Glass Micro ATX Case

This build is definitely not optimal or well made, hence the cooling issue so ignore the other faults :)))

Your case is claustrophobic as in no front mesh panel. The best cpu cooler on this planet isn't going to help much if there's no air flow. Another thing of note is that motherboard isn't cut out for that unlocked i7 with its 7+1 power phase design.

 

First upgrade:

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU Cooler: *ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SE 58 CFM CPU Cooler  ($49.00 @ PCCaseGear) 
Case: *Montech AIR 100 ARGB MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($59.00 @ PLE Computers) 
Total: $108.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-12-01 15:53 AEDT+1100 

 

Future upgrade:

PCPartPicker Part List

Motherboard: *MSI PRO B760M-A WIFI DDR4 Micro ATX LGA1700 Motherboard  ($179.00 @ Centre Com) 
Total: $179.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-12-01 15:56 AEDT+1100

 

[kiwicorn]

On 12/1/2025 at 3:57 PM, Why_Me said:

Your case is claustrophobic as in no front mesh panel. The best cpu cooler on this planet isn't going to help much if there's no air flow. Another thing of note is that motherboard isn't cut out for that unlocked i7 with its 7+1 power phase design.

 

First upgrade:

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU Cooler: *ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SE 58 CFM CPU Cooler  ($49.00 @ PCCaseGear) 
Case: *Montech AIR 100 ARGB MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($59.00 @ PLE Computers) 
Total: $108.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-12-01 15:53 AEDT+1100 

 

Future upgrade:

PCPartPicker Part List

Motherboard: *MSI PRO B760M-A WIFI DDR4 Micro ATX LGA1700 Motherboard  ($179.00 @ Centre Com) 
Total: $179.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-12-01 15:56 AEDT+1100

 

thank you, although i realise that the motherboard isn't capable of the overclock, the only reason i picked up a 12700k was because at the time the 'k' was cheaper than the normal and other options. thanks for your help with the case aswell.