Which AIO closed loop cooler?

[tlmills82]

I've been doing a little research and found that the H100i isn't good from multiple people's accounts.  So I've found that there are a couple of options that are pretty decent.

 

Corsair H105:  http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-cpu-cooler-cw9060016ww

 

or

 

NZXT Kraken X61:  http://pcpartpicker.com/part/nzxt-cpu-cooler-rlkrx6101

 

I'm trying to figure out which of these would be best to use in my build using a 4690k in an H440 case.

 

I'm open to other suggestions, but would like to stay with a closed loop cooler, as I like the clean look that it provides over an air cooler.  

 

Also I'd like to stay right around $130 US for the price.

[Rheinwasser]

i'd get the kraken.

[EarthboundHero]

Kraken X61 for sure.

[JeffreyEagan]

H105. this thing is a beast.

[Chronos5618]

I'm going to even it out and go H105. I have it in the H440, and it looks and runs great. Have absolutely no complaints, and I've found the CAM software for NZXT leaves something to be desired, while I have never had a bad Corsair product.  

[airdeano]

issue on the 280 AIO is that if you decide to change the fans for a quieter and

less expensive fan, your choices are very limited. many here have wished they'd

stayed on 120mm fans, just an observation.

[drewjn]

There are a few decent 140s, maybe not as many options but there are decent ones. Might be more expensive though.

 

My opinion on rads is that if you can fit bigger, then might as well. Not necessarily going to a 480 or something that sinister, but 280 isn't bad. Nepton 280l IF you can get the bloody thing in stock. Kraken I haven't heard anything bad about and h105s are solid. So you can't really go wrong. Only thing is that most people I hear will say replace the fans for the corsair models.

 

Nepton and Swiftech have decent stock fans, and no one mentioned replacing kraken fans in any posts. Corsair, it is more of a given to do so... That might swing your decision so you don't have to shell out a bit more.

[tlmills82]

@drewjn

 

So the Kraken fans are decent?  

 

I think I'm leaning that way, as I've done a little more youtube watching today and people seem to love it.

[drewjn]

I do not own a kraken aio; however, most people seem to agree than the stock fans on them, the swiftech, nepton, etc are acceptable. Unless you are prefering a specific fan type, pressure or level of quietness beyond the norm.

 

The corsair H series of water coolers I've heard from at least 4 different people that suggest replacing their fans for something somewhat better. The h100i I've heard of issues of lackluster cooling or other issues. The 105 and 110 people have had glowing compliments. Aio coolers are normally comparable within that 100-120 usd bracket (at least the normally suggested ones). Granted I think you've heard it enough as is. Hope you find one you are happy with.

 

Granted a fair number of people also find that very good heatsinks for the same price, or air coolers like the noctua nh-d14 (or was it 15?) that perform just as good as most of the aio's out there. So for the most part, anything the community suggests, you can't really go too wrong. The main differences between them all, untill you get to different pricepoints are within 2-4 degrees.

[ADM-Ntek]

they are both ok but to be honest just pay some more and get a swiftech they are just the best. great fans and Cooper radiator everyone else uses Aluminium.  you even have the option for future expansion.

only down side waranty time is just 3 years with switech. corsair has 5 years and NZXT even 6 years. if something were to happen in ths time i know corsair replaces everything not sure about that withe the others.

 

also one thing to know the NZXT Cam software and corsair link dont like eachother so dont combine hardware of those brands if it uses the software.