Looking for the best 120mm AIO (8700k / 9700k)

[IAmBecomeLinus]

Hi, all. I'm looking for the best 120mm AIO I can get. Before you say it: Yes, I know a decent air cooler would outperform a 120mm aio in most situations, my situation is not typical. I have a Phanteks Evolv Shift that was given to me as a present from a loved one (they knew I was about to start buying parts for a new rig), I absolutely love this case and want to build in it. If you're not familiar with this case, it has a reputation for terrible thermals, it only supports up to 82mm of clearance for a cpu cooler (so most good air coolers are out), and even if I did find one, this case has very, VERY restrictive airflow. Now I know I can fit 2x 120mm aio's in it with a  slightly janky but functional configuration, so I've purchased a the EVGA hybrid 1080 and now I need a good CPU cooler. I haven't bought a Mobo or CPU yet, but I'm leaning towards getting an 8700k or 9700k. I have no intention of overclocking my CPU (especially in this case), so that's not a factor. There's a chance I'd go with something like a 2700x instead, but for now I'm sticking with Intel.

 

If you're still curious about the case, here's some links:

Phanteks Evolv Shift Product Page

Phanteks Evolv Shift Spec-Sheet

 

Thank you all in advance!

[Shimejii]

Honestly i wouldnt get a 8700k, and dont waste your money on a 9700k, its a worthless cpu, z390 is only for 9900k and even then that cpu is not a good value atm. You are going to be WAY to thermally constricted, and a 120mm is not NEARLY enough for a 8700k if you plan to overclock it at all or even do a full load. 

[Jurrunio]

if you arent overclocking, just get the 8700.

 

As for cooler, If you want good looks then maybe NZXT X42? M22 really sucks, I don't recommend it to anyone.

[SolarNova]

If your going to go this route i highley sugest you get the thickest 120mm RAD u can and even , if u can, run them in push/pull.

 

E.G Alphacool NexXxos Monsta 120.

 

nevermind just looked up the size restricitons. Your pritty much limited to slim rads, they wont perform well though.

 

[For Science!]

15 hours ago, IAmBecomeLinus said:

 

Any AIO from this page is basically the same product with different implementations of RGB and different fans. https://www.asetek.com/desktop/do-it-yourself/

I assume you will be dedicated enough to change the fans yoursellf anyway so if you get anything from the above it will be give or take the same. The only exception is the Asus Ryuo that already comes with a Noctua fan, so you don't really need to change it.

 

I think non-Asetek AIOs such as the Kraken M22, Deepcool, BeQuiet are not usually my go-to's for AIOs.

[IAmBecomeLinus]

18 hours ago, Shimejii said:

Honestly i wouldnt get a 8700k, and dont waste your money on a 9700k, its a worthless cpu, z390 is only for 9900k and even then that cpu is not a good value atm. You are going to be WAY to thermally constricted, and a 120mm is not NEARLY enough for a 8700k if you plan to overclock it at all or even do a full load. 

I generally agree with you on this point, but the 8700k is only $20 more than the 8700, even though I plan on leaving things stock, getting an 8700k would leave me more paths for upgrades later. In the event that I get a new case, I'd definitely get a new cooler and OC it.

 

4 hours ago, SolarNova said:

If your going to go this route i highley sugest you get the thickest 120mm RAD u can and even , if u can, run them in push/pull.

 

E.G Alphacool NexXxos Monsta 120.

 

nevermind just looked up the size restricitons. Your pritty much limited to slim rads, they wont perform well though.

 

Yeah, I'd rather not try making my own runs in this thing anyway, because I'd definitely be shooting for hardline If I went that route, that being said, that is a super beefy rad, now I'm thinking of ways I can jerryrig it in somehow.

 

[Shimejii]

1 hour ago, IAmBecomeLinus said:

I generally agree with you on this point, but the 8700k is only $20 more than the 8700, even though I plan on leaving things stock, getting an 8700k would leave me more paths for upgrades later. In the event that I get a new case, I'd definitely get a new cooler and OC it.

 

Yeah, I'd rather not try making my own runs in this thing anyway, because I'd definitely be shooting for hardline If I went that route, that being said, that is a super beefy rad, now I'm thinking of ways I can jerryrig it in somehow.

 

The case looks nice, but is a piece of shit for anything high end. You will just bit on the edge thermal limit wise. 

[SolarNova]

5 hours ago, IAmBecomeLinus said:

I generally agree with you on this point, but the 8700k is only $20 more than the 8700, even though I plan on leaving things stock, getting an 8700k would leave me more paths for upgrades later. In the event that I get a new case, I'd definitely get a new cooler and OC it.

 

Yeah, I'd rather not try making my own runs in this thing anyway, because I'd definitely be shooting for hardline If I went that route, that being said, that is a super beefy rad, now I'm thinking of ways I can jerryrig it in somehow.

 

Maybe u should consider external cooling solutions.

A 360 or 480 rad on your desk soft tubing and quik disconects to the case. maybe even hide the rad away somewhere.

Alternativly , do what i have done with one of my extra 240mm RADs (aimed for 2, ended up with 3) bolt it to the outside of the case.