Are 120mm AIO worth it?

What We Have Covered in This Article

Last Updated on October 14, 2022 by Editor Futurescope

You’ve probably heard people criticizing the 120mm AIO, arguing that it has low performance compared to other coolers. Is that true, or is it worth the investment? 

Well, it all depends on the PC type. If you are using a regular computer, the 120mm AIO is sufficient and will perform quite well. The only downside you might face is using the 120mm AIO on modern PCs that undergo overclocking or gaming computers. 

If you’re a computer enthusiast, you might be wondering whether the 120mm AIO is worth it or not. Worry less. Stick around as we highlight what 120mm AIO is and if it’s a good investment. We shall also reveal five of the best 120mm AIO you can consider buying.

What is the 120mm AIO?

AIO stands for All-In-One PC. AIO PCs are computers that combine all components of a traditional computer in one unit. However, it excludes the keyboard and mouse.

A 120mm AIO is a cooler supporting a 5V RGB-compatible motherboard. It’s a flexible AIO providing easy and safe installation. The 120mm AIO is quiet and dependable, and radiators and CPUs take up little space.

They are ideal for Small Form Factor(SFF) and home theater PCs. According to the computer’s thumb rule, you can use at least one 120mm radiator per each component viable for cooling and an additional section.

Comparison Between 120mm AIO and larger models

The cooler is cheaper than other models and simpler to set up, especially in cases with less cool height limits. However, despite the pros, there’s a con that majorly concentrates on the radiator. The advantage of large radiators is that they allow significant heat dissipation.

Due to the large heatsink surface, large radiators have many fans to allow adequate cooling at low noise levels. The fans don’t spin as fast for cooling. Additionally, large radiators have more coolant in the loop and large cavities for easy flow through them.

The higher heat capacity of coolants implies that they can absorb heat before warming because of more coolant in the loop. The coolant thereby makes the fans wait before starting to spin. Larger AIO coolers will remain silent longer.

Even if the 120mm AIO copes with a Core i9-12900K under maximum load, the fan must spin at full speed to dissipate heat. A larger liquid cooler doesn’t require doing this even if its pump, volume flux, and contact plate are similar.

 If you’re using a low-power CPU, such as the Core i5-12600K, a 120mm AIO liquid can perform well.

Is a 120mm AIO worth it with current processors?

The target market against compact liquid coolers is that most move toward eager users of gaming PCs. Users look for top-notch performance, discarding AIO models with small radiators such as 120mm. They choose to go with larger models that initially offer top-quality service.

Larger radiators are undoubtedly better than 120 mm AIOs as they are attached to the ceiling or front of the box. These radiators compare to the 120 mm radiators put at the back. The positioning of the large radiators in support of RGB fans creates a beautiful gaming style.

As explained above, liquid coolers with a 120mm radiator are at a disadvantage compared to large radiators. However, 120mm AIO isn’t that bad. They can keep processers of low-power PCs at low temperatures for a long time.

The 120mm liquid AIO can hardly keep a top processor with a very high TDP at a good temperature, but other processers can manage.

When the manufacturers keep selling these radiators, it seems they have a place in the market and are worth it.

Even if you have a large box that supports large radiators and your budget doesn’t fit, you need to choose.

You choose this type of radiator for your motherboard if it lacks the space to install large radiators. Your money also plays a crucial factor in the selection process.  A large radiators cost about $100 when for $60, you can purchase several worthy 120mm models.

Best 120mm AIO liquid cooler for CPU

If you’re looking for an affordable liquid cooling solution, then you’re in luck. We’ve chosen the five best 120mm AIO coolers.

Unlike large coolers, the 120mm AIO doesn’t provide as high cooling as high-performing CPU coolers. However, they offer better cooling performance than stock coolers and bring better aesthetics. They work well in small form factor builds.

Here are the top five picks of the best 120mm AIO CPU coolers:

NZXT Kraken M22

The NZXT Kraken M22 is among the top 120mm AIO cooler. Its Aer P fan can reach a higher max speed than other types. It operates quietly and has a six-year warranty.

NZTX can function with either AMD or Intel processors. It has RGB lighting on the pump head and works superbly in a mini-ITX gaming PC build. 

Corsair H60

The Corsair H60 fan can’t reach speeds attained by the Kraken and has a shorter warranty of five years compared to Kraken for six. Despite an extended warranty, many builders would seek to upgrade their coolers during that time.

The black and white color of the Corsair doesn’t merge well with the surroundings. Therefore depending on your liking, you may do as you please.

Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML120L

This cooler is ideal if you’re looking for a small cooler and RGB lighting. The Master Liquid is the top option if you’re checking your budget.

A little above $60, it’s the second-cheapest cooler on this list, and you’ll still attain an RGB- lit fan, pump head, and a fan. The fan hits speeds of nearly 1800 RPM and is pretty quiet, with noise levels ranging from 8-27 dBA.

DEEPCOOL CAPTAIN 120EX

The Deepcool Captain 120EX is among the only 120mm AIO that offers a primarily white design with some shades of black. Therefore, this cooler may fit nicely inside a white PC case.

It offers cooling performance similar to the others on the list, as its fan can reach speeds of 1800 RPM. The noise level range is from 18-31 dBA. However, this cooler doesn’t have RGB lighting.

EVGA CLC 120

This cooler is for you if you want a small AIO for a lower price. It has a lower price and significantly fits your budget. It can join into a budget PC build. 

You shouldn’t expect top cooling at this low price, and you’d rather buy an air cooler. The EVGA is only compatible with Intel processors.

Final thoughts

The truth is that the 120mm AIO is worth it, but not as much due to the existence of new models. However, they are cost-friendly and still perform effectively.

Therefore, be keen as you choose your ideal 120mm AIO and consider your pocket. The different 120 mm AIO performs well depending on your PC type and what you use it for.

Editor Futurescope
Editor Futurescope

Founding writer of Futurescope. Nascent futures, foresight, future emerging technology, high-tech and amazing visions of the future change our world. The Future is closer than you think!

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