Adding AIO (soon?)

[Loki]

So, I want to switch out my stock AMD cooler for an AIO. I noticed a while ago that my temps were a bit higher than before, and I don't want them getting any hotter. This is also, obviously, for the aesthetic.

I had considered putting it at the top, but I don't think I'm gonna have the clearance. I could get the single fan version, but I hear they suck at cooling, and the pump head isn't RGB(GASP!) which would make it pointless to switch out really. So that leaves me with putting either a 280 or a 360 in the front. I prefer the 360, so I just need to decide which one. I know this "little" operation will require me to clean the existing thermal paste off the CPU, and I'm prepared for that. Question is, if I go with the preapplied paste that will be on the pump head for the AIO, or try to put on my own. TBH though, I'll probably go with the preapplied stuff. I know it sucks, but this is gonna be nerve wracking enough for me as is.


Hokay, so!

I have this case:
https://www.corsair.com/us/en/Catego.../CC-9011188-WW

And I am considering one of these:
https://www.corsair.com/us/en/Catego.../CW-9060048-WW

https://www.corsair.com/us/en/Catego.../CW-9060031-WW

https://www.corsair.com/us/en/Catego.../CW-9060045-WW

Obviuously, I want a Corsair AIO so it syncs up with the rest of my lighting. But which one?

EDIT: Yes, I know it's dusty, cleaning soonest!

[AOD_Water.exe]

You wont regret switching to an AIO cooler for your cpu. When i built my current rig in 2015 i bought it with an AIO and i have never seen it crest over 40c under load and im pretty sure i can drop those temps again if i redid the thermal inferface material with a fresh setup. i would say with your case and the way you got the fans looking i would get the icue one(first link) and remove the top fans and mount the rad up there.

[Loki]

Definitely gonna be an iCUE cooler. But I don't think a 240 or 280 will fit in the top with my ram and such, it's already pretty snug. Besides' it'll be easiest to put it in the front cuz there's a nice slot there and I don't have to do much, versus what I might have to do to mount it in the top. Or am I misunderstanding you, and you're saying to just have the radiator up top with no fans? Can I really get away with that? I mean, yeah the heat will naturally rise away, but...

[Loki]

Can't get away with just the rad apparently, and rad+fans won't fit. Have to go with a 360 at the front.

[Loki]

Or perhaps a 280 at the front? I'm hearing that the tubes need to go at the bottom? But there's not enough room in the case to do that unless I take a dremel to it, which I don't reeeaaally wanna do.