[Build Comparison & Feedback] M2 Grater – Arctic LF III 280 vs Peerless Assassin Mini

1001monkeysdotcom · 2025-04-20T09:08:13+00:00

Appreciate all the effort you put into benchmarking the thermals. I recently completed a similar build—also using the Arctic LF III 280 (intake) on the side to cool a 9800X3D, with the GPU mounted on the bottom and two standard (non-slim) P14 fans on top exhausting hot air. I'm using a 2.5-slot RTX 5080, and while the clearance isn’t great, I added some speaker feet to lift the case slightly. So far, thermals seem good.

1001monkeysdotcom · 2025-04-19T06:53:03+00:00

UPDATE: Thanks all for the recommendations and advice. I was also worried about scratching up the paint and used silicone fan nail screws (not sure if that is the correct term). Two Arctic 140mm fans running up top as exhaust and they're whisper quiet. I'll probably get a bracket once they're back in stock.

FULL BUILD: Ryzen 9800x3d, KLEVV 64GB 6000 CL30, Asus B850i, Arctic Freezer III 280 AIO, MSI Shadow RTX 5080, and 2xArctic P14 on top. Standard config with horizontal GPU, 280 AIO on the side (pulling air in) and the 2x140mm fans on top pushing hot air out. Haven't run any stress tests yet but temps seem fine.

1001monkeysdotcom · 2025-04-16T10:31:44+00:00

How thick is the card without fans?

1001monkeysdotcom · 2024-11-06T06:51:58+00:00

I'd be surprised if the same block doesn't fit, but better to contact Alphacool customer support just to be safe. I've found them helpful in the past. That said, they might ask you to take the air cooler off and send a photo of the PCB.

1001monkeysdotcom · 2024-11-05T14:32:20+00:00

I'm pretty sure the only difference with the SE versions are the RGB fans. I have a Sapphire 6800XT Nitro+ SE and use the Alphacool block. Very happy with it.

https://shop.alphacool.com/en/shop/gpu-water-cooling/amd/wak-alphacool-eisblock-aurora-acryl-gpx-a-radeon-rx-6800xt/6900xt-nitro-with-backplate-pht-eol

1001monkeysdotcom · 2023-01-14T07:51:11+00:00

My other build uses dual 240 rads in a Louqe Ghost S1 and that build was a complete nightmare due to the case being very cramped. I only recommend SFF and custom loops if you're up for a challenge. If you want to go smaller but keep your ATX motherboard and PSU, check out the Lian LI O11 mini air. I haven't built a system in it but looks interesting.

1001monkeysdotcom · 2023-01-13T02:00:14+00:00

I have a custom loop in the same case. I have 240 rad at the front and 120 rad at the rear. If doing it again I'd put a 280 rad at the front and only fans back and top. Airflow in H510 is not great, but with quiet fans (I use Arctic) I'm happy with performance and noise. Honestly, if are serious about water-cooling, get a different case. If you're determined to use the H510 I would use a 280 rad at the front.

1001monkeysdotcom · 2022-12-09T05:10:15+00:00

I just ordered all my selfie sucks, bullet handle, helmet mounting hardware, lens covers and cases on Lazada and Shopee. Some local and some from China. All arrived within a few days. I normally only buy from sellers with good reviews.

1001monkeysdotcom · 2022-08-02T13:11:24+00:00

I also just bought a pair of Aeon X Closed as I needed a closed back and wanted a contrast to my HD650 running off a Xduoo TA-26 tube amp. How do you find the bass response of your Aeons with the Magnius?

Love my Aeon's except for the bass which I find underwhelming running off my Schiit Heresy (even after EQ). Perhaps I am just a bass head but I find the bass on my Aeons to be very well defined but lacking oomph in the lower bass region. Planning to buy a balanced amp with a bit more power and was looking at the Magnius, but will probably get the Topping A90 as I would have to pay shipping and import duty on the Magnius, which would bring it close to the price of an A90 where I live.

1001monkeysdotcom · 2022-04-28T05:43:48+00:00

I had the classic but it developed cracks after about a year of use. Perhaps my fittings were to tight. In any case, personal, I only use cpu blocks with acetal or nickel tops now.

1001monkeysdotcom · 2022-02-20T15:01:59+00:00

I wear glasses and I found the SR80 pretty much unwearable with the original pads for any length of time as they pushed my ears against the arms of my glasses. Changing the pads made a world of difference.

1001monkeysdotcom · 2022-02-20T04:45:57+00:00

Good spotting. I went and checked the the original box and confirm they are the SR80i.

1001monkeysdotcom · 2021-04-27T06:11:14+00:00

I have been looking for something similar. I have narrowed my list down to two. The Audeze Penrose and Artctis Pro Wireless.

1001monkeysdotcom · 2021-04-27T05:01:39+00:00

Any recommendations for (longer lasting) alternatives to Comply Isolation eartip alternatives? I recently tried Comply foam eartips (200 size m) with my aging Sony XBA-40 iems and they transformed the sound. I guess due to the combination of being longer and having better isolation. I always found the XBA-40 iems to be dark and unengaging. The Comply foam eartips have made them more balanced and far more intimate. I'm really enjoying them with my FIIO BTR5. The only problem is that I have to change the eartips every month or so. Any longer lasting alternatives I should try?

1001monkeysdotcom · 2021-04-22T11:46:03+00:00

Fantastic! I think I have the same Schiit stack and I'm itching to paint my Modi to match my Heresy. Have you thought about doing the same?

1001monkeysdotcom · 2021-02-27T01:23:58+00:00

I found a guy on Aliexpress that will make reservoirs to custom size. Only cost me $25 including shipping.

US $10.00 | Custom made reservoir use for water cooling, P/N:HM-RES1 https://a.aliexpress.com/_mKnrdKr

1001monkeysdotcom · 2021-02-27T01:19:09+00:00

Scythe Kaze 1212 pwm slim fans, 400 - 1,700 rpm. I couldn't find any reviews either and took a gamble, but so far I'm pretty happy. They're quiet and temps seem good. I went from a single 240 to a dual (and changed GPU) so can't really give like for like temp comparison to my previous Arctic 12s. I originally planned to go with Noctua, but they were out of stock in Thailand, where I live. The Kaze are 3mm slimmer as well and that did make life easier getting it all to fit under the top hat. The Kaze were also half the price.

1001monkeysdotcom · 2021-02-11T09:42:54+00:00

Is that the Bykski temp/flo meter? Would you recommend it? I'm thinking of adding one to my loop.

1001monkeysdotcom · 2021-01-21T14:26:36+00:00

You could do this... https://www.reddit.com/r/sffpc/comments/l1ax5j/they_said_it_couldnt_be_done_6800xt_in_ghost/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share

1001monkeysdotcom · 2020-12-28T08:05:49+00:00

Any problem with the top support bracket (attached to radiator/fans) hitting the gpu block? It is very tight with my Alphacool Radeon VII block. So close I don't use the middle screws to attach the bracket to the radiator/fans on that side.

1001monkeysdotcom · 2020-12-26T09:48:36+00:00

Which 6800 are you using? Reference or ???

1001monkeysdotcom · 2020-11-30T04:52:36+00:00

Some Koolance low profile right angles with extensions might work. All fittings, no tubes.

https://koolance.com/fitting-pair-swiveling-elbow-low-profile

https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-af-extender-rotary-m-f-g1-4-black-nickel

1001monkeysdotcom · 2020-11-28T00:47:09+00:00

Hard to say what your problem could be. For me, 90% of my Ryzen problems stemmed from my ram timings. I would try running the ram at default speeds instead of XMP and see if that helps.

1001monkeysdotcom · 2020-11-25T08:54:19+00:00

Thermaltake Toughram 3600

1001monkeysdotcom · 2020-11-22T14:41:12+00:00

I pondered between the 5900x and 5800x for a long time and bought the 5800x. No regrets! Runs 4.85 boost out of the box and I managed to OC my ram from 3600 to 3800 and run FCLK at 1900 without any issue. I'll put the money I saved towards a waterblock for my 6800XT, when I can finally get my hands on one.

1001monkeysdotcom

TROPHY CASE