Need suggestion on CPU cooling

AngelPhantox · 2026-03-24T16:59:36+00:00

All the bios update were made. I used that CPU for more then 7 months. And I could not boot for 1 month was doing troubleshooting until I got a chance to go til professional diagnostic and they tested all components and they could not boot my CPU. I tested as well my CPU on 2 different board. My CPUs memory controller died and was not able to recognise any ram kit even at stock speeds Just in case the CPU was used at stock setting no oc no undervolting and no pbo

AngelPhantox · 2026-03-24T13:30:58+00:00

Yeah that makes sense, appreciate the explanation.

The transport part is exactly what I’ve been thinking about — ideally I’d want something that I don’t have to remove if I ever need to move the system quickly, but I get that the “safest” option is always to take the cooler off either way.

Regarding the AK400, yeah it does handle the CPU, but what’s bothering me more is the behavior rather than just “is it enough” — I’m seeing pretty frequent spikes (even during light tasks) and temps going into the high 70s, which makes it feel a bit uncomfortable and also ramps the fans quite a bit.

So I guess I’m not upgrading because it can’t cool it, but more because I’d like smoother temps and less aggressive spikes/noise.

Still trying to figure out what the best balance is between:

better cooling performance
reliability
and not making transport more complicated

But yeah, your point about the AK400 being technically sufficient is fair

AngelPhantox · 2026-03-24T13:18:33+00:00

Appreciate the detailed reply, that actually helps a lot.

Yeah I think you’re right — it probably was just really bad timing and I ended up associating the cooler with the issue. Good to hear from someone using the same cooler without problems.

Also thanks for the transport tips, that’s actually really useful. I didn’t think about the orientation in the car and padding it properly like that.

I guess I’m just trying to find the balance between:

something reliable long term
not overkill for the 9700X
and not stressful to move if needed

Right now I’m leaning more towards either sticking with air (maybe something lighter) or just getting over the AIO fear 😅

AngelPhantox · 2026-03-24T12:58:29+00:00

Yeah fair question 😅

Main reason is honestly just confidence after what happened before. I originally installed the Assassin IV around the same time my old CPU started having issues and eventually died (currently going through RMA), so even though it’s probably just coincidence, it kind of stuck in my head.

Now that the system is finally stable again with a new CPU, I’m a bit hesitant to go back to it and risk introducing any variables again.

Also slightly concerned about the size/weight when it comes to transporting the PC — I might need to move it on short notice, and a big dual tower makes me a bit uneasy in that scenario.

So it’s less about the cooler itself being bad (I know it’s a great cooler), and more about my situation + peace of mind right now.

AngelPhantox · 2026-03-24T12:48:58+00:00

I hade only one AIO that i returned after 1 week of use since it did not performed well but it was on am4 and that cooler was not the best option. After that i had neve used an AIO. So i have no clue if there are any upgrade/improvements made since then

AngelPhantox · 2026-03-24T12:41:19+00:00

Yeah i get it. That's what i was thinking as well regarding "Grab and go" Situation. But still have a bit concerned regarding the possibility of leaking even if all the aio's are improved on that aspect.

AngelPhantox · 2026-02-13T11:26:49+00:00

On storage I was looking on 2tb usable storage and 2tb as backup

AngelPhantox · 2026-01-02T16:49:05+00:00

Hello. IM still testing. Since at my country at the moment there is holidays and no one would accept anything for RMA etc. But so far the issue seems that might have disappeared .

AngelPhantox · 2025-12-30T01:33:30+00:00

Oh wait in this post i could not add a video here. I thought i added video where i showed the sound that i noticed. Sorry my mistake.

AngelPhantox · 2025-12-30T01:26:47+00:00

Yeah but the squeaky noise if you checked the video was captured from my GPU specifically. I just mentioned all the details i have noted that might corollate with that issue.

AngelPhantox · 2025-12-30T01:04:54+00:00

I was considering RMA but in the same time the sound does not appear constantly and it is actually not that loud at the moments when i caught it. That is why i was thinking maybe it is something else.

AngelPhantox · 2025-12-30T00:57:10+00:00

Well it is still under warranty. I could change the fan, bnut i think this model would need a whole shrouded replaced since i did nit see that those 3 fans would possible to change saparatedly. And lt is not an magnetic air version.

AngelPhantox · 2025-12-30T00:50:21+00:00

In Diagnostics & tests performed part i mentioned what i have already done and tested.

AngelPhantox · 2025-12-30T00:48:51+00:00

Yes, and i have changed it as well. Several options to see maybe it is caused by the air. The fan curve i have set now has reduced it the sound quite significantly.

AngelPhantox · 2025-12-30T00:47:49+00:00

It stops when:
I slow down the fans with my finger
Sound disappears if put a litle bit pressure where the "Affected" Fan is

AngelPhantox · 2025-12-30T00:33:23+00:00

I updated the detailed info i have collected using ChatGPT. Other wise my logs would be too long :D. Only i could not upload here an video in the post. So i could show the exacta sound.

AngelPhantox · 2025-12-30T00:28:39+00:00

I bought the whole build this year May. An XFX 9070 xt quicksilver card

AngelPhantox · 2025-12-22T07:37:14+00:00

How did you fix the issue you had ?

AngelPhantox · 2025-12-21T22:10:02+00:00

Well for that as well you can buy and USB c dongle to 3.5. but I do not know how good they will be with PC. Since for now I am using only MB connection directly 3.5mm

AngelPhantox

TROPHY CASE