edit 2: He has bought the air cooler!
He will be running the 9800X3D, which I don’t think gets hot enough to require an AIO. We are choosing between Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 (AIO) and the Peerless Assassin 120 (air cooler)
Benefits of choosing an AIO (Arctic Liquid Freezer III) is better temperatures, nicer aesthetic. Downside of going with AIO is the possibility that it will leak/wear out over time, shorter lifespan compared to air cooler (which can pretty much last forever)
He will be getting a Lian Li case (the O11 Vision Compact) with the RGB fans set, meaning he could go with the cheaper 5 fan set instead of 8 if he decides on AIO. Combined with a decent sale on the AIO in my region, the price difference isn’t that large.
What do you guys think?
edit: Mmm the internet people seem to disagree with each other
I have a Coolermaster AIO, it’s nice, if you can pair it with a low noise power supply (my RMX shift series I am very happy with so far over two years) and your case fans don’t whine, then you will have a pleasantly quiet experience on your desktop with most tasks up to light gaming. An air cooler with as big a radiator you can fit may work just as well.
Performance wise I think they aren’t too different, there are premium and budget types for both liquid and air coolers.