At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
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Nintendo President Shuntao Furukawa states that ongoing memory pricing has not had any immediate impact on the Switch 2.
He notes that the situation is very volatile and could harm profits if it remains as such.
The President did not comment on potential price hikes, but analysts believe console prices will soon go up from all three giants.
Toward the end of 2025, Nintendo noted that it did not plan on raising Switch 2 prices despite the ongoing memory crisis around the globe. Soon after, reports suggested that the company was paying up to 41% more for its memory than before.
When asked to comment on the profitability of the Switch 2 amid ongoing price hikes and market conditions, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa stated that things could change for the worse in the long run.
Why it matters: The Switch 2 already costs close to $500, so price hikes would harm its perception among the consumers.
The Switch 2 Will Celebrate Its First Anniversary Soon
Speaking to Kyoto Shimbun, the Nintendo President explained that profitability depends on various factors. He described that the current demand for memory, mainly due to AI investments, has not had an immediate impact on the company’s earnings.
However, he noted that the limited supply and rising costs could harm profitability if they remain volatile. Shuntaro Furukawa was also asked to comment on a potential price hike, but he avoided commenting on the matter.
For now, the company is doing all it can to monitor the situation. As was the case with the US tariffs, Nintendo is attempting to find the right balance between costs and prices so as to maintain profitability and please customers.
The current memory market is very volatile. There is no immediate impact on earnings, but it is something we must monitor closely.
-Shuntaro Furukawa
The Switch 2 Could Become More Expensive In The Future
Although the Nintendo President did not address a potential price hike, analysts have pointed to rising console prices in the future.
The likes of PlayStation and Xbox have also increased prices recently, and the ongoing DRAM crisis means that Nintendo might be considering a similar scenario. Of course, this also means that any future console variants, like an OLED or Lite model, might not arrive as quickly as many were hoping for.
What do you think about Nintendo’s concerns about the ongoing DRAM supply and pricing issues? Let’s discuss in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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Ubisoft has allegedly branded AC Mirage and Shadows as AAAA projects after Skull and Bones, as per a developer’s LinkedIn.
She has contributed to many Assassin’s Creed titles in the past, making her ‘AAAA’ claims more meaningful among fans.
Both Ubisoft and Xbox have started to use the AAAA branding recently.
Ubisoft was arguably the first studio in the industry to formally dub its game Skull and Bones AAAA, which turned out to be nothing but a vague label in the end. The project failed to meet expectations and did not scale beyond most AAA games to match the branding.
Now, Ubisoft is internally calling Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Shadows AAAA projects, as indicated by the LinkedIn profile of a game producer at Ubisoft, Krasimira Yakovlieva.
Why it matters: The AAAA paradigm remains vague in the gaming industry, making its use more humorous than serious among most communities. There’s still no distinction between what makes AAAA titles any different than AAA projects.
The game producer refers to AC Shadows and Mirage as AAAA projects.
The profile mentions that Mirage is the first AAAA game released natively on iPhone and iPad, while Shadows is being hailed as the first next-gen AAAA title to launch natively on macOS.
Although the AAAA claim could make sense for Shadows, the distinction for Mirage has left many gamers feeling amused and confused. Krasimira oversaw the mobile adaptation of Mirage for iPhone 15 Pro and iPads with M1 and newer chips.
She has also been involved with many other flagship AC games. So, her labeling of AC Mirage and Shadows is being taken seriously by fans.
Krasimira is a game producer at Ubisoft Sofia and is heavily involved with the Assassin’s Creed franchise.
The AAAA brand has started being used more often in recent times, with Xbox’s recently closed studio, The Initiative, being claimed to harbor an ‘AAAA Team.’ Ubisoft India is also said to be working on an unannounced AAAA game.
Do you think Ubisoft embracing Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Shadows as AAAA projects makes sense, or is that label being thrown around too lightly? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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A Russian modder built his own 32 GB of DDR5 RAM using salvaged laptop SO-DIMM chips.
The modder saved somewhere between $600 and $800 compared to the retail kits.
The process involved advanced chip-level soldering and flashing skills, not viable for many of us.
Memory kits will continue to get rarer and more expensive for the next few years. Micron’s Crucial brand has already pulled out of the consumer market, and high-end RAM kits are also more costly than many consoles right now.
This crisis is inspiring modders to create their own DIY RAM projects for a much cheaper cost than market offerings.
A new report reveals that Russian modder VIK-on saved somewhere between $600 and $800 by creating his own 32 GB DDR5 UDIMM RAM using two salvaged laptop 16 GB SO-DIMM sticks.
Why it matters: The DIY project was much cheaper than market deals but also carried extreme risks and required advanced skills to pull off.
VIK-on DIY 32 GB DDR5 RAM Project
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The image shows DDR5 memory modules.
Two 16 GB salvaged SO-DIMM chips were used from a laptop.
The DRAM chips were soldered onto PCBs.
The report by VideoCardz covers VIK’s latest update about his DIY RAM project. The DDR5 SO-DIMMs cost 16,000 rubles together, which is about $205. A custom DDR5 PCB was priced at 600 rubles (~$8), and the modder found a basic heatsink from AliExpress for 415 rubles (~$5).
The overall build cost was approximately $218 for a single 32 GB DDR5 stick, which costs at least 1/3 of the market DDR5 RAM price in Russia, as per the report.
The modder flashed ADATA firmware onto the module, which enabled an XMP profile at DDR5-6400 CL32. It matches premium specs without the absurd premium pricing.
The DDR5 memory pricing has also been ridiculous in the West and will get even worse this year, making VIK’s milestone impressive worldwide. He reported stable performance in games, although no benchmarks were shared.
DIY 32 GB DDR5 RAM Project
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Building custom DDR5 RAM kits would require you to secure SO-DIMMs, specialized equipment, and advanced skills. Although the SO-DIMM chips are more readily available than desktop UDIMM kits, due to the latter’s high demand.
The modder also explored using 8 GB SO-DIMMs but ran into complications due to differences in chip packaging, which reportedly affect PCB compatibility. So it’s best to stick with 16 GB ones.
Do you think building custom RAM sticks is cheaper than buying ready-made kits, or is it too complex a task to be worth it for the majority? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
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The Xbox Series S|X reportedly sold 12+ million units during the first 18 months of their lifecycle.
Console sales have taken a nosedive since then, so this figure accounts for roughly half of the lifetime numbers.
In comparison, the PS5 sold 25 million units in a similar time.
The Xbox Series S|X have been Microsoft’s worst performing consoles so far. Perception among gamers and critics aside, the two consoles have shown less than spectacular sales figures since their debut.
However, this was not always the case. The two consoles initially performed quite well, only to lose momentum during the middle portion of their lifespan. A new discovery even highlights the fact that the Xbox Series S|X sold around 12+ million units within the first two years.
Why it matters: At the beginning of the generation, the Xbox Series S|X showed potential as PlayStation competitors. Many believed this generation would mark a return to form for the Xbox console brand.
Microsoft Exec Says The Consoles Had Sold 12 Million + Units By The End of 2022 | Image via LinkedIn
Mark Stanley, the former Vice President of Global Expansion, Hardware, & Studios Integration, writes that the Xbox Series S|X sold more than 12 million units during the first 18 months across 40+ countries.
The data suggests that the Xbox Series S|X had a running start in 2020 and couldn’t sustain this momentum. The initial sales are also impressive since they were likely held back by scalping and shortages to some extent.
This is interesting since the latest estimates put the two consoles at under 30 million sales in total. In 2024, Take-Two estimated that the two consoles had totalled 27 million units sold.
Later, it was said that Microsoft sold just 1 million consoles throughout 2025. The dwindling sales highlight a greater trend within the Xbox hardware department, which has suffered major losses recently.
The Xbox Series X Was Marketed As The World’s Most Powerful Console
Despite the encouraging figures, Microsoft was still lagging behind the PS5 at the time. For a rough comparison, Sony announced that its console had sold 25 million units by September 2022.
Since then, the gap between the PS5 and Xbox Series S|X has only grown wider, owing to Microsoft’s new strategy of focusing on gaming across all platforms.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
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New leak reveals that Panther Lake APUs will perform similarly to the PS6 handheld.
While Panther Lake runs at 30W, Sony’s handheld could offer the same performance at a lower 15W TDP.
The scaling down in PS5 at lower TDPs could provide the groundwork for the handheld.
Handheld consoles have seen a huge glow-up over the past few years, especially since the introduction of the Steam Deck. Xbox recently released one in partnership with Asus, and Sony is also reportedly working on a PS6 handheld as well.
Panther Lake will be a huge step in the right direction for Intel, and they might finally compete against AMD in the handheld space. More importantly, the 30W Panther Lake handhelds could perform similarly to the PS6 handheld at 15W.
Why it matters: The PS6 handheld is currently a huge mystery, with only a few leaks suggesting it will feature the AMD Cannis APU, and this new rumor could be our first real idea of how it could perform in real life.
PS6 handheld’s performance will be comparable to Panther Lake APUs, but at a lesser TDP.
PS6 Handheld would be featuring AMD Canis APU, combining four Zen 6c cores and two low-power Zen 6 LP cores with an RDNA 5 GPU that will have between 12 and 20 CUs, although some say it will be limited to 16 CUs.
This is all accompanied by 24 to 36 GB of DDR5X memory, initially reported to be 128-bit, but rumors from October suggest 192-bit. With all this, the resulting console would perform approximately 50% like a PS5 in rasterization and slightly better in ray tracing.
Sony’s handheld is rumored to be using AMD Canis APU
Sony will, of course, have an advantage here as Panther Lake will work at 30W, but the PS6 handheld will perform similarly at half the wattage. In addition, it will use proprietary software, making it better optimized.
All in all, the upcoming handhelds could be revolutionary for portable gaming. The new scaling down could allow huge improvement in handheld AAA gaming, making the PS6 handheld a very exciting prospect.
What are your thoughts on Intel Panther Lake APUs performing better, similar to the PS6 handheld? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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A senior Micron executive explains that the company has not ditched gamers by exiting its Crucial business.
The company supplies a major portion of the memory modules to consumers via brands.
It is also focusing on the AI and data center markets to keep up with the competition.
Gamers expect Micron’s decision to exit the Crucial consumer business to worsen the struggling gaming industry amid the memory shortage. The company has also been criticized for abandoning consumers in favor of the AI industry.
Christopher Moore, Micron VP of Marketing, Mobile, and Client Business Unit, explains that the situation is not as black and white as it appears. The company has no plans to ditch gamers by quitting its Crucial business.
In other words, Micron plans to continue supplying memory modules like LPDDR5 through brands like ASUS and Dell.
Why it matters: Despite concerns after Crucial’s business exit, Micron plans to continue serving gamers through indirect channels.
Micron dropping Crucial created a lot of uncertainty.
In an interview with Wccftech, Christopher explains that its memory modules will continue to reach gamers after being repackaged by consumer-focused brands, so through an indirect channel.
The company will still control a large portion of the consumer market when its Crucial lineup dries up after February through the OEM model. In fact, most of Micron’s market share is based around the OEM channel.
Our viewpoint is that we are trying to help consumers around the world. We’re just doing it through different channels.
-Christopher Moore, Micron’s VP of Marketing, Mobile, and Client Business Unit.
Micron is also in contact with all the major PC brands to supply memory modules in the future, even as the company focuses on AI and data center sectors due to rising competition.
Micron memory modules will continue to power our gaming rigs in the future.
On a side note, Micron and SK Hynix are also expanding their DRAM manufacturing lines to keep up with the growing demand of all industries. Even then, the crisis is expected to last for the next few years.
Do you think Micron exiting Crucial will have devastating consequences for gamers, or is supplying modules through OEM enough to make up for the losses? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
At Tech4Gamers, I take on the role of Hardware Reviewer with pride. My responsibilities involve a thorough examination of essential hardware components like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, and CPU coolers, among others, focusing on their complexities and functionalities.
Hayyan Serwer
As the CPU Cooler and RAM Expert, I test the latest hardware to provide tips for smart purchases. I cover everything from busting myths about CPU coolers to looking into the newest RAM designs, examining various parts of PC hardware.
AMD’s Ryzen 9000 series CPUs are awe-inspiring for their lower thermals and greater efficiency while improving overall performance. Intel’s 15th-generation CPUs have done the same, but even so, the best gaming CPU title goes to AMD’s latest Ryzen 7 9800X3D. In our Ryzen 7 9800X3D review, we saw excellent thermal efficiency and overall power consumption, but you should still use the right cooler to avoid any problems. Fear not, because I have compiled a list of the best CPU coolers for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D based on our in-depth reviews and benchmarks.
Why Trust Tech4Gamers
Hayyan Serwer is our CPU Cooler expert who has been testing different AIOs for years.
80+ coolers tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
400+ hours spent testing different CPU coolers for our reviews.
At Tech4Gamers, ensuring you get reliable information is our priority. That’s why every hardware round-up undergoes a meticulous review process by our team of experts and editors. Each review is carefully examined against our strict editorial guidelines, guaranteeing you trustworthy insights you can depend on.
Here’s a summary of my top picks for the best CPU cooler for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, all compared against one another:
CPU Cooler
EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB
Corsair A115
Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS
be quiet! Light Loop 360 White
Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360mm A-RGB
be quiet! Silent Loop 3 420mm
Looks
Award
Best Overall Cooler For Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Best Air Cooler For Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Best Performance AIO For Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Best White AIO For Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Best Value CPU Cooler For Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Best 420mm AIO For Ryzen 7 9800X3D
What We Liked
Performance, rotatable lid, warranty, EK OmniLink, installation, design
The Ryzen 9000 series processors are efficient when it comes to temperatures, and the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is no exception. However, if you’re building a PC without any bars, the EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB 360mm AIO cooler should be at the top of your purchase list. Its raw thermal performance is simply exceptional.
Its performance isn’t the only thing the EK Nucleus AIO is famous for. For example, I love its unique radiator design and rotatable and removable pump lid, making customization easier. The daisy-chained fans reduce cable clutter, making the installation easy for beginners. Additionally, the AIO cooler is clad in RGB lighting, so you shouldn’t have any problems with the aesthetics. The only two issues, for me, are the slightly loud fans at max RPM and its higher price.
Our hardware reviewer, Awais Khan, liked the EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB’s customization properties and top-notch performance. Here’s how he responded in his in-depth review of the cooler:
EK Water Blocks is back in business with its new generation of liquid coolers in the AIO category. Meet the EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 LUX D-RGB cooler, which is quite innovative from its design. It packs a solid performance punch that the competition has to manage. The digital RGB lighting is quite brilliant. We have everything to love about this cooler, albeit a bit high price tag.
✅Buy It If
You want to combine performance and aesthetics in yournewPC: The EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB cooler seamlessly combines high-end performance with gorgeous aesthetics. If that’s what you aim for in your AIO cooler, I recommend you buy this cooler without any delay.
You don’t want to replace your AIO cooler anytime soon: If you’re going to make a one-time purchase decision with an AIO cooler that will last a few generations, then the EK Nucleus AIO will keep you happy with its five-year warranty period, robust build quality, and long-lasting support for future CPUs.
❌Don't Buy It If
You are on a budget: While the performance, features, and even the looks are quite remarkable, the pricing can be a bit steep.
What Makes It The Best Overall CPU Cooler For Ryzen 7 9800X3D?
The EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB AIO cooler has all sorts of valuable features necessary for a high-end CPU cooler. You get customization options, a beginner-friendly installation process, incredible thermal performance, robust build quality, and beautiful aesthetics. These attributes are enough to make it the best overall cooler for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, in my opinion.
Editor`s Note
Personally, I’d build my Ryzen 7 9800X3D PC around the EK Nucleus AIO CR360 Lux D-RGB AIO cooler. It’s not only because of its high-end performance but also because I’m getting decent customization options, a simpler installation process, and beautiful looks. Honestly, there’s not much else to ask from an AIO cooler. I’d love a lower price, but its value makes up for the tag.
Using an AIO cooler can be pretty scary if you’re a first-time PC builder. However, if you still want to use the Ryzen 7 9800X3D without thermal throttling, the Corsair A115 air cooler should do the trick. Although it’s an air cooler, it performs as well as any AIO cooler on the market. During our performance testing, the Corsair A115 managed to cool up to 237W thanks to its 140mm fans with an astounding 84.5CFM, meaning it can handle any high-end AMD CPU without thermal throttling or bottlenecking it.
While the CPU cooler has its fair set of issues, I love its overall build quality, boasting 6x 6mm heat pipes, 90 nickel-plated fins, and a HoldFast 2.0 retention system, making the installation more manageable. Regarding its design, it’s perfect for black enthusiasts who don’t want any RGB in their PC builds.
PRO TIP: The best way to minimize excessive fan noise is by creating a fan curve and reducing the fan’s speed.
One of our hardware reviewers, Nauman Siddique, while reviewing the Corsair A115 air cooler, couldn’t hold his excitement regarding its build quality and performance. Here’s what he commented in his review:
Compact in design, the A115, at 1.59kg, is slightly heavier than its competitor, the Noctua NH-D15, and comes with a 5-year warranty. It offers high performance and ease of use, and supports various Intel and AMD sockets, making it a strong contender in the high-end CPU air cooler market.
✅Buy It If
You are looking for an air cooler that is easy to handle: If you’re new to PC building and want an air cooler that is easy to install, I recommend purchasing the Corsair A115 because of its HoldFast 2.0 retention system with a Fan Rail Mount design, making it user-friendly and extremely quick to install.
You don’t want to compromise airflow: Unlike AIO coolers with multiple fans, air coolers can have slightly worse airflow. However, the Corsair A115 air cooler combats this issue using a dual-tower design with 2x 140mm fans running at 1,600RPM speeds with 84.5CFM, significantly improving the PC case’s airflow.
❌Don't Buy It If
The fans can be a bit loud: While it is far from being a deal breaker, but if you absolutely need dead silent fans, I would suggest you look into other options because the fans on the Corsair A115 can get audible, especially at max speed.
What Makes It The Best Air Cooler For Ryzen 7 9800X3D?
The Corsair A115 air cooler is admirable for its intense thermal performance, rivaling many 240mm and 360mm AIO coolers within the same and higher budget. Besides its performance, it houses vital features like a HoldFast 2.0 retention system, making the cooler less troublesome for newbie PC builders. Add all that to its price, and the Corsair A115 will become the best air cooler for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. No matter how hard you push the processor, you don’t have to worry about thermal throttling.
The Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS AIO cooler comes with looks and brawns. This CPU cooler can easily keep the Ryzen 7 9800X3D’s temperatures at their lowest, providing decent overclocking potential. The 3x SickleFlow Edge 120mm A-RGB fans running at 2,500RPM with a 70.7CFM provide the bulk of the cooling. I loved the lower noise of the fans, averaging 40.8dB(A) with an ambient noise of 35dB(A). The 20 FPI on the radiator works well with the higher-static fans, improving the overall cooling.
Along with the amazing performance, this CPU cooler comes with a 5-year warranty and a beautiful design. The Cooler Master software not only provides RGB customization but also leakage warnings. Moreover, you can remove the top pump cover and install a custom 3D-printed design for the water block. Also, the MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS’ default cover is made of recycled materials, keeping in mind environmentally conscious customers. However, I didn’t like that the PWM fans couldn’t be daisy-chained, creating a lot of cable clutter.
This is what I had to say about the AIO cooler after putting it up for a spin on my test bench:
The Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS is a high-performance AIO liquid cooler with excellent thermal performance and low noise levels. Overall, it is a great option for users who are looking for a top-performing AIO cooler with a unique design.
✅Buy It If
You want top cooling with low noise: If you’re looking for an AIO cooler that provides top-notch cooling performance without making much noise, then I recommend the Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS. Thanks to the thicker radiator and faster fans, the cooling is impeccable, and my testing showed lower 40.8dB(A) noise levels.
You’re an environmentalist: This is the perfect AIO cooler for environmentally conscious customers who want to reduce their carbon footprint. 35% of the AIO cooler is built from recyclable material, while the pump cover is made from recycled plastic. Furthermore, the packaging is reduced by 30% to promote eco-friendliness.
❌Don't Buy It If
You dislike cable clutter: If you’re looking for better cable management with fewer cables sticking out, this cooler might not be ideal. The PWM fans cannot be daisy-chained, making cable management a pain in the brain.
What Makes It The Best Performance AIO For Ryzen 7 9800X3D?
Aside from showing the best thermals in our testing, the Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS AIO cooler provides impressive value with a reasonable price, a 5-year warranty period, a customizable top pump cover, low noise levels, and an environmentally friendly design. Moreover, the faster fans have a higher 70.7CFM, making it the best performance AIO for Ryzen 7 9800X3D.
Now is the time for something a bit unique looking; for that, I’ve picked the be quiet! Light Loop 360 White AIO cooler. Sure, it’s available in both colors, but the white gives a whole different vibe and is also a great match in case you’re building a white-themed PC. The pump head has a cut-out design with integrated RGB lighting that looks excellent when it illuminates. Moreover, it features three Light Wings LX 120 mm fans that not only perform great but also run relatively quieter even at their max speed of 2100 RPM.
As far as its thermal performance is concerned, the AIO checks the mark here as well. Because in our testing, the AIO was idling at 35ᵒC and topped out at 86ᵒC under intense load. This score makes it one of the best-performing AIOs in our list while not being overpriced, as it currently costs $178. Besides that, the AIO also comes with additional coolant in case you need to refill it later down the line via its refill port. Lastly, the included fan hub is another worthy addition to centralize up to 6x fans. Though it would have been great if the cooler also had a daisy chain mechanism to not create cable clutter.
This is how I summarized the cooler in my review:
The be quiet! Light Loop 360 is a high-performance AIO cooler with impressive features, including fully illuminated A-RGB fans and a revamped cooling system designed to handle flagship CPUs. It delivers strong thermal performance and reduced noise levels compared to previous models, but installation is somewhat complex, requiring multiple components. Overall, it’s a solid choice for those looking to manage high temperatures, though a longer warranty would have been appreciated.
✅Buy It If
You want an excellent performance AIO: If you’re on a hunt to get the best-looking white cooler that has excellent performance figures. Then the be quiet! Light Loop 360 White is a no-brainer, as it was able to show great results in our review.
You want longevity: If you’re someone who doesn’t upgrade your components every other year, then this cooler is a decent pick since it comes with a refill port as well as extra coolant, so you can replace it when it needs a change to further enhance its life.
❌Don't Buy It If
You’re still on an Intel LGA20xx socket: While it does support a lot of the modern CPU socket types, unfortunately, it lacks support for the LGA20xx socket. Meaning if you’re still on that, then you might have to look for a different cooler.
What Makes It The Best White AIO For Ryzen 7 9800X3D?
The be quiet! Light Loop 360 White comes packed with various features such as impressive thermal performance, low noise operation, awesome looks, and a decent price. Moreover, the refill port and bundled coolant further increase its value factor alongside the PWM/RGB fan hub. All this, coupled with an attractive price, makes it one of the best AIOs For Ryzen 7 9800X3D.
Performance: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Features: 8.5/10
Design: 8.5/10
Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360 A-RGB
Best Value CPU Cooler For Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360 A-RGB Pictures From Our Review
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Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360 A-RGB
Pump Block Design. (Image By Tech4Gamers)
ENERMAX LIQMAXFLO 360 A-RGB installed. (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Don’t have enough money left in your budget after buying the Ryzen 7 9800X3D to purchase a decent CPU cooler? Don’t worry—the Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360 A-RGB AIO cooler will address your issues with its remarkable value and low thermals. You don’t have to believe my words; our benchmarks in the next section can back it up. After all, the cooler has a 400W TDP with 3x fans at 1,800RPM speeds and 58.03CFM.
Performance isn’t the only thing this AIO cooler is good for, though. The aesthetics are just as good. Moreover, you can easily daisy-chain fans, and the embedded fan on the pump helps cool the VRMs. You also get an impressive 5-year warranty from a budget AIO cooler. All of these are small features that increase the AIO’s value exponentially. There are a few cons to the cooler, such as slightly noisier fans and no control on the pump fan, but the good far outweighs the bad.
When Nauman Siddique was testing the Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360 A-RGB AIO cooler on his test bench, he almost couldn’t believe the temperatures. This is how he described the product in his review:
The ENERMAX LIQMAXFLOW 360mm is a powerful AIO CPU cooler perfect for high-end CPUs. It features a thick radiator, dual-chamber pump, and a unique VRM fan to keep your CPU cool and quiet, even under heavy load. It’s also compatible with a wide range of sockets, has a refill port, and is rated for 400W TDP, making it an excellent value for the price.
✅Buy It If
You prefer longevity: Most closed-loop AIO coolers aren’t serviceable, meaning you’ll have to buy a new one once they get an issue. However, the Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360 A-RGB cooler is different because it has a refill port on the radiator and comes with 100ml coolant for when you face such issues. The serviceability of the AIO cooler helps improve its longevity by a mile.
❌Don't Buy It If
You have a compact chassis: If you’re using a compact PC case, I don’t recommend the Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360 A-RGB AIO cooler due to its thicker radiator, with dimensions of 400 x 120 x 64.8mm (LxWxH). I recommend you properly research your PC case and its compatibility options before buying this AIO cooler, or else you may face issues that can be avoided.
What Makes It The Best Value CPU Cooler For Ryzen 7 9800X3D?
The Enermax LiqMaxFlo 360 A-RGB AIO cooler offers incredible features like easy daisy-chaining fans, an embedded 60mm fan on the pump block that also provides VRM cooling, outstanding thermal performance, an impressive 5-year warranty, and a refill port on the radiator for better serviceability. The biggest surprise is that these features are provided for a low price, making it the best value CPU cooler for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D.
The be quiet! Silent Loop 3 420mm AIO cooler is another top contender in performance and looks. Although mainly useful for bigger PC cases, the AIO cooler is an upgrade from the Silent Loop 2 series with a new three-chamber pump design. Pairing the pump with the high-speed Silent Wings 4 fans provides adequate airflow for optimal temperatures. Additionally, the refill port on the radiator is a plus sign for easier servicing. I also liked that be quiet! provided us with a 100ml coolant.
The cooler has great aesthetics, with a bold and stylish pump housing that adds the finishing touches to the subtle RGB lighting at the top. Also, you won’t find much RGB in this cooler, so it’s a decent fit for sleeper and minimalistic PC builds. However, it’s disheartening that the branding text on the pump is fixed, limiting the block’s orientation. Lastly, this is a pretty expensive AIO cooler, yet we only see a 3-year warranty period — which raises a few eyebrows. At the very least, I had no complaints about the build quality, so you’re fine in that regard.
Here’s how I summarized the cooler’s performance and looks in my in-depth review after thoroughly testing it:
Silent Loop 3 420 is one heck of a cooling product. With its classy look, premium cooling performance, and better noise output it is capable of giving a run to other 420mm coolers for their money.
✅Buy It If
You want high performance: A 420mm AIO cooler is a decent choice if you have a bigger PC case and want high-end cooling for your Ryzen 7 9800X3D. The be quiet! Silent Loop 3 420 superbly accentuates those needs.
You need better servicing options: If you’re the cautious type who likes having more servicing options, this AIO cooler might be a decent choice because it comes with a refill port on the radiator and also provides a 100ml coolant bottle.
❌Don't Buy It If
You require a longer warranty period: While a 3-year warranty is decent, you’d expect more from a premium-priced product. I don’t recommend buying this AIO cooler if you want a longer, 5-year warranty period.
What Makes It The Best 420mm AIO For Ryzen 7 9800X3D?
The be quiet! Silent Loop 3 420mm AIO cooler provides outstanding cooling because of its 3x 140mm fans running at 1,900RPM with a 78.4CFM. Paired with the stylish block design, lower noise output at 42.5dB(A), a refill port, and a 100ml coolant bottle, it’s the best 420mm AIO for Ryzen 7 9800X3D.
Benchmarks Of The Best CPU Cooler For The Ryzen 7 9800X3D
What better way to figure out which CPU cooler is best for your needs than to check its performance in real time? I have added our benchmarking results below, so have fun going through all the CPU coolers and how they performed in our tests.
Thermal Performance (Image By Tech4Gamers)
These CPU Coolers Almost Made Our List
Many CPU coolers could have made our list for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. However, nitpicking them would have become useless if I added all of them. Here’s a short overview of the CPU coolers that almost made our list and what they were lacking:
Enermax Aquafusion ADV 360: The AIO cooler’s value isn’t on par with its competition anymore. You can get fancier AIO coolers that provide better or similar performance.
DeepCool Mystique 360: The DeepCool Mystique 360 AIO cooler is currently facing a supply shortage in a few areas, so I decided to exclude it from my listicle.
Key CPU Cooler Terms To Stay On The Lookout For
FPI: Short for Fins Per Inch, FPI refers to the density of the fins in a heatsink. A higher density FPI of a radiator means better cooling capabilities, but it can also lead to the radiator becoming too thick, causing clearance and compatibility issues.
CFM: The Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) of a fan measures how much air a fan can move in a minute. Higher CFM but lower RPM can sometimes mean better fan cooling performance.
RPM: Abbreviated as Revolutions Per Minute, the RPM of a CPU cooler fan tells you how fast it can spin in a minute. Higher RPM can mean more airflow, but it also leads to greater noise, so you’ll need to find the perfect combination between both.
TDP: Thermal Design Power (TDP) can have different meanings for PC components. For example, for a CPU, TDP means the amount of heat the CPU produces. Meanwhile, for a CPU cooler, TDP implies the amount of heat the CPU cooler can dissipate. Generally, you want a CPU cooler with a higher TDP than the processor.
Radiator: It’s a part of an AIO cooler that removes heat collected from the coolant through the fans. The most common radiator placement is at the top of the chassis, with the fans installed for exhaust to move the hot air out of the PC case.
Heatsink: These are devices in air coolers that disperse heat from the CPU and push it out of the PC case.
How I Tested The Best CPU Cooler For The Ryzen 7 9800X3D
There are many factors to consider before you choose the perfect CPU cooler for your needs. Here’s how I made my choices for this listicle:
Cooling Performance: The most important thing to consider is how well the CPU cooler can cool the processor you want to purchase. What’s the point of buying a cooler if it bottlenecks your PC build? Therefore, I prioritized the cooling performance of all the CPU coolers I chose.
Noise Levels: Another essential factor is to notice the noise levels of the fans. Some CPU coolers are extremely quiet but provide impressive performance, while others are ultra loud and only have mediocre performance. I only tried selecting coolers that didn’t produce too much noise but provided better performance.
Build Quality: A good CPU cooler has a sturdy build quality and a more extended warranty. You usually want CPU coolers with a copper baseplate for better heat dissipation. Similarly, pre-applied thermal paste is a good feature in many coolers. I also took notice of the radiator and fan material to ensure none of the components would break anytime soon.
Value For Money: Perhaps one of the most vital factors is that you should always calculate the value for money a CPU cooler provides. There are many expensive options on the market; therefore, I tried to choose the ones that offer multiple features at a lower price while maintaining flagship thermals.
Recent Updates
March 27, 2025: Based on further testing, we found both the Cooler Master MasterLiquid Atmos 360 and the be quiet! Silent Loop 3 420 to be excellent candidates for the 9800X3D, so we have updated our recommendations to include these AIOs as well.
FAQs
Is the Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU power-hungry?
The CPU has a 120W TDP, so it’s not too power-hungry. Besides, the Ryzen 9000 series CPUs are more efficient than their predecessors, so you won’t have anything to worry about.
Can an air cooler keep the Ryzen 7 9800X3D cooled at max loads?
Yes. Decent air coolers like the Corsair A115 can easily keep the Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor’s temperatures under control, even under max load.
What is the MSRP of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D?
The CPU comes at an MSRP of $479, almost $30 higher than the Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
Want CPU coolers for a specific Ryzen 9000 series processor? Don’t worry, you’re covered:
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
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A Chinese firm has warned that PSU and CPU cooler prices could also increase.
PSU prices could go up by 6-10%, while cooler prices by about 6-8%.
This comes after the industry is already going through a major memory and storage crisis.
RAM and SSD prices are at their highest these days, no thanks to the AI boom. The shortage is expected to continue beyond this year, making budget PCs a nightmare; however, things are now poised to deteriorate even further.
According to a new report, after memory and SSDs, the prices of power supplies and CPU coolers are next in line for increases. It is estimated that the prices will rise by about 6-10% for both items.
Why it matters: This would mean that PC gaming is set to become even more expensive and potentially out of reach for most people. With this new development, almost every component will be at its highest prices in years.
A Chinese firm has warned that memory and CPU prices could rise as well.
Guangzhou Xinghongzheng Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. released a letter warning that suppliers have stopped accepting orders at the old pricing, citing rising upstream material costs such as copper, silver, and others.
According to the letter, PSU prices will increase by 6% to 10%, and CPU cooler prices will go up by about 6% to 8%. The company has encouraged its partners to place orders immediately to avoid potential high prices.
PC gaming is about to become a lot more expensive.
In addition, from February 1, all promotions will be cancelled, and everything will be sold at newly set prices, suggesting that consumers will now have to pay much more for their PSU and CPU coolers.
All in all, this is the worst time to be a PC gamer, as the market is about to get worse in every aspect. Just a couple of months ago, you could easily build a solid gaming PC for $1000, but now, it’s about to get a lot harder.
What are your thoughts on PSU and CPU cooler prices potentially increasing as well? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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Insider Jez Corden has confirmed that no new Prototype title is in the works.
No remaster or sequel is currently planned, despite recent industry rumors.
Microsoft reportedly has no interest in reviving the franchise.
The last mainline Prototype entry came out more than a decade ago, but hype for the open-world action franchise has only increased in recent times. Many gamers expected Xbox to focus on the series after the Activision Blizzard buyout, but nothing of the sort came to pass.
Late last year, plenty of rumors suggested that the IP was finally receiving some love. However, credible insider Jez Corden reached out to his sources and learned that Xbox has no plans of any kind for the franchiseyet.
Why it matters: Xbox is currently cooking up multiple entries in various genres for the next few years, leaving no room to focus on Prototype despite growing fan demand.
Jez Corden shoots down rumors of a new Prototype project being in the works | Image Source: XB2 Podcast Discord Server.
The insider also adds that all rumors suggesting otherwise are simply misinformed. So, rumblings about Prototype 3 featuring Alex Mercer as the protagonist are nothing but hearsay.
The original Prototype also received new credits and test maps in an unexpected move late last year, which sparked anticipations for an ambitious remaster. However, the patch ultimately proved inconsequential, as Jez Corden implied.
The report has caused a wave of disappointment to run through the franchise fans, to say the least.
Prototype is a fan-beloved franchise that needs to make a comeback.
On a positive side note, Xbox is focusing on its ‘old but gold’ franchises, with the latest example being the launch of Oblivion Remastered last year.
And Blizzard is also expected to announce a new Starcraft shooter sometime this year, for instance. So, we may also eventually see Xbox focus on Prototype in the next few years.
Do you think Microsoft will ever revive the Prototype series in the future, or can we expect it to be forgotten for good? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
Story Highlight
Shift Up studio had a great 2025 and recorded their best revenue figures in Q2 this year.
To celebrate the success, the studio gifted Apple products and 5 million Won to its devs.
The studio is already hard at work developing the Stellar Blade sequel.
Stellar Blade initially launched in 2024 as a PS5 exclusive to a great reception. It became one of the best launches of the year and put Korean game studios into the much-deserved limelight. Since then, it has been released on PC and has had a very similar response.
Shift Up Studio is known for being very generous to its employees. They gifted PS5 Pros for the game’s initial success, and now, to celebrate another successful year, they’re gifting their developers Apple Watches, Airpods, and 5 million Won.
Why it matters: Developers often complain about crunch and toxicity during development, so it’s good to see a studio appreciate all the hard work its employees put into the projects and give them back.
Stellar Blade studio gifted its employees to celebrate a successful 2025.
According to a new report, Shift Up recently held a ceremony in which they distributed Apple products and 5 Million Won to all of its over 300 employees to celebrate an incredible 2025. This adds up to a total value of over $3000.
2025 has been yet another brilliant year for the company as it launched Stellar Blade on PC. The game had an incredible run, selling 1 million copies 19 times faster on PC than on PS5 and achieving a record Q2 profit.
A sequel is already in the works.
Even this year, to celebrate 3 million sales, the studio gifted all its employees a Nintendo Switch 2. However, the game isn’t just a financial success; it also helped inspire a new wave of Korean Studios, highlighting its impact.
Anyhow, Shift Up is already working on a Stellar Blade sequel. It is now mass hiring for the project, aiming to deliver even better quality. Also, unlike the original, the sequel won’t be a timed PlayStation exclusive.
What are your thoughts on Shift Up gifting its employees to celebrate another successful year? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
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A renowned leaker states that AMD can’t launch its graphics cards before Nvidia.
Following a recent Nvidia leak, AMD’s RDNA 5 lineup may be delayed until late 2027.
It is said that Team Red will also introduce a flagship GPU this generation.
Although both Nvidia and AMD launched brand new graphics cards last year, the conversation has already shifted to the future. Recent rumors from reliable sources point to a 2027 launch for Nvidia’s RTX 60 series.
Joining the conversation, a well-known AMD leaker suggests that the RDNA 5 lineup will launch in a similar timeframe.
Why it matters: AMD did a great job with the RDNA 4 lineup, capitalizing on Nvidia’s high prices and unimpressive generational uplifts last year. The company will now aim to do the same with the upcoming graphics cards.
AMD Leaker Kepler Shares Details On Next-Gen AMD Offerings
According to Kepler, RDNA 5 has been targeting a 2027 launch for a while. However, he also notes that the lineup is more or less guaranteed to debut after Nvidia’s RTX 60 series.
Therefore, if the leaks from Kopite7kimi regarding an H2 2027 launch for Nvidia’s next-gen GPUs are to be believed, AMD could see its upcoming GPUs slip to late 2027. Given this date, a formal reveal or announcement could show up at Computex the same year.
In terms of expectations for RDNA 5, past leaks suggest AMD is gearing up to launch a high-end offering for the family. A GPU with an AT0 configuration sporting 96CUs was previously hinted at by the same leaker when discussing a flagship RDNA 5 rival to Nvidia.
Although there’s no telling how AMD will proceed, it seems the gaming giant will wait on Nvidia to make the first move.
Depending on how Nvidia positions its RTX 60 series, AMD could lower or increase prices. The gaming giant opted for a similar approach last generation, choosing to undercut the RTX 50 series, which ended up working out quite well.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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Code Violet developer TeamKill Media took to X and called out critics for their scathing reviews, saying the game is made for fans.
The studio thanked players for making the title its biggest success to date.
However, the third-person horror shooter isn’t faring too well with the players on the PlayStation Store.
2026 has kicked off in the gaming world, and the first casualty of the year is survival horror shooter Code Violet. The TeamKill Media title, which launched in early access on January 9, has been universally panned by critics for being an uninspiring game with outdated mechanics.
The spiritual successor to Dino Crisis only launched on the PlayStation 5 and currently sits at a disgraceful 40% on Metacritic. If you ask the developer, however, the game isn’t made for the critics at all.
Why It Matters: Not taking responsibility for a horribly average title and shifting blame to the critics instead is the worst possible way TeamKill Media could have dealt with criticism.
TeamKill Media addressed the criticism for Code Violet on X, saying that they made the game for fans and players who actually spend money on the product, not for critics. The developer went on to celebrate the title’s performance and revealed that Code Violet has become their biggest success so far.
The studio also thanked fans for taking the game to “number one,” hinting at how Code Violet is currently topping the best-seller chart for new releases on the PlayStation Store.
Despite this small victory, however, PlayStation fans are also slamming Code Violet on the platform. The game currently has a 2.96 rating on the PS Store from over 1.8k verified reviews, and 35% of the players only gave the action horror title one star.
For sure, there are a considerable number of five-star reviews too, but almost half of the verified ratings don’t go beyond the two-star threshold.
46% of Code Violet reviews on the PS Store are one and two-star ratings| source: PS Store
Hence, Code Violet isn’t faring too well on the other side either, and being heavily panned by critics could be the game’s only legacy.
