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Hey everyone!

I'm finally upgrading to an RTX 4090 and I want to make sure I have the best possible cooling setup to keep this beast from thermal throttling. I've seen some insane power draws and heat output from these cards, so I'm looking for advice on:

• Best AIO coolers (size, radiator thickness, fan quality)
• Custom water cooling loops (recommendations for radiators, pumps, blocks)
• High-end air coolers (though I suspect these might be borderline for a 4090)
• Case airflow optimization tips for maximum heat dissipation

My current case is a Fractal Design Meshify 2 XL, which has great airflow, but I'm open to case recommendations if absolutely necessary for cooling. My goal is silence without sacrificing performance.

What are your experiences and recommendations? Let's discuss the ultimate cooling solutions for the 4090!

TechGuru92, great topic! For the 4090, I'd strongly lean towards AIOs or custom loops.

AIOs: I've had great success with 360mm or 420mm AIOs. Brands like Arctic Liquid Freezer II, Lian Li Galahad, and Corsair H150i/H170i are top-notch. Ensure you get one with thick radiators (45mm+) and high-quality fans like Noctua or Arctic P12/P14s. Mounting orientation is also key – top exhaust is generally preferred if your case allows.

Custom Loops: If you're serious about performance and aesthetics, a custom loop is the way to go. For a 4090, you'll want at least a 360mm radiator (preferably thicker, like 45mm or 55mm) and a good pump/reservoir combo. EKWB, Bykski, and Barrow are popular choices for blocks and components. Don't skimp on radiator surface area!

"My 4090 with a 360mm Arctic Liquid Freezer II keeps it under 60°C even under heavy load!"

For your Meshify 2 XL, you should have plenty of space for a beefy AIO or multiple radiators for a custom loop. Focus on intake fans at the front and exhaust at the top/rear.

While AIOs and custom loops are king, don't dismiss high-end air coolers entirely for *some* 4090 models, especially if you undervolt. The Noctua NH-D15 is a legendary cooler, and with good case airflow and a carefully selected 4090 variant (some models are less power-hungry out of the box), you *might* be able to manage decent temps.

However, for sustained heavy loads or pushing the card, you'll likely hit thermal limits. If you opt for air, ensure your case has excellent front intake and top/rear exhaust. Consider adding more high-performance fans to your Meshify 2 XL if you go this route.

But honestly, for a 4090, the peace of mind with liquid cooling is hard to beat.