Question AIO in long-term storage

[Traxan]

Greetings. I recently upgraded my PC and put the old one in storage for stand-by use, in case something happens with the new main PC.

But the now-stored PC has an AIO CPU cooler. So I'm wondering if it's a good idea to have an AIO in long-term storage. What if I don't need it for a year or more? Should I put a basic cooler on it instead?

 

[DeathReborn]

Having stored an AIO for 9 years with no ill effect (it's in use again) it will be fine for a year or five, provided it doesn't freeze for example.

 

[aigomorla]

Having stored an AIO for 9 years with no ill effect (it's in use again) it will be fine for a year or five, provided it doesn't freeze for example.

False...

Coolant evaporates though an AIO over time.
The tubing as resistant as it is, is not a perfect container, and will leak coolant over time which will evaporate, hence you never see it.

Id say at best a AIO should be kept for 5 yrs TOPS.
After that its lost a significant amount of its coolant according to GN (Gamers Nexus) which have done many many extensive time tests on AIO's.

I also always recommend the standard heat sink + fan in any setup, unless you do not have the space for one and require an AIO.
They are not that much better, until you get to the really large size ones, like 360(120x3) versions, as the 240/280(120x2) can be paced quite easily and more quietly on a noctua D15S or a Bequiet DarkRock Pro4.