The AIO are not really worth it.
Custom loops can be if you do it right.
My basic rule is - There is no replacement for displacement. get a big, like proper big 200mm(in both directions) or bigger radiator and a single big fan.
Ultimately, you want more surface area to blow air across to cool things. "Water cooling" is really "water transports heat to fins for cooling". Just a bigger version of the heatpipe really.
If the fins are not better suited to airflow cooling then it won't help you.
The AIO radiators don't add that much more fin area than a good air cooler if at all. But you can put them somewhere outside the otherwise warm case if that helps. Maybe if you live some cold and your desk is just right you could dangle it out the window?
Also, for the noise conscious, two(often on the 280 AIOs) or more fans "beat frequency" is a thing. Also why I don't like "push-pull" configs on air coolers.
Ultimately, you want more surface area to blow air across to cool things. "Water cooling" is really "water transports heat to fins for cooling". Just a bigger version of the heatpipe really.
If the fins are not better suited to airflow cooling then it won't help you.
The AIO radiators don't add that much more fin area than a good air cooler if at all. But you can put them somewhere outside the otherwise warm case if that helps. Maybe if you live some cold and your desk is just right you could dangle it out the window?
Also, for the noise conscious, two(often on the 280 AIOs) or more fans "beat frequency" is a thing. Also why I don't like "push-pull" configs on air coolers.