PCCooler RZ820 vs RT720 TC ARGB: Ultimate Dual-Tower Air Cooler Showdown

PCCooler crashes the high-end cooling party with the RZ820 and RT720 TC ARGB, two dual-tower air coolers that target 200-300W TDP beasts like Intel Core Ultra 285K or AMD Ryzen 9950X3D at sub-$80 prices. These Chinese heavy-hitters rival Noctua NH-D15 G2 and Thermalright Peerless Assassin in benchmarks, delivering elite thermals without AIO leaks or pump whine. This expanded review dives into design minutiae, full thermal/noise charts, installation quirks, power efficiency, and build-specific verdicts for gamers, overclockers, and creators benchmarking for YouTube face-offs.

Detailed Design and Construction Analysis

RZ820 engineering screams overbuilt value: 1836g total weight from dual aluminum fin stacks (each ~400g), pierced by eight direct-contact heatpipes (4x 8mm grooved copper primaries flanking 4x 6mm secondaries). Fins stack at 18 per linear inch for maximal surface area (~6500 cm² estimated), soldered nickel-plated base (C110 copper, 0.4mm convexity) ensures flat contact. Front 120x25mm PWM fan (500-2200 RPM, fluid dynamic bearing, 78 CFM max, 2.54mmH2O static) feeds into a 140x26mm middle bridge fan (same specs, scaled impeller). Magnetic ARGB top panel detaches for cable routing or RGB swaps, with adjustable middle fan height (10-20mm travel) clearing 70mm RAM towers like G.Skill Trident Z5.

RT720 TC ARGB opts for flashier minimalism: seven 6mm heatpipes in a staggered dual-tower (fin density ~16/inch, ~5500 cm²), direct copper base. Dual ARGB PWM fans (120mm front + 140mm rear, 600-2000 RPM, FDB, 72 CFM/2.2mmH2O) sync via 3-pin 5V ARGB headers for motherboard control. Profile slims to 157x135x160mm, weighing ~1450g, prioritizing ITX/mATX compatibility. Both ship with MX-5-grade paste, Intel LGA 1851/AM5 offset brackets, and anti-sag backplates. RZ820's beefier clips handle 300g+ IHS better.

Construction shines: powder-coated black/white finishes resist fingerprints, rubberized fan corners kill vibes, no fin clipping risks during mounts. RZ820 demands 170mm+ case height (Corsair 5000D, Lian Li O11D approved). RT720 squeezes into NR200P. RZ820's mass doubles as a thermal reservoir for winter benches.

Comprehensive Thermal Performance

RZ820 dominates independent tests: i9-13900K at 290W (all-core 5.5GHz) holds 58°C delta over 35°C ambient at 45 dBA, beats NH-D15 G2 by 1.5°C, matches Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360. Ryzen 7950X3D at 250W gaming (Cinebench R23 + Shadow of the Tomb Raider) peaks 52°C, 0.2°C/W efficiency. Idle settles at 38°C, throttling-free for 24/7 AI renders.

RT720 TC from RT-series data: ~265W TDP, 64°C delta on i9 loads, trails RZ820 by 4-6°C at iso-noise. Gaming sustains 57°C on 200W, solid for 9800X3D but gaps widen past 230W (throttles 2-3% sooner). Both handle 150W office loads within 2°C.

Noise Normalized Deep Dive

RZ820 fans idle at 31 dBA (inaudible), ramp to 45 dBA max, zero coil whine. 140mm impeller drops turbulence 3 dBA vs 120mm peers at 60 CFM. PWM: 35% for 100W (800 RPM), 70% for 250W (1600 RPM).

RT720 hits 33 dBA idle, 47 dBA peak. ARGB wiring adds minor hum. PWM holds gaming at 38 dBA, bridge-less design adds +2 dBA mid-range turbulence.

Installation, Compatibility, and Power Draw

RZ820 install: Backplate first (tool-free Intel), torque standoffs to 1 Nm, clip towers, Molex splitter for middle fan. Clears 72mm RAM, 55mm VRM. 4.8W total fans.

RT720: Simpler (no middle fan), 42mm RAM limit clips tall kits. 3.5W draw. Both offset LGA hotspots 5mm, AM5 centered. PCIe safe in ATX.

Efficiency: RZ820 60W/°C per watt fan power. RT720 ~52W/°C. No PWM issues on Asus/MSI boards.

Final Value and Build Recommendations

RZ820 ($65-80 Amazon/AliExpress) outcools $120 premium coolers for Intel monsters or 14900K benches. RT720 TC ($50-70) perfect for ARGB Ryzen gaming under 250W.

10/10 verdict: RZ820 takes crown for raw performance. Both elevate air cooling. Add Noctua NT-H2, benchmark your next vid: "Budget Beast Buries $200 AIOs."