Does your powerful gaming PC sound like a jet engine taking off when you push it hard? Overheating is a real problem that slows down your computer and shortens its lifespan. Many PC builders want the cool, quiet performance of liquid cooling, but the choices can feel overwhelming. Do you pick an All-In-One (AIO) cooler or dive into a custom loop? Figuring out compatibility, pump noise, and radiator size often stops people before they even start.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the basics of PC liquid cooling, showing you exactly what you need to know to choose the perfect setup. You will learn the differences between the main types of coolers and how to keep your expensive hardware running smoothly and silently, even during intense gaming sessions.
Ready to unlock peak performance and whisper-quiet operation? Let’s dive in and explore the world of PC liquid cooling together.
Top Pc Liquid Cooling Recommendations
- Choose from a stunning range of vibrant colors to complete your custom cooling system and enhance your build
- Long lasting pre-mixed performance coolant is ready to go right out of the bottle, with no additional additives or inhibitors required
- Protects copper, brass, and nickel with advanced corrosion
- CONTACT FRAME FOR INTEL LGA1851 | LGA1700: Optimized contact pressure distribution for a longer CPU lifespan and better heat dissipation
- ARCTICS P12 PRO FAN: More performance at every speed – especially more powerful and quieter than the P12 at low speeds. Higher maximum speed for optimal cooling performance under high loads
- NATIVE OFFSET MOUNTING FOR INTEL AND AMD: Shifting the cold plate center toward the CPU hotspot ensures more efficient heat transfer
- Simple, High-Performance All-in-One CPU Cooling: Renowned CORSAIR engineering delivers strong, low-noise cooling that helps your CPU reach its full potential
- Efficient, Low-Noise Pump: Keeps your coolant circulating at a high flow rate while generating a whisper-quiet 20 dBA
- Convex Cold Plate with Pre-Applied Thermal Paste: The slightly convex shape ensures maximum contact with your CPU’s integrated heat spreader, with thermal paste applied in an optimised pattern to speed up installation
- All-in-One CPU Cooling Made Easy with iCUE LINK: High-performance, low-noise AIO cooling helps you get the most out of your CPU, taking advantage of the iCUE LINK ecosystem for simplified, streamlined connections.
- Brilliant IPS LCD Display: Showcase your real-time CPU temperature, favorite animated GIF, funniest meme, or your team’s logo on a custom 2.1” IPS LCD screen with 480x480 resolution, ultra-bright 600cd/m² backlight, 30 FPS, and over 16.7 million colors.
- Effortless Connectivity and Intelligent Design: iCUE LINK technology lets you connect all your components in sequence using universal connectors, all plugged into a single port on the included iCUE LINK System Hub. Build faster, reduce cable clutter, and create a more intelligent, cohesive system setup.
- CONTACT FRAME FOR INTEL LGA1851 | LGA1700: Optimized contact pressure distribution for a longer CPU lifespan and better heat dissipation
- ARCTICS P12 PRO FAN: More performance at every speed – especially more powerful and quieter than the P12 at low speeds. Higher maximum speed for optimal cooling performance under high loads
- NATIVE OFFSET MOUNTING FOR INTEL AND AMD: Shifting the cold plate center toward the CPU hotspot ensures more efficient heat transfer
- Choose from a stunning range of vibrant colors to complete your custom cooling system and enhance your build.
- Long lasting pre-mixed performance coolant is ready to go right out of the bottle, with no additional additives or inhibitors required.
- Protects copper, brass, and nickel with advanced anti-corrosion and inhibitors.
- Clean Classic Design: A clean and minimalist design offers a modern facelift to the pump, while enhancing the lighting dispersion of the ARGB. for fully customizable illumination
- Gen S Dual Chamber Pump: An improved copper base design to target heat spots with greater precision, while also increasing water flow and pressure for enhanced cooling performance.
- CryoFuze Thermal Paste: Now included premium CryoFuze thermal paste, which offers exceptional thermal conductivity of 14W/mK, as well as non-corrosive and oxidation-resistant properties for temperature stability ranging from -50°C up to 250°C.
- 3rd Generation Dual Chamber Pump for overall cooling efficiency and performance
- New SickleFlow Refreshed exterior design for improved lighting and fan blades for a quiet airflow performance
- RGB Lighting Signature cooling performance with an RGB design for all of the users wanting lighting effects that are fully customizable
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Mastering PC Liquid Cooling
Liquid cooling your PC sounds complicated, but it’s a fantastic way to keep your powerful components running smoothly and quietly. This guide will help you pick the right setup for your gaming rig or workstation.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for liquid cooling, several features make a big difference in performance and ease of use.
Cooler Type: AIO vs. Custom Loop
- All-in-One (AIO): These are pre-filled and sealed units. They are easy to install, making them perfect for beginners.
- Custom Loops: These let you pick every part—pumps, blocks, tubing, and radiators. They offer the best cooling but require time and skill to build.
Radiator Size
The radiator is where the heat leaves the system. Bigger radiators cool better. Radiator sizes are measured in millimeters (mm). Common sizes are 120mm, 240mm, 280mm, and 360mm. Make sure your PC case has enough space for the size you choose.
Pump Quality
The pump moves the liquid. A strong, quiet pump is essential. Look for pumps with good speed control (PWM) so you can adjust the noise level based on your needs.
Important Materials Matter
What your cooling system is made of affects how long it lasts and how well it transfers heat.
Blocks and Cold Plates
The part that touches your CPU or GPU is called the cold plate. Copper is the best material here. Copper moves heat away very quickly. Aluminum is cheaper but doesn’t transfer heat as effectively.
Tubing and Fittings (For Custom Loops)
- Soft Tubing: This is flexible and easy to work with. It’s great for first-time builders.
- Hard Tubing: This uses rigid plastic or acrylic tubes. It looks amazing but requires careful bending and precise cutting.
Coolant Fluid
The liquid itself should resist corrosion and buildup. Most modern AIOs use specialized, long-lasting coolants. If you build a custom loop, always use coolant specifically designed for PC water cooling.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good liquid cooling offers silent operation and lower temperatures. Bad cooling causes noise and potential overheating.
Noise Level (dB)
Check the fan and pump noise ratings, measured in decibels (dB). Lower numbers mean quieter operation. High-quality fans spin smoothly without rattling.
RGB Lighting and Aesthetics
While it doesn’t cool better, RGB lighting lets you customize your PC’s look. Many users enjoy matching their cooling components to their overall theme.
Installation Difficulty
AIOs are usually simple plug-and-play. Custom loops require leak testing and careful assembly. If you are new, choose an AIO to avoid potential leaks that could damage components.
User Experience and Use Cases
Liquid cooling shines in specific situations where air cooling struggles.
Overclocking Enthusiasts
When you push your CPU beyond its factory speed (overclocking), it creates massive heat. Liquid cooling handles this intense thermal load much better than standard air coolers. High-end custom loops are the top choice here.
Small Form Factor (SFF) Builds
In tiny PC cases, there isn’t much room for large air coolers. AIOs often fit neatly into the top or side of these small cases, providing excellent cooling where air cooling cannot.
Quiet Workstations
If you record audio or video, fan noise is distracting. Liquid cooling systems often allow the fans to spin slower while maintaining good temperatures, leading to a much quieter user experience.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About PC Liquid Cooling
Q: Is liquid cooling better than air cooling?
A: Generally, yes, especially for very powerful CPUs or when overclocking. Liquid cooling moves heat away from the CPU much faster.
Q: Will my PC leak if I use liquid cooling?
A: AIOs are sealed and very unlikely to leak. Custom loops can leak only if they are assembled incorrectly or not tested properly before use.
Q: How often do I need to maintain an AIO cooler?
A: AIOs are usually maintenance-free. The liquid stays sealed inside for years. You only need to clean the dust off the radiator fins.
Q: Do I need to replace the coolant in an AIO?
A: No. AIOs are designed to last the life of the cooler without needing coolant replacement.
Q: What size radiator do most people use?
A: The 240mm radiator is very popular because it fits in most mid-tower cases and offers a great balance of performance and size.
Q: Does the liquid get hot?
A: Yes, the liquid absorbs the heat from the CPU. That hot liquid then travels to the radiator, where the fans blow the heat out of the case.
Q: Are custom loops too expensive?
A: Custom loops cost significantly more than AIOs because you buy many individual, high-quality parts.
Q: How do I know if my pump is working?
A: If your CPU temperatures suddenly spike very high when the PC is under load, the pump might have stopped working or the flow is blocked.
Q: Can I cool my graphics card (GPU) with liquid cooling?
A: Yes, but it requires special GPU water blocks. It is much more common to only cool the CPU with liquid and let the GPU use its existing air cooler.
Q: Does liquid cooling make my computer run cooler than air cooling?
A: Yes. Liquid is much better at transferring heat than air. This means your CPU can run at lower temperatures, especially when working hard.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!