Computers with high performing components often generate heat, which could mean the difference between a perfectly usable gaming PC and disaster. In the advent of pushing PC components to their last ounce of performance and requiring more energy to run, cooling is often the solution to keep computers in top condition. Components that regularly cause a computer to overheat include the chipset, processor, GPU, and RAM.In the case of higher end rigs and gaming computers, liquid cooling is often employed as it is more effective than traditional fan cooling.Maintaining the temperature of a gaming PC is important in getting the best performance and increasing its lifespan.
What is Computer Liquid Cooling and How Does it Work?
Liquid cooling is a method that helps keep components from burning out in many electronic devices including gaming computers.
Rig makers and professional PC builders favor liquid cooling systems as they are more efficient than standard air-cooled systems.In place of standard fans, liquid cooling systems use coolants like distilled water to cool the entire system. It is composed of various tubes, pump, fins, radiator, and a reservoir to help circulate the coolant throughout the gaming components.Unlike air-cooled systems that uses unreliable fans to create an airflow inside the devices, liquid cooling systems consistently move the heat away from the components.
More specifically, its clever use of thermodynamics keeps temperatures low by routing the heated water back to the liquid reservoir where it will be cooled to start the cycle again.
Air Cooling VS Liquid Cooling
Most CPUs, including gaming computers, already have air cooling systems in them. This traditional cooling involves manufacturer-installed fans that push air inside the CPU with an exhaust that dispels the hot air out the rear.The advantage of having standard air-cooled computers is that it is cheap. Typical desktop users can enjoy their setup on the get go without having to spend more.Users can choose to install powerful stock fans for more powerful rigs, but they are certainly noisier, less efficient, and maybe more expensive in the long run than investing in a liquid cooling setup. High-performance desktops like gaming PCs can benefit more from liquid cooling.For one thing, liquids have a higher heat capacity and more power to disperse heat than stock CPU fans.A simple liquid cooling PC build, when done right, is quieter and better performing. It can also beautify any gaming PC’s visual aesthetic as liquids look cooler than air fans.
Is Liquid Cooling Safe?
By the name itself, the biggest concern when it comes to liquid cooling systems is the issue of leaking. Like many things, there is always a risk of this happening, especially for builds that are self-assembled. There may be leaking risks, but it does not happen as often as one might think.
Meticulous planning and leak testing can be done to ensure the issue of leaking never happens. It is recommended to give a couple of hours to a full day for leak testing.
Like any system, liquid cooled builds require regular maintenance like cleaning, draining the old fluid, refilling, and additional testing.
Stay Cool and Keep Playing
If heat keeps interrupting a game, it might be time to consider getting into liquid cooling systems. With them, your gaming PC can maintain prolonged and intense game time while staying cool. With a liquid cooling system, you can keep playing without any pressure or heat.
