What’s better for a computer build – liquid or air cooling? To us, there’s no debate: Liquid Cooling is ALWAYS better for your computer when it is available to you. That caveat of “when it’s available” might seem like a cop-out, but it’s actually not. Why would you be having this debate if one of the options is not even possible? We’re strong believers that if you’re going to be putting together a custom PC you should start with the cooling system & case before you pick any other components. In the old days this would seem like a crazy way to go about things but nowadays as a lot of the hardware choices have converged, the cooling system you choose and the case are true differentiators between builds.
In this article we’ll approach the debate from the two main cooling choices you’ll have: AIO vs. Air Cooling and Custom Loops vs. Air Cooling. We’ll also do some background information on the choices and try to answer as many questions that would normally pop up when you’re deciding between cooling setups for your PC.
Who Cares About Cooling?
A LOT of people care about cooling. That’s because cooling isn’t just about temperatures anymore – it’s an expression of yourself, your decision making processes, your pc-related beliefs, and for some a creative outlet. Cooling ties directly into cable management (which has also become a very big deal) and custom gaming rigs & builds with RGB lighting and all the bells and whistles people like to show off. With the internet you now show your art to the world so people take it very seriously. The “coolness” factor of water cooling cannot be understated – and we aren’t talking about keeping your processor and system temps in check. That’s almost secondary to how beautiful the system looks.
What is Fan Cooling
Also known as air cooling, this method uses fans attached to heat sinks. As your computer components generate heat, the heat sinks absorb it. Fans then blow air over these heat sinks, dissipating the heat into the surrounding environment.
Benefits of Air Cooling:
- Cost-Effective: Air coolers are generally more affordable than their liquid counterparts.
- Ease of Installation: Especially beneficial for beginners, air coolers are simpler to install.
- Low Maintenance: Once set up, the only routine task is dusting every few months.
Drawbacks of Air Cooling:
- Noise: Fans can be louder, especially when the system is under heavy load.
- Efficiency: While effective, air coolers might not dissipate heat as efficiently as liquid coolers.
- Aesthetics: The bulky heat sink might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
What Is Liquid Cooling
Liquid cooling, also known as water cooling, involves a system where liquid circulates through pipes or tubes to dissipate heat away from components, like the CPU and GPU. This liquid, typically a mixture of water and other coolants, absorbs the heat and transports it to a radiator, where it’s then expelled using fans. The system of liquid coolant, water blocks, a pump, a radiator, and pipes adds a greater level of complexity than a fan simply attached to a piece of metal (as fan coolers typically are).
Benefits of Liquid Cooling:
- Quiet Operation: Liquid cooling systems generally operate more silently than air coolers.
- Superior Performance: Ideal for heavy-duty gaming and tasks, liquid coolers can handle higher temperatures more efficiently.
- Visual Appeal: With options like RGB lighting, liquid coolers can enhance the aesthetics of a build.
Drawbacks of Liquid Cooling:
- Cost: Especially custom setups can be pricier than air coolers.
- Installation Complexity: Setting up, especially custom loops, can be challenging for novices.
- Maintenance: Regular checks are essential to ensure no leaks or component failures.
Why Liquid Cooling Might Be Better
- Efficiency: Liquids are generally more efficient at conducting heat than air. This means liquid cooling systems can often dissipate heat more rapidly than fans.
- Quiet Operation: While liquid cooling systems do use fans (typically on the radiator), they’re often quieter than the fans used in air cooling setups, especially under heavy loads.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Let’s face it; liquid cooling setups, with their transparent tubes and colored liquids, can look pretty slick in a gaming rig or workstation.
- Space Saving: Liquid cooling systems can be more compact than bulky air coolers, especially when considering high-end air cooling solutions.
Is Water Cooling more efficient than Air Cooling
Water cooling is generally considered to be more efficient than air cooling for transferring heat away from electronic components. This is because water has a higher specific heat capacity than air, meaning that it can absorb more heat without changing its temperature significantly. Additionally, water can flow more easily than air, which helps to distribute heat evenly across the cooling system.
As a result, water cooling systems can achieve lower temperatures than air cooling systems, which can help to improve the performance and lifespan of electronic components. Additionally, water cooling systems are often quieter than air cooling systems, as they do not require fans to generate airflow.
Why Fans Might Still Be the Go-to Option
- Cost-Effective: Air cooling solutions are typically more affordable than liquid cooling setups. A decent air cooler can be purchased at a fraction of the price of a liquid cooling kit.
- Maintenance: Fan setups generally require less maintenance. With liquid cooling, there’s the added responsibility of checking for leaks, refilling coolant, and ensuring the pump is working.
- Reliability: Fans have fewer components that can fail. In liquid cooling setups, a pump failure could lead to overheating, while a leak could cause potential damage to other computer parts.
AIO vs. Air Cooling
AIO’s (all in one) coolers have become a good choice for modern builds as they seem to offer a great “middle ground” choice for people who want the performance of liquid cooling but relative ease and almos no maintenance. In fact, AIO coolers have become pretty much the standard for most people building high performance rigs. This is because they can dissipate heat better and more efficiently than Air coolers, and only cost $50-$100 or so more.
Understanding Air Cooling and AIO
- Air Cooling: This method uses fans and heatsinks to dissipate heat. It’s generally more affordable, reliable, and has fewer points of failure. Plus, it’s travel-friendly as there’s no liquid involved.
- AIO (All-In-One) Cooling: AIOs use a combination of liquid and fans to cool components. They tend to be quieter and can offer superior cooling in certain scenarios. However, they have more potential points of failure due to the inclusion of liquid and pumps.
AIO vs. Air Factors to Consider
- Performance: If an air cooler can efficiently cool your processor without excessive noise, it might be the preferred choice for many. However, high-end AIOs can offer better cooling, especially under heavy loads.
- Reliability: Air coolers have fewer components that can fail, making them more reliable in the long run. AIOs, while generally reliable from trusted brands, have more potential points of failure.
- Aesthetics: For some, the sleek look of an AIO is preferable, especially in cases with a window. Air coolers, especially larger ones, can be bulkier and might obstruct the view of other components.
- Cost: High-quality air coolers can be more affordable than AIOs, offering excellent value for money. However, if budget isn’t a concern, you might opt for a high-end AIO for its performance and aesthetics.
The Winner: AIO Coolers!
The pros of going AIO outweigh the cons. Yes, air cooling tends to be more reliable but AIO’s are pretty good. Especially if you stick with a good brand like Corsair. But there’s no denying AIO have a lot more failure points than a fan and heatsink based option. Additionally your CPU is designed around the air cooler that it comes bundled with so it’s safe to assume that air option will be sufficient. This is also true. But we give the nod to AIO’s because they tend to perform better and work to reduce the overall system temperature. In the long run this is a big deal – especially if you’re overclocking or running intense video games.
Custom Loop vs. Air Cooling
This debate would probably make more sense when comparing a high-end air cooling solution with a custom loop – otherwise the price differences would be pretty drastic. Even with high-end air coolers, the price difference is still pretty wide. So are the significant financial investments and potential risks for a custom loop justified? That’s going to be your decision. Custom water cooling loops have gained immense popularity, with many enthusiasts willing to spend upwards of $800-$1500+ just for their cooling. The appeal lies not just in the potential for better temperature control but also in the aesthetics and the thrill of building a unique system. However, with greater rewards come greater risks, including the dreaded computer-killing leaks.
Most people will tell you that water cooling isn’t necessarily about cost-effectiveness, but rather, a passion project. Some enthusiasts find joy in building loops, while others appreciate the aesthetics and uniqueness of their setups. Factors like noise reduction, system aesthetics, and the challenge of building also play a significant role in the decision. If you’re comparing cooling option vs. cooling option, we’d stick with air cooling even though you’ll probably get better performance out of the custom loop. The costs of custom loops are just too great. If you would be OK with an air cooled solution, go with that. Or better yet, choose an AIO and setting in the middle.
Things To Keep In Mind
There’s going to be opinions on every side of the debate when it comes to liquid vs. air cooling, but there are some things that are generally accepted:
- Space Constraints: In small form factor (SFF) setups, space is a premium. In a lot of cases, air coolers (especially in tight spaces) may be your only viable option.
- Reliability: It’s generally thought that air coolers are more reliable in the long run, with performance not degrading over time and nearly no maintenance (outside of dust). This is true. You don’t have to worry about water leakage and the damage that can cause. You don’t really ever have to do any maintenance with an air cooler. So it can definitely seem like the more reliable option and we don’t disagree with that.
- Heat Management: Liquid coolers excel in managing heat spikes and can transport heat to the edge of the case for efficient expulsion. The way air coolers manage changes in temperature (if they can) would be to boost the spin rate of the fans. That makes even more noise, so it’s not ideal.
- Portability: For those who value portability, air coolers might be preferable due to the risk of liquid leaks, the weight of the components involved, etc. This is only a real concern if you are planning on moving your system around though.
- Build Complexity: The difficulty of building a water cooled system using an AIO is a notch or two higher as you have to properly mount the radiator to your case and the block to the chip. Let’s say this jump is like going from middle school to high school. Not all cases will work so make sure you are picking compatible components. Once you start getting into custom water cooling systems with soft tubing you’re talking about jumping from high school to college in terms of difficulty. And if you ever venture out into the world of hard tubing you’re well on your way to getting your PHD. I’m not sure if the analogy holds, but it does take a special breed of person to be able to craft a custom hard-tube loop and do it in a way where it looks great and doesn’t leak.
- Cost: With an air cooler you’re in and out for either no additional cost (with a stock cooler that would be bundled with your CPU) or somewhere between $20-$100. When you jump to an AIO you’re looking at $50-$200 for the cooler alone – not to mention the additional costs associated with your case, other accessories you may need, etc. Once you jump into custom water cooling systems you’ll easily be spending $200-$500 or more (and a lot more for labor if you have someone do it).
Conclusion
Both liquid cooling and fans have their merits. Liquid cooling excels in efficiency, aesthetics, and often provides quieter operation. However, fan cooling is generally more affordable, reliable, and requires less maintenance. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to your budget, performance needs, and how much time you’re willing to invest in maintenance. Whichever route you choose, ensuring your PC remains cool is paramount for optimal performance and longevity.
This is one of those Coke vs. Pepsi type of debates that has been around forever in the PC community – but especially in more recent years as liquid cooling has become a much more possible option for a lot of builders. You won’t really find very many passionate people in the “air cooling” camp. Those people are mainly just uninterested in liquid coolers, don’t want to spend the money, and don’t want to do the maintenance. What you will find is a LOT of passionate builders on the liquid side though. So take everything you read with a grain of salt. We’ve seen a lot of people jump into liquid cooling without knowing what they’re getting in to – just because of what they read online. Liquid is best if it’s an option for you, you want to spend the additional money, and you know what you’re doing. If you don’t, then stick with air cooling.
FAQs
- Is liquid cooling safe for my computer?
- When installed correctly and regularly maintained, liquid cooling is safe. However, there’s always a slight risk of leaks, which can be minimized by using high-quality components and regularly inspecting the system.
- Can I combine both liquid cooling and fans in my setup?
- Absolutely! In fact, many PCs use liquid cooling for critical components like the CPU or GPU, while still employing fans for general airflow within the case.
- How often do I need to refill or replace the coolant in a liquid cooling system?
- This varies by system and coolant type, but generally, every 1-2 years is a good rule of thumb.
- Do air coolers work in humid climates?
- Yes, but the efficiency might be slightly reduced. Humidity can affect the heat dissipation capability of air.
- Are there other liquid cooling options besides water?
- While water is the most common, there are specialized coolants available that can improve performance and reduce the risk of algae growth in the system.
- Can I use both air and liquid cooling in my PC?
- Yes, many users opt for a hybrid approach, using liquid cooling for the CPU and air cooling for other components.
- Is liquid cooling safe?
- While there’s always a risk of leaks, modern liquid cooling systems, especially AIOs, are designed to be safe and leak-resistant.
- How often should I maintain my liquid cooling system?
- For custom loops, it’s advisable to check every few months. AIO systems require less frequent checks.
Hi! I’m Eric and I work on the knowledge base at GadgetMates.com. You can see some of my writings about technology, cellphone repair, and computer repair here.
When I’m not writing about tech I’m playing with my dog or hanging out with my girlfriend.
Shoot me a message at ericchan@gadgetmates.com if you want to see a topic discussed or have a correction on something I’ve written.
