Liquid and Air Coolers

Air and liquid coolers are devices mounted on top of the CPU to keep temperatures low, preventing overheating that can lead to system instability or failure. Liquid coolers, also known as AIOs (All-In-One), are compact cooling systems where a liquid is pumped through a water block and then flows through a radiator, dissipating heat with the help of fans.

We recommend using liquid coolers, especially if you're planning to overclock. Next-generation CPUs tend to reach higher temperatures due to increased power, and air coolers may no longer be sufficient to keep those temperatures under control.

Things to Consider When Buying an AIO Cooler

COMPATIBILITY AND SIZES

Before choosing a radiator size, make sure your PC case has enough space to accommodate it. Larger cases can easily support bigger radiators, while more compact cases may only fit smaller ones.
You should also ensure that the cooler is compatible with your CPU socket.

Radiator size is usually expressed in millimeters and refers to the surface area used to dissipate heat. Radiators can range from 120 mm to over 420 mm in length, and their thickness can vary from 25 mm to 60 mm. It’s also important to check if the thickness of the AIO fits your case.

The most common sizes are:

• 240mm – mounts 2x 120mm fans

• 280mm – mounts 2x 140mm fans

• 360mm – mounts 3x 120mm fans

• 420mm – mounts 3x 140mm fans

PUMP AND FANS

Check the quality of the pump and the fans included with the liquid cooler. A high-quality pump and efficient fans can greatly improve overall cooling performance.

While liquid coolers are generally quieter than air coolers—since they don’t require high-speed fans—make sure to check reviews to see how much noise the pump and fans generate.

CONTROL SOFTWARE

Some liquid coolers come with control software that allows you to monitor and adjust cooling performance in real time. This includes changing fan speeds, pump speeds, RGB lighting, and in some cases, LCD screen displays.

RECOMMENDED COOLERS

Before purchasing a cooler, it’s essential to check its compatibility with your case size. You can use THIS site to help with compatibility checks.

Invest in a reputable brand of liquid cooler to ensure long-term durability and reliability. Poor-quality components can lead to leaks or malfunctions, potentially damaging your system.

Avoid 120mm liquid coolers and standard stock coolers that come bundled with CPUs.

For more details on optimizing airflow, mounting the cooler, and applying thermal paste, we recommend reading the AIRFLOW guide.
Be sure to carefully follow the manual’s instructions to install the cooler properly and ensure optimal system performance.