Ultimate PC Cooling Solutions: Air Cooling vs. Liquid Cooling

I. Introduction

Computers, whether gaming, server, workstation, or creator PC, create a lot of heat under load. Removing the heat using a PC cooling solution is key to stable performance. For cooling stability, you need a PC cooling solution. This leads us to the next challenge: selecting between air cooling and liquid cooling. For an educated decision, understanding hardware constraints and personal taste is required. That's what we aim to deliver by the end of the blog.

How do we know that a particular CPU cooler is enough and the graphics card's pre-fitted cooling solution is adequate for gaming? We will answer these questions and explain why and when you need a cooling solution. Furthermore, the blog will also dive deep into the advantages of air cooling and liquid cooling to allow readers to assess their hardware and find a suitable PC cooling solution. Ultimately, we will compare each type head-to-head, making the selection process easier for our readers. Lets begin

II. Why Do You Need PC Cooling?

The Problem: Excess Heat

A typical CPU can release 125W under normal conditions and 325W under peak load conditions. Similarly, the GPU, being the highest power consumer, can have a TDP of 575W. The rising temperature is the result of high current passing from these processors. Higher power means more resistance, leading to an increase in heat production.

The Risks of Overheating

Removing this heat is key to ensuring the processors do not reach their shutoff temperature. Heat in processing components also leads to thermal throttling. It is the process by which CPU, GPU, and storage devices reduce their workload to decrease heat production. This can lead to lagging and a drop in frame rates in games.

Cooling CPUs and GPUs

The most significant contributors to the heat are the CPU and the GPU. A mid-range CPU will come with a stock air cooler, while the high-end models do not include a cooling solution within the box. In comparison, liquid cooling is always installed separately, depending on the heat requirement. A graphics card comes pre-installed with an air cooling solution. However, for enhanced cooling, liquid cooling is also available for graphics cards.

III. Air Cooling: Classic and Reliable

Air cooling is the classic cooling method for components that produce heat. Initially, the heatsinks with fins were installed by designers.  The fins were cooled passively with air while the PC case fans moved air through the case to avoid overheating. However, now heatsinks are fitted with fans to force air over the fin to enhance the cooling effect. These consist of the following main components:

• Heat Sinks
• Heat Pipes
• Fans
• Base

A bigger heat sink, more heatpipes, dual fans, and a fully compatible base can result in better cooling performance in air cooling systems. Superior heat transfer materials, such as copper and aluminum fins, are the most popular choices for compact designs due to their enhanced heat transfer capabilities. Here are some of the key benefits of using an air cooling solution:

A. Enhances Air Flow

Alongside superior heat transfer, air cooling solutions move air at higher velocities over their nearby components. These are typically key components, such as RAM, storage drives, and motherboard chipsets. The result is better overall system performance and longer component life.

B. Lower Moving Parts

An air-based cooling system contains fewer moving parts. It offers advantages over other solutions, as it results in less wear and tear, leading to a longer lifespan. They operate reliably with fans that can provide 100,000 hours of continuous operation before failing.

C. Value for Money

Air coolers are simple to manufacture, which lowers their manufacturing cost. The result is a PC cooling solution that offers exceptional value. Repairing an air cooler is also a convenient and budget-friendly option. All you need to do is replace the fan and apply the thermal paste again to renew the cooler's performance.

D. Overclocking Capability

For gamers and professionals who want to push their hardware to its limits, air coolers can get the job done. There are massive air cooling units by PC cooling manufacturers that can offer high TDP up to 300W. Most modern gaming PCs need 170W TDP cooling or 275W at maximum load.

IV. Liquid Cooling: Space Saving and Powerful

The more advanced and higher TDP liquid cooling is ideal for cramped spaces inside a PC case. Moreover, they are great for cooling CPUs and GPUs with higher TDP. A liquid-based PC cooling solution consists of the following components:

• Water Block
• Pump
• Radiator
• Fans
• Tubing

The working mechanism involves using liquid to transfer heat from the base to a radiator via a pump. There are two types of liquid cooling: a closed-loop or open-loop system. Closed loops are convenient for installation and offer reliability against leakages. Whereas the open loop is much more versatile, allowing for custom configurations and multiple hardware cooling options, it is prone to leakage.

A. Space Saving by Compact Design

The liquid PC cooling solution is generally compact. The radiator is dense with generally S-curve fins that require high-static-pressure fans to pass air through. The water block over the processor also contains a pump, typically with a diameter of 70–80 mm (round) or 75×75 mm (square). It frees up space inside the PC case. For compact PC cases that do not have much space for air flow, use liquid cooling for efficiency.

B. Superior Heat Transfer

Liquid cooling AIO kits come with varying radiator sizes, with 120mm, 240mm, and 360mm being the most popular radiator sizes. These are available in multiples of a single fan's size, which is 120mm.  A bigger size means better heat transfer. A 360mm liquid cooler can transfer 350W while occupying a lower volume in a PC case.

C. Custom Loops for Aesthetics

Some PC cooling manufacturers offer DIY custom loops that users can adjust to transfer heat from multiple components of the PC. However, they are also more aesthetic and give off a more sophisticated look. These are only possible with custom open-loop configurations where there is an additional component of a reservoir.

D. Lower Noise Levels

Owing to the large TDP, the liquid coolers do not operate at their maximum potential, which means that the fans are either at zero speed or rotating slowly. Similarly, the pump does not need to circulate water at the maximum flow rate. The result is a quieter system ideal for work and streaming.

V. Quick Side-by-Side Comparison: Liquid Vs. Air Cooling

Let's compare two well-reputed air and liquid cooling systems and see how they stand up against each other in various aspects of PC cooling:

Conclusion: Which PC Cooling Solution is Better?

The choice between liquid and air-based PC cooling solutions depends on the user. If you want a long-lasting, easy-to-install, and easy-to-maintain cooling solution, then go for an air-based cooling solution. Also consider space constraints within the PC case when selecting the air-based cooler, especially the distance between the CPU top and the side panel.

In case you are an enthusiast for gaming or have a high workstation load, then consider liquid cooling, as it has a higher heat removal capacity. It also takes up less space inside the PC case, making it ideal for a compact or console-like PC case.

If you are looking for a high-end PC cooling manufacturer that offers incredible value for money with high-quality products, then consider visiting the ESGAMING lineup. They offer an extensive lineup ranging from low TDP to high TDP solutions.