Which Type of CPU Cooler Is Better?

I. Introduction

Most CPUs will go to their “fail-safe” position of shutting down when the temperature rises to 100°C. That's why you need a CPU cooler that can remove all the heat from the CPU. Modern gaming processors require 170W of heat transfer to maintain stable operating temperatures. To achieve such high heat transfer rates, CPU cooler manufacturers will offer an air-based cooler or a water-based CPU cooler.

To understand which type of CPU cooler is better, we need to dive deep into the advantages and disadvantages of each CPU cooler. In some cases, an air-cooler will offer more value and performance in comparison to a liquid cooler. Whereas there can be a computer configuration that can only house a water-based cooler. This article will explore these two choices and explain why each has its importance and relevance for certain scenarios.

II. Understanding CPU Cooling Basics

CPUs dissipate heat from their Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS). To remove that heat from the IHS, we need a CPU cooler that thermally bonds with the surface using a thermal paste. The heat is transferred to the metal parts of the CPU cooler, and then it is finally transferred to the surrounding air. Let's first discuss the factors that can affect the performance of a CPU cooler.

Key Performance Factors of CPU Coolers

• Airflow Design: The cooler should efficiently remove heat from the fins of the CPU cooler or radiator. Smoother flow means lower noise levels.
• Material Quality: Utilizing premium materials, such as copper, enables a compact design and improved thermal performance. The combination of copper base and aluminum fins is considered best for gaming.
• Noise Levels: Removing high heat requires the use of fast-rotating fans and a pump. It can lead to higher noise levels. Fans with high static pressure typically produce less noise. A noisy computer can disrupt your gaming experience. Therefore, it should be a consideration.
• Compatibility: Ensure that the CPU cooler is compatible with the CPU socket of your PC.
• Number of Fans: A Higher number of fans typically means better air flow and heat transfer. Though it can lead to an increase in noise.
• Pump Build Quality: The quality of the pump, including its rotational speed and flow rate, can also determine the quality of the CPU cooler.

Additional Modern Cooler Features

• ARGB Lighting: For premium aesthetics, an ARGB lighting with good control is essential.
• Temperature Control: Feedback-based temperature control can lead to lower noise levels.
• Digital Display: For insight into the live processor temperature, some coolers may feature an on-board digital display or an LED screen.
• Shock and Vibration Control: The use of rubber pads and insulating material at points of contact can significantly reduce rattling and vibrational noise. 

III. Air Coolers: Simplicity and Reliability

Air coolers have been around for quite some time. Removing heat using a fan that directly cools the fins, thermally coupled with the CPU, is the most mature technology. It is simple, making it easy to install and use. Moreover, the air cooler moves air inside the PC case, which offers an additional cooling benefit to other PC components like RAM and the motherboard chipset.

A. Design and Operation

There are many ways that CPU cooler manufacturers can design an air cooler. However, the core components remain the same:

• Base: The base is the part that takes heat from the CPU. It can be heat pipes directly contacting the CPU IHS, or it can be a metal lock made of copper that helps carry heat from the CPU to the heat pipes.
• Heat Pipes: The heat pipes carry the heat from the base to the fins. They can contain liquid that passively moves inside the heat pipes due to a temperature difference. The higher the number of heat pipes, the greater the heat transfer capacity.
• Aluminum Fins: These provide a large surface area for the heat to transfer. The fan moves the air over the fins' large surface area to transfer heat to the environmental air.
• Fan System: These are fans designed to induce enough static pressure to pull air in between the fins efficiently without producing much noise.

*Example: ESGAMING T2-2F (6 heat pipes, dual tower, ARGB sync, low-noise <33 dB)

B. Advantages of Air Cooling

✔ Less Power Consumption

✔ Cooling of Surrounding Components

✔ Convenient Installation

✔ Mature Technology and Widely Available

✔ Quiet performance with proper fan design (e.g., sickle blade noise-reduction).

C. Limitations of Air Cooling

✘ A bulkier size may block RAM slots.

✘ Not Suitable for Extreme Overclocking

✘ Height Limited by PC Case Side Panel

IV. Liquid Coolers: Performance and Customization (300 words)

Liquid coolers are the latest and provide the highest heat removal capacity. They utilize a pump that circulates liquid flowing from the ase in contact with the IHS. The liquid flows to the radiator that contains lots of fins with a high surface area. A set of fans installed on the radiator removes the heat from the fins and transfers it to the surrounding air.

A. How They Work

Liquid coolers can offer massive cooling capability owing to the combination of components as mentioned here:

• Pump: It is the primary component that moves the liquid within the fixed or flexible piping network that connects the base with the radiator.
• Water Block: It is the assembly that contains the pump, and some high-tech liquid coolers will offer a programmable LED display. While some just might feature a brand logo. A higher-efficiency pump with more pressure can lead to lower noise and improved peak performance.
• Tubing: Flexible tubing with braided sheaths is the most popular design. They are sleek and easily maneuverable, ensuring a clean build with good airflow.
• Radiator: The size of the radiator is the primary indicator of a liquid cooler's capacity. The most popular designs are 120/240/360 mm. However, the PC case must be compatible with the radiator size to ensure a proper fit. Moreover, the use of high-quality material like copper fins can also result in more heat transfer in less area.
• Fans: The number of fans typically depends on the size of the radiator, which is 120mm in width. The width of the radiator is usually a multiple of 120mm.

*Example: ESGAMING RGB01 (120/240/360 mm, intelligent temp control, copper base, S-shaped fins).

B. Advantages of Liquid Cooling

✔ Suitable For Extreme Overclocking

✔ Comprehensive Customizable Display

✔ Multiple Sizes for Different Cases (120 mm to 360 mm)

✔ Suitable for Compact Console-Like PC Cases

C. Limitations of Liquid Cooling (50 words)

✘ Higher Cost and Complexity

✘ Prone to Leakages

✘ Pump failure risk

V. Comparing Performance, Noise, and Aesthetics

To fully understand the difference between an air cooler and a liquid cooler. Consider these examples:

VI. Conclusion

Both types of coolers offer benefits of their own. However, as a user, you need to evaluate your needs and aesthetic requirements to choose the right one. CPU cooler manufacturers will offer both types with varying TDP (thermal design power). Users can check the TDP of their CPU, add some headspace, and look for the cooler that supports the heat transfer. In summary:

• Air coolers = quieter, reliable, cost-friendly, but bulkier.
• Liquid coolers = sleeker, better for extreme workloads, but pricier and slightly riskier.