The CPU is a powerful piece of hardware that generates significant heat during operation. It needs to be cooled so that it runs at the proper temperature for peak performance and optimal safety. There are two ways to cool a PC: air cooling and liquid cooling. Which one is right for you?
Liquid systems use a radiator and fans to circulate water through the system. The water is heated by the CPU and other components as it passes through them. A baseplate and thermal paste sit between the water block and CPU to improve heat transfer. The hot liquid is then pumped to the radiator, where fans expose it to cold air to cool it down. The cooled liquid is returned to the water block and the cycle repeats.
If you prefer to avoid the hassle of a custom cooling loop, you can buy an all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooling system. These include the water blocks, radiator, and tubing all in a self-contained unit that plugs into your expansion slots or power supply. Some even have a built-in pump to make them more convenient.
Liquid cooling offers limitless possibilities to stylize your build with small displays and colored fluid, though it may require more maintenance than an air-cooled PC. If you’re an advanced computer user that wants to maximize performance and minimize noise, a liquid-cooled system is for you. But casual to intermediate users should probably stick with air cooling.GPU thermal paste