Heat is an inevitable byproduct of demanding workloads and a key factor in the overall performance of your PC hardware. Overheated components cause slowdown and may even be damaged. The ideal setup cools the critical components without impairing performance, enabling you to enjoy the most demanding workflows.
Most PCs rely on air cooling to dispel excess heat. A microchip warms the heat sink, which then warms the air, and a fan moves this warm air out of the case. This is fine for most computers, but some high-end processors produce more heat than simple air circulation can dispel. So too do components that have been overclocked (handicapped to run faster than their stock speed).
Liquid cooling uses a radiator and pump to cool the computer, much like a car’s heater core does. The radiator is designed specifically for liquid cooling or can be a standard one used in a car’s heating system in winter. The pumps and reservoir are connected to the radiator with quick-connect barbs that can be easily detached for maintenance. Tubing runs from the pump to the CPU water block and, close to the CPU, a Y branch goes to the video chipset. The tubing can be made of plastic or steel, but the best option is copper for its ability to conduct electricity and heat well.
The pump is critical for ensuring adequate fluid flow, which affects heat transfer. The amount of pressure generated by the pump also influences the fluid flow rate. The goal is to get the maximum heat dispersal from the CPU and GPU water blocks while keeping a minimum of pressure in the rest of the loop. It is also important to avoid excessively high flows, which can lead to the evaporation of the coolant.