Let's take a dive into the universe of PC gamers! Yes, we're talking about that crucial component for keeping your processor's heat under control: CPU coolers. Today, the PC world is divided between two tribes: air coolers, which rely on the power of air to keep things cold, and water coolers, which make a splash with a liquid solution. But after all, which one is best for your gaming setup?
What are the main differences between these Coolers?
What is an air cooler?
Before we get into the cooler wars, it's important to understand the basics. An air cooler is a cooling system that relies on the power of air to dissipate heat from your processor. Simple, right? But don't underestimate its effectiveness!
How does the air cooler get rid of heat?
Well, experts explain that air coolers use a composition of metals, commonly copper, aluminum and, in some cases, silver, to absorb and conduct heat away from the processor. Copper tubes, known as heatpipes, are responsible for transporting this heat to small metal plates called heatsinks, where one or two fans come into action to dissipate this heat away.
And what happens if the animal catches it?
Imagine, your processor is heating up and desperately needs a refresh. It transfers heat to the base of the cooler, which in turn sends heat to the heatpipes. These guys are responsible for sending the heat to the halides, where the fans come into action and throw the heat out of your case. It's like a game of hot ticket but with electronic components!
Fans, metal and a lot of heat being expelled (Image:
So what are the advantages and disadvantages of air coolers?
Benefits? Affordable price, ease of assembly and less noise - in general, these are the heroes of gaming PCs who don't want to spend a fortune on cooling. As for the disadvantages? Well, if you're dreaming of insane overclocks, air coolers may not do the job. But for most gamers, they get the job done!
And what the hell is a water cooler?
Now, let's talk about the wet side of the force: water coolers. These guys rely on a special liquid to keep your processor's temperature in check. Chic, right?
And how does this work in practice?
Water coolers are a little more complex. They have a pump to circulate the coolant (no tap water here!) through tubes to a radiator, where the heat is expelled by the fans. It's an almost magical process!
"The technology used in the pump, the quality of the hoses and components, dissipation of the halides inside the radiator, the composition of the coolant. All of this counts a lot, as it is a very strong synergy of components", emphasizes Anderson.
The water cycle on your PC (Image:
And why choose a water cooler?
If you are dreaming of a respectable setup, water coolers are the right choice. They offer superior performance, an out-of-this-world aesthetic with lights and, to top it all off, they free up space inside the cabinet for everyone to breathe!
But not everything is perfect...
Of course, water coolers can be heavy on your wallet and installation is not as simple as air coolers. Additionally, down the road, you may need a little basic maintenance to ensure everything continues to work as it should.
So, how do you decide between an air cooler and a water cooler?
The answer isn't as simple as choosing between Mario and Luigi. You need to consider what you expect from your PC, how much you are willing to spend and, of course, the look of your setup. Ultimately, both air coolers and water coolers have their place in the world of gaming PCs.
So, ready to keep your PC cool while playing that gaming marathon?
