Water Cooling / Liquid Cooling for PCs
Are you interested in buying a water cooling system? You're not alone: Water cooling for PC systems is very popular. With the help of liquid coolant, not only visually appealing but also extremely quiet and efficient PC cooling solutions can be realized.
Building a water cooling system is not an easy task. Behind demanding water cooling projects often lie a lot of work, time, and money. With our guide on water cooling, we aim to highlight the advantages of water cooling over traditional air cooling before your purchase and discuss the individual components of a water cooling system.
Liquid Cooling: The Basics
At first glance, cooling a computer using water may seem quite far-fetched to many, after all, clear liquid conducts electricity and could therefore damage hardware components.
Water Cooling vs. Air Cooling
Since powerful PCs with high computational power generally generate a lot of heat energy, this heat must be dissipated as efficiently as possible. Air has some advantages as a cooling medium, but also disadvantages. While it absorbs heat relatively poorly, even at very high volume, it can only transport relatively small amounts of heat.
Air Cooling Faces Space Constraints
Additionally, there is a space problem: There is limited space for heat sinks in the area of the processor, so the maximum possible cooling surface is limited, and thus the cooling performance of a conventional CPU cooler. Even higher performance can often only be achieved with even faster rotating and therefore louder fans. In other words, air cooling for processors and graphics cards has its limits.
Water Conducts Better Than Air
Water, on the other hand, is a nearly ideal cooling medium and can absorb more than 3,000 times as much heat energy as air with the same volume. Additionally, radiators can be mounted on the outer surfaces of current cases, where there is plenty of space and direct access to fresh air outside the case.
More Cooling Surface and Cooling Performance
In a custom water cooling setup, the radiators can also be interconnected. This ensures that the available cooling surface can be maximized. Additionally, the radiators can be equipped with numerous fans to provide additional cooling. Reason enough for enthusiasts and gamers to consider water cooling.
Structure and Functionality of a Computer Water Cooling System
How is a water cooling system structured? Similar to coolant in a car, the water must flow past the heat source in the PC and absorb the generated heat energy. For this purpose, a processor (CPU) or graphics card (GPU) water block made of copper or aluminum with a little thermal paste is mounted directly on the CPU or the graphics processor.
How a Water Block Works
The water block absorbs the heat from the component on one side of the copper wall and transfers it to the water on the other side. The heated coolant is then directed through hoses or hard tubes to a radiator, where it releases its heat to the surrounding air. This process is supported by fans.
What Does the Pump Do in a Water Cooling System?
A pump in the cooling circuit ensures the necessary water circulation in the loop. Ideally, the water pump operates almost silently. Subsequently, the water flows back from the heat exchanger to the hardware component - or to the next component to be cooled. These are the most important components for a functioning water cooling system.
In addition to this basic setup, other components of the computer can of course also be cooled, especially the chipset or voltage regulators of the motherboard, hard drives, or even the memory.
All-in-One or Custom Water-Cooling? The Dilemma
Generally, the choice of water cooling depends on the intended use and budget. The best of air and custom water cooling is combined in compact or all-in-one water cooling systems. A wide selection of these easy-to-mount coolers is offered by various manufacturers. These AIO water coolers are suitable for both quiet and overclocked systems.
Custom Loop: The Best Cooling for Your PC
The top tier is a custom water cooling system, which should be well conceived and planned in advance due to the numerous components that need to be individually acquired. The benefit of such cooling lies in even quieter operation and stronger cooling performance for the CPU and graphics card(s).
The virtually limitless customization options when assembling a custom water cooling system allow for the construction of unique gaming PCs.
The choice of water cooling strongly depends on the future purpose, the available space in the case, and the user's aesthetic preferences. If air cooling is no longer sufficient, a compact water cooling system could be chosen, which, as a pre-filled and ready-to-use all-in-one cooling solution, represents a hybrid of air and custom water cooling. This is evident especially in its easy installation and yet considerable cooling potential. Thanks to closed loops, the maintenance of such a cooling system is also reduced.
Is Water Cooling Worth It?
If you value unique aesthetics or extremely quiet operation, or if you have a high-end system with powerful core components and corresponding heat generation, then without a doubt, a custom water cooling system is worth it for you.
Such a system easily meets the needs for these use cases. The only downsides of a custom cooling solution are the relatively high initial cost and the amount of work involved, which, however, quickly become negligible considering the unique design and enormous performance values.
An All-in-One Water Cooling System is Especially Worth It When:
- You want to achieve the look of water cooling with relatively low cost and installation effort
- You need to quickly dissipate heat generated by the hardware from the case
- You want efficient cooling performance with easy access to the motherboard and safe transportation of the PC
A Custom Water Cooling System is Especially Worth It When:
- You aim for extreme clock rates with as little noise as possible during overclocking
- You prioritize extravagant aesthetics, highest individuality, and the enjoyment of building a water cooling system yourself
- Money and time are not constraints, and you have the craftsmanship skills
All-in-One Water Cooling Systems - The Best of Borth Worlds?
Compact water cooling systems, also known as All-in-One water cooling, are becoming increasingly popular. They represent the perfect compromise between water and air cooling. This is evident compared to air cooling, especially in terms of typically improved cooling performance, lower noise levels, and uncomplicated installation.
Setting up a complete water cooling system (All-in-One water cooling) is quickly explained. The pre-assembled cooling system consists of a closed loop, which is already filled with coolant and, according to the manufacturer's specifications, is completely maintenance-free.
The pump is typically located directly above the CPU cooler, which is usually made of copper and responsible for heat transfer between the CPU and the coolant. The hoses connected to it are firmly attached to the radiator and transport the heat via the coolant to the radiator, where it is expelled with the help of fans.
Doch welche Kompakt-Wasserkühlung wäre nun das richtige Modell für mich? Diese Frage lässt sich pauschal nicht beantworten, da es auch hier stark darauf ankommt, wie viel Platz im Gehäuse zur Verfügung steht und wie viel Kühlleistung benötigt wird. Da die meisten All-in-One-Wasserkühlungen für den Prozessor vorgesehen sind, wäre hier also die Frage, wie hoch die TDP (Thermal Dissipation Power) der CPU in Watt ist. Bei übertakteten CPUs erhöht sich zudem die TDP, sodass ein größeres Modell gewählt werden sollte.
Verschieden große Radiatoren im 120-, 140-, 240-, 280- und 360-Millimeter-Format sorgen für einen entsprechenden Wärmeabtransport. Generell lässt sich ein Prozessor ohne Übertaktung mit jeder All-in-One-Wasserkühlung kühlen. Wenn der Faktor Übertaktung jedoch eine Rolle spielt, sollte man sich eher für eines der größeren Modelle entscheiden. In unserer Kategorie für Kompakt-Wasserkühlungen bzw. Wakü-Sets finden sich leistungsstarke Modelle jeder Größe, die auch optisch einiges hermachen.
But which compact water cooling would be the right model for you? This question cannot be answered universally because it strongly depends on the available space in your case and the amount of cooling power needed. Since most All-in-One water coolers are intended for the processor, the question here would be how high the TDP (Thermal Dissipation Power) of the CPU is in watts. In the case of overclocked CPUs, the TDP also increases, so a larger model should be chosen accordingly.
Different-sized radiators in 120mm, 140mm, 240mm, 280mm, 360mm and 420mm formats ensure appropriate heat dissipation. In general, a processor without overclocking can be cooled with any All-in-One water cooler. However, if overclocking is a factor, it is advisable to opt for one of the larger models. In our category for compact water coolers or AIO sets, you'll find powerful models of every size that also look great.
The Custom Water Cooling and Its Components
Custom water cooling systems, as the name suggests, are entirely composed of individually selected components that must be assembled with meticulous attention to detail. With this method, undoubtedly the most powerful water cooling setups can be created, which can meet high demands for both quiet operation and unique aesthetics.
The Pump - The Heart of a Water Cooling System
The most crucial part of any water cooling setup is the pump, as it ensures the movement of the coolant in the loop. It is responsible for transporting heat from the heat source to the radiator.
Since most pumps are powerful enough for extensive water cooling loops, factors such as noise level, compatibility with other components, and control options via USB, manual controller, or PWM signal play a role in the purchasing decision. In our pump category, you will find popular pumps such as the Laing D5, Laing DDC, or the Aquastream from aqua computer, along with various useful accessories.
Before starting up your water cooling system, make sure that the pump is always submerged in water and does not run dry, as this could damage the mechanics. Always observe the basic rule that the reservoir is directly connected to the suction side before the pump.
Air should be avoided throughout the entire loop. To achieve this, the reservoir can be filled and emptied multiple times with the help of the pump, allowing the loop to be quickly and reliably purged of air.
Reservoirs
The reservoir, or expansion tank, serves several purposes in a custom water cooling setup. Firstly, it acts as a collection point for any air bubbles remaining in the loop, preventing them from re-entering the cooling circuit.
Secondly, it provides sufficient coolant reserves to compensate for fluid loss through evaporation, thereby extending maintenance intervals. Our wide range of expansion tanks and compatible accessories offers the right design for every taste.
Reservoirs come in various sizes and shapes, often serving as the visual centerpiece of a custom water cooling loop. They are easily showcased and prominently display the movement of the coolant.
The outer walls are typically transparent, crafted from either acrylic or borosilicate glass, with the latter being significantly more durable and scratch-resistant. During installation, it's crucial to ensure that the filling port is easily accessible, simplifying the later process of adding coolant.
Distro-Plates: Distribution Plates for Water Cooling
Distro-Plates, also known as distribution plates, are a relatively new innovation gaining traction among PC enthusiasts. These plates can be mounted at various positions within the case, serving as a reservoir. Just like with many reservoirs, digital RGB LED lighting is a popular trend here.
Moreover, Distro-Plates simplify the routing of hard tubes. Most models are optimized so that the inlet and outlet ports for components are positioned close to the hardware, allowing for straight tube runs. In addition to universal distribution plates, specialized versions are also available, designed to be compatible with specific cases by, for example, replacing the front panel glass.
CPU, GPU, Motherboard, RAM & Storage Cooling Solutions
For a reliable liquid cooling setup, each component requiring cooling needs a tailored heatsink, ideally made from copper for optimal heat conductivity. A prime example of this is CPU water blocks. The coolant flows through fine channel structures within the heatsink, absorbing the heat generated by the component. Subsequently, the heated coolant is transported to the radiator.
Radiators - More Cooling Surface Area, Better Performance
Radiators are responsible for transferring heat to the air and come in various sizes. Generally, the larger the radiator surface area, the more heat can be dissipated. Depending on the available space in the case and required performance, radiators with 120mm or 140mm fans may be the right choice.
What Radiator Sizes Are Available and What Do They Mean?
Heat exchangers labeled as 120, 240, 360, and 480 are designed for 120mm fans, while 140, 280, 420, and 560 are intended for 140mm fans. This corresponds to the number of fans mounted on the radiator, ranging from one to four. Typically, the width of the radiator matches the fan width. The length is determined by the number of fans; thus, a 280mm radiator is at least 280mm long.
Besides the length and width of the radiator, its depth is also important. A thicker radiator has more surface area for fins, potentially achieving higher cooling performance but also taking up more space. However, the thicker the radiator, the more powerful the fans need to be.
Another criterion when choosing a radiator is the fin density (LPI). A high fin density requires a fan with high static pressure, while a low fin density benefits from a fan with high airflow. Our extensive radiator category offers a wide range of options and is a helpful resource in making this decision.
Connectors, Soft Tubes & Hard Tubes
Depending on the size and number of components in the custom water cooling loop, different numbers of connectors are required. Since it's a closed loop, most components have at least two standardized G1/4-inch threaded ports used to connect the components.
Usually, connectors need to be purchased separately, so the user must carefully consider how many are needed before assembly. Our extensive range of connectors offers a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, ensuring the perfect realization of your future project.
To create a complete loop, all components must be connected together. This can be achieved either using flexible tubes or through rigid tubes, known as hard tubes. For beginners, using flexible tubes is definitely recommended, as they only need to be cut to the appropriate length and connected to the components.
Enthusiasts and DIY enthusiasts can also use rigid tubes as connectors. These are usually made of materials like acrylic, PETG, or even brass, providing a much sleeker look. However, using rigid tubes requires a certain level of craftsmanship to bend them according to your desired specifications.
Coolant & Maintenance
A cooling system naturally requires a coolant, and there are several points to consider here as well. In general, normal tap water should never be used. Tap water contains minerals or small impurities that can damage the system over time, and chemical reactions can even cause corrosion.
For example, distilled water would be suitable, ideally mixed with a corrosion inhibitor. This helps prevent the mentioned damage. Alternatively, various manufacturers offer pre-mixed coolants in different colors or with UV reactivity. These are available in our coolant category.
Generally, about one liter of coolant is usually sufficient for a loop with CPU and GPU coolers along with two radiators. Additionally, attention must be paid to the volume of the tubing or hard tubes, as this can increase the coolant requirement. In terms of maintenance, the water cooling system should be cleaned every 12 months or sooner if visible particles or cloudiness are present. To clean it, the entire loop must be drained, flushed with distilled water, and refilled with fresh coolant.
Control & Configuration
A complex custom water cooling setup with multiple radiators, pumps, fans, LEDs, and sensors requires a professional control center to manage all connected components. This allows for programming the behavior of the water cooling system down to the smallest detail.
Furthermore, useful information about software or hardware can be displayed, keeping the user informed about all values. In our category for water cooling controllers, you'll find numerous components for water cooling setups that enable convenient management or can serve as useful assistants.
Nitrogen Cooling for PC - What is it exactly?
Nitrogen cooling is a special form of PC cooling typically used by extreme overclockers and record hunters to push components like processors, graphics cards, or memory to their performance limits.
It involves using liquid nitrogen, which boils at a temperature of -196 °C, providing extreme cooling performance and allowing significantly more performance to be squeezed out of hardware. However, nitrogen cooling is not suitable for everyday use due to its complex setup, the need for continuous refilling of liquid nitrogen, and the high costs involved.
For those who still want to experiment with nitrogen cooling and chase overclocking records, our category for nitrogen cooling offers useful accessories for a professional setup.
What should you consider with nitrogen cooling?
Cooling PC components using nitrogen is recommended exclusively for experts in the field who already have a lot of experience. It's important to note that metal parts should never be touched with bare hands, as serious injuries can occur due to the extreme cold.
Additionally, liquid nitrogen cooling should only be used in well-ventilated environments. It's also crucial to avoid using liquid oxygen under any circumstances.
