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Whether you are building or upgrading a high-performance PC, you need to pay good attention to cooling. Cooling systems are becoming more and more advanced and having an advanced cooling system is therefore more crucial than ever. It is especially the powerful processors which are pushing the thermal thresholds, which means that selecting the right cooling system can make the difference between optimal performance or facing damages related to overheating.
Why cooling matters
Heat has always and will forever be the number one enemy of computer performance. With both CPU’s and GPU’s working harder than ever, heat is constantly generated. If this excessive heat is not managed, it can result in reduced performance of your PC, crashes, or even permanent damage. As most modern-day setups both entails gaming PCs, workstations, and overclocking setup, an efficient cooling system can prevent thermal throttling, meaning that components will automatically slow down when they overheat.
There are two primary types of coding solutions which are dominating the market currently: air coolers and liquid coolers. Both types have advantages, and as new innovations continue to push the features of both categories, the efficiency continues to reach new heights, while reaching improved noise levels and a price-performance balance.
Air coolers: The popular choice
Among PC builders, air coolers have been a popular choice for long, since they are known for their simplicity, affordability, and reliability. The setup of an air cooler is simple: It draws heat from the CPU or GPU with a metal heat sink, and then it dissipates it by using one or more fans. Although the base of the design is simple, air coolers have evolved over the years and is now offering advanced thermal designs.
One top pick for an air cooler in 2024 is the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO. By most users, this has been hailed as one of the best air coolers in 2024 due to the balance of performance and cost. The setup consists of two 120mm fans which provides very efficient heat dissipation, while still having low noise levels. Phantom Spirit is ideal for mid-range to high-end setups, meaning it can deal with even the most power-hungry CPUs. Another top pick is the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE, which is especially sought out by people on a budget. This air cooler has a modest price, but can cool up to 200 watts, which makes it the perfect match for modern high-performance processors. With a large heat sink and a dual-fan setup, this air cooler is exceptional in cooling without spending your whole budget.
Liquid coolers: Superior cooling performance
Liquid coolers and All-in-One (AIO) solutions have become more and more popular within the past years. The reason for this is the superior cooling performance the liquid coolers can offer, with low noise levels and high performance. This makes this solution ideal both for gamers, whether you are gaming WoW or Gonzo’s Quest, content creators, and anyone who find themselves pushing their PCs to their limits. The setup of AIO coolers is simple, as it uses a liquid loop to transfer heat away from the CPU and to a radiator, which is then cooled by fans. One top pick for liquid coolers in 2024 is the Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT, which has won the heart of many high-end users. This solution offers top-tier cooling performance for any CPU due to the 420mm radiator. The size of this solution does require a large case. Opting for this solution does not only bring you outstanding cooling, but also some additional flair to your build with the customizable lighting options.
If you want a more budget-friendly solution, then you can opt for the DeepCool Gammaxx L240 V2 which provides excellent thermal performance, while running quietly at low loads. If you have a mid-range CPU, then this solution is perfect for you. Another option for an excellent 240mm liquid cooler is the Cooler Master MasterLiquid 240 Atmos which is the perfect blend of aesthetic and strong performance. Even during heavy loads, it maintains low noise levels, providing the perfect solution for high-end gaming builders.
Hybrid solutions combining the best of both worlds
You can also find cooling systems which blend air and liquid cooling technologies. One example is the Enermax LiqMaxFlo SR 120mm which has an innovative fan on top of the CPU block. This means it can circulate air around the socket, so it can cool components like VRMs, RAM and CPU.
Opting for hybrid solutions is becoming increasingly popular as the advancement of PCs, especially gaming computers, is making the demand for high-performing cooling systems more crucial than ever. It is a solid decision to make to ensure that your PC can take the heat.
Passive and fan-less cooling? A future outlook
Air and liquid coolers are still the dominating powers of the market. But slowly but steady, both fan-less and passive cooling solutions are gaining traction, especially for ultra-quiet and fan-less builds. What these systems rely on instead are large heatsinks and natural convection, which can dissipate the heat without moving parts.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has introduced the first fan-less direct liquid cooling system in the industry. This has been designed for energy-efficient computing in data centres. Currently, this type of technology is not mainstream for consumer PCs, but it is providing some exciting insights into how the technology of the future might look like.
Considerations when choosing a cooling solution
One important thing to consider when you have to choose a cooling solution is the Thermal Design Power (TDP) of your CPU. For high-end CPUs, especially when designed for overclocking, more heat is generated which consequently requires more robust cooling. Hence, you should always choose a cooling solution which can handle the maximum TDP of your processor. You should also consider the noise levels; especially is you are building a home theatre PC or if you are working in quiet environments. Liquid coolers typically offer the quietest operation; however, most air coolers have become quieter over the years.
Always remember to look out for case compatibility. Larger coolers, especially 360mm and 420 mm AIOs, require compatible case having enough room for the radiator. Lastly, you should always consider the aesthetics. As RGB lighting and transparent side panels in cases are on the rise, aesthetics are playing a larger role in cooling solutions today. For both air and liquid coolers, customizable RGB lighting is a part of the option, which means you can match your cooler to the overall look of your build.
Concluding thoughts
With PC components becoming more and more powerful, it is becoming crucial to have efficient cooling systems to maintain performance and longevity. Whether you choose to go for a traditional air cooler or the sleeker liquid cooling system, the options on the 2024 market are many, with various options to fit both your needs and budget.
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With models excelling in the air cooling category, such as the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO, and models leading the liquid cooling field, such as the Corsair iCUE H170i Elite Capellix XT, it is a perfect time for you to upgrade your system’s cooling capabilities. Doing your research properly means that you can ensure your PC stays cool, quiet, and ready to handle anything. This gives you the best terms for a seamless use of your PC, whether it being for gaming, working, streaming, or other leisure activities.
