Suppose! You are tired of your CPU overheating or don’t want to deal with your PC’s complications while gaming or working. It is not simple to find a perfect cooling solution, but we still have some options to resolve it.
A liquid CPU cooler has one job: to handle all of the heat generated by the CPU and keep the internals at nice low temperatures. Traditional computers use heatsinks, special metal blocks that rest on top of the CPU and facilitate airflow. Modern PCs use liquid cooling, which might sound counterintuitive, but it’s actually the most efficient way to handle heat. Essentially, cold liquid flows through tubes to keep the CPU temperature low, and multiple fans work together to push all the hot air out as exhaust.
Liquid cooling offers a number of benefits over air cooling, not the least of which is bragging rights and quieter operating temperatures. Check out the buying guide below if you find yourself with any questions- otherwise, let’s dive right into our top picks!
Air Coolers VS. Liquid Coolers
Air coolers depend on two major components: the fan and heatsink. The aim of the heatsink, which is typically designed with high heat-conducting materials such as aluminum or a mixture of copper and aluminum is to remove heat from the processor. However, there is a limit to the heat that can be absorbed by the heatsink before it is dissipated. The fan, therefore, functions to prevent the heatsink from overheating by continuously spinning to ensure that cool air continuously runs through the system.
Liquid heating on the other part has more parts than an air cooler: pump, radiator, hoses, and fan. While air cooling depends on the proper circulation of air through the heatsink, liquid cooling utilizes a similar method but uses liquid rather than air. The liquid coolant, which is mostly water, is circulated through hoses that connect the parts that need to be cooled.
However, just circulating the water isn’t enough, which is why the liquid cooler has its own type of heatsink, a radiator. our top review best weather radio. To also prevent the radiator from overheating, the fan ensures that cool air runs through it at all times.
Liquid CPU Coolers Features
Once you have a general idea of what you need out of your liquid CPU cooler, it’s time to start shopping. Pay the closest attention to these features:
- Socket compatibility. CPUs come in a variety of form factors and plug directly into your motherboard, which acts as a socket for the CPU itself. Because CPU form factors are so specific and varied, they require that any liquid CPU cooler comes in the same form factor. The bottom line is that once you know what type of CPU socket your current motherboard and CPU use, you can buy a liquid CPU cooler built for the same socket type.
- LED lighting. If you’re a fan of lighting up your PC case, we’ve got good news for you: most liquid CPU coolers come with LED lights so you can decorate the interior to your heart’s content. Lighting is purely a matter of taste, but if you’re into it, you might want to compare your lighting options.
- Wattage. Like everything else in your PC, your CPU cooler draws power, and you’ll want to make sure that both your motherboard and power supply will work with the liquid CPU cooler you buy.
5 Best Liquid CPU Coolers of 2021:
1. ASUS ROG RYUJIN
ASUS ROG RYUJIN Liquid cooler is the ultimate product specifically designed for high-end builds to provide top-class thermal performance. It features Noctua industrial fans for maximum cooling and quieter operation. It has an underneath fan in the pump housing for extra and improved cooling to the M.2 and VRM.
The excellent thermal solution compelled to become an essential part of your high-end gaming rig. It works great, fantastic, but some buyers complained about its high price, and the overall look could be more durable. Some buyers also said that the cover is not of good quality and could be scratched very quickly.
The overall installation procedure is straightforward, and the performance is impressive. Moreover, it is the world’s first AIO cooler that features an implant 1.77inch LiveDash color OLED that shows useful system details such as voltages, temperatures, frequencies, and fan speeds. It is also compatible with a vast range of AMD and Intel motherboard platforms, which gives you the complete flexibility to match it with the processor of your class and choice. It also features 38cm of tubing to make routing and to mount more uncomplicated and comfortable.
- Solid radiator
- It’s quiet and cool
- Customizable OLED screen
- Noisy under heavy loads
2. DEEPCOOL Castle 360EX
The users loved the performance of this liquid cooler and were impressed by the aesthetics of the radiator as well. It is easy to install, and the material is of high-quality, which is why its performance is so stellar. The RGB controller is also very easy to use and comes with a different array of colors and lights.
This is an amazing liquid cooler intended for heavy usage. If you are an avid gamer who loves playing games with heavy graphics, then this is the one for you. It makes the CPU last longer and looks aesthetically pleasing as well. Moreover, it is a great cooler to have if you are looking for a beautiful and colorful cooler.
If you’re on the hunt for a cooler that looks amazing and has incredible performance, then this is the one you need. With its impeccable features and high-quality build, it is guaranteed to make your CPU last longer and your computer experience much better.
- Anti-leak system makes it safe to use
- This is very easy to install in an AMD system
- Comes with a host of amazing features at a great value
- Performance of this liquid CPU cooler is one of the most impressive ones in the market
- At 1800 RPM, there is some noise
- Instructions may not be clear for some
3. Noctua D-Type Premium CPU Cooler
Noctua is a name I hadn’t heard a whole lot about so I was curious to take a closer look. What I found certainly impressed me and gave me plenty of food for thought. Take a look for yourself and see if you want to add it to your shortlist…
By controlling the speed of the onboard fan through the motherboard, you’ll have some interesting new functionality. One thing is for sure: if your fan is going faster than it needs to, then you’re wasting power. Wasted power means reduced performance which means slower processing speeds. When you put it like that, then it starts to make sense doesn’t it? By dropping from 1500 to 1200 rpm automatically, I think you can really optimize things and push your speeds up.
The fin-stack looks a little different due to its asymmetry. Rather than being purely for show, there’s a clear, practical reason behind it: room for more hardware. It ensures that the Noctua will clear more of the motherboard slots that can be blocked off when you invest heavily in cooling. That will enable you to add more processing and memory power to your tower without compromising on cooling capability.
- Triple-fan with large surface radiator
- LEDs Sync with motherboard software
- Higher performance at a lower temperature
- No software control
4. Corsair Hydro Series H100i v2 Liquid CPU Cooler
Corsair Hydro Series H100i v2 is one of the best high-performance dual-fan liquid CPU coolers that you can buy for your processor. It comes with a big 240mm radiator and two 120mm fans for much better cooling performance.
The liquid cooler has all copper base plate for excellent heat dissipation. The thermal compound comes pre-applied with the cooler. It also comes with an in-built Corsair Link using which you can customize the cooling performance, change the color of RGB LED light and monitor coolant and temperatures. The cooler supports major Intel and AMD Sockets including AM4 Socket.
For AM4 Bracket you need to contact Corsair. The SP120L PWM fans on the radiator offer great performance but they may be a bit loud for some users. This is a high-end liquid CPU cooler for users with top-end processors and overclockers. Highly Recommended by me.
- Solid mounting
- Silent performer
- Cool temperatures under heavy load
- No detailed instructions
5. EVGA CLC CPU Liquid Cooler 400-HY-CL
EVGA CLC CPU Liquid Cooler 400-HY-CL is the perfect cooler that is easy to install because of its small size. It is an all-in-one cooling solution that is entirely self-contained. It doesn’t need maintenance and custom tubing, and you need to be plugged and played. Its unique wiring system makes this cooler more comfortable without messy wires. It features a copper base, which offers maximum heat dissipation. It also features a built-in 120mm radiator and 120mm fan that enables dissipation of heat to maintain the CPU’s cooling system.
The elite-class liquid cooler provides you the remarkable performance, healthy software controls, and fantastic performance. The fan is specially designed to make less noise, deliver superior airflow and static pressure. It has excellent performance, but some users complained about the poor mounting design, and the included fan is satisfactory. They suggested replacing the fan with the better one.
On the other hand, the latest cooling block offers a better flow rate and heat transfer surface area for excellent and efficient cooling solutions. The EVGA, as always, introduced premium fans that are built for high-end cooling and silent noise. Its stylish blade design provides brilliant cooling performance, and curved housing minimizes the noise level. Moreover, the Teflon Nano Bearings guarantee a long-life span. It is the best CPU cooler that helps you use your processor for long hours.
- Lowest noise level
- Pretty small and easy to install
- Designed without messy wires
- Poor mounting design
Conclusion
In the end I would like to say that if you are a hardcore gamer, performance enthusiast and an overclocker then you must get a good liquid CPU cooler for your high-end Intel or AMD processor. The performance of CPU water coolers or liquid CPU coolers is far better than the Stock coolers or aftermarket Air CPU coolers. Also, they are less noisy than the CPU air coolers. If you have any queries then feel free to ask me by leaving a comment below.