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How Does Liquid Cooling Work?

First: What is Liquid Cooling?

Liquid cooling is a system used to lower the temperature of a computer or other electronic device by circulating a coolant through its internal components. The coolant, which is usually water or a water-based solution, absorbs heat from the PC and carries it away, keeping the PC cooler than if it were relying on air cooling alone.

How does liquid cooling differ from air cooling?

A traditional air cooling system uses a fan and heat sink to move heat away from the CPU. A liquid cooling system uses a water pump and radiator to move heat away from the CPU.

In terms of performance, the advantages of liquid cooling compared to air cooling can be broken down into 4 main points:

1. Liquid cooling is more effective at removing heat from components than air cooling.

2. Liquid cooling does not rely on air flow to cool components, so it is not affected by dust buildup or other air flow obstructions.

3. Liquid cooling can be used to cool components that generate a lot of heat, such as high-end graphics cards or processors.

4. Liquid cooling is less likely to cause noise pollution than air cooling, as the fans used for liquid cooling are typically quieter than the fans used for air cooling.

Benefits of Liquid Cooling

It’s a scientific fact that water cooling is more efficient and better suited for absorbing and transferring heat than air cooling.

Looking beyond the empirical data, our AIO liquid cooling products provide real world benefits of increased performance and quieter operation in a reliable and proven package. Whether you’re a gamer or a professional using high-volume video editing, engineering, financial software or something in between, liquid cooling offers improved performance, quality and reliability benefits.

Does liquid cooling need to be refilled?

Most liquid cooling systems don’t need to be refilled. They’re like sealed containers filled with a special liquid that doesn’t evaporate or leak out. Once you set it up, you don’t have to worry about adding more liquid to it. So liquid cooling systems don’t need to be refilled.

What is the disadvantages of liquid cooling?

Liquid cooling systems are typically more expensive and require more maintenance. Additionally, there’s a risk of leaks, which could damage computer components, and the systems tend to be bulkier, occupying more space in the computer case. Despite its disadvantages, it’s important to note that liquid cooling generally outperforms air cooling in terms of thermal efficiency and overall performance

Is liquid cooling actually better?

In simple words: Liquid cooling is better at cooling down components because it can remove heat faster than air. In powerful or overclocked computers that produce a lot of heat, liquid cooling keeps temperatures lower, which helps maintain steady performance and prevents overheating. Liquid can absorb and get rid of heat more efficiently than air, so it keeps things cooler even when the computer is working hard.

Read more about liquid cooling vs air cooling.

What is the lifespan of AIO liquid cooler?

The lifespan of an All-in-One (AIO) liquid cooler depends on how much you use it, how well it’s made, and how you take care of it. It’s important to keep it clean, make sure air can flow around it, and check for any leaks or damage regularly. By doing these things and replacing any worn-out parts on time, you can make your AIO liquid cooler last longer and work better.

Learn more about liquid cooling here.

How long does liquid cooling last?

Liquid cooling systems typically last between 3 to 7 years, depending on the quality of the components, usage, and maintenance. High-quality systems can last longer, but regular checks for leaks and coolant levels are essential. Proper maintenance, such as cleaning and timely replacement of worn parts, helps extend the lifespan and ensures optimal performance.

What is the science behind liquid cooling?

Heat transfer is a basic idea in thermodynamics, where heat moves from one place to another. This happens in three main ways: conduction, convection, and radiation. Conduction is the direct transfer of heat through a solid, convection happens through the movement of liquids or gases, and radiation transfers heat through electromagnetic waves without needing a medium. Liquid cooling systems for computers mainly use conduction and convection to remove heat from important parts and keep temperatures low.

In a liquid cooling system, heat is removed from critical computer parts using a liquid coolant. It starts with a water block attached to the CPU or GPU, where the coolant absorbs the heat through conduction. A pump then moves the heated coolant through tubes to a radiator. The radiator, with fans, releases the heat into the air through convection. Liquids can hold and transfer more heat than air, so they cool components better and keep temperatures lower.

How does liquid cooling stay cool?

Liquid cooling stays cool by efficiently moving and removing heat. Here’s how it works:

Heat Absorption: The system starts with a water block attached to the CPU or GPU. The liquid coolant in the block absorbs heat from these components.

Heat Transfer: A pump moves the heated coolant through tubes to a radiator.

Heat Dissipation: The radiator, which has fans, releases the heat into the air. The fans help blow away the heat more effectively.

Coolant Properties: The liquid used in cooling can absorb and transfer more heat than air, making it very effective at keeping components cool.

This process helps keep your computer’s temperature low, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Can liquid cooling fail?

Yes, liquid cooling systems can fail, though it’s not very common. Potential issues include leaks, which can cause coolant to escape and damage your computer components. If the pump stops working, the coolant won’t circulate properly, leading to overheating. Over time, the coolant might degrade or evaporate, reducing its effectiveness. Dirt or debris can also clog the system, affecting performance. Regular maintenance and monitoring can help prevent these problems and keep your cooling system running smoothly.

How often should I refill liquid cooling PC?

You generally need to refill a liquid cooling PC system every 1 to 2 years. This depends on the system’s design, the type of coolant used, and any signs of evaporation or leakage. Some advanced systems are designed to be maintenance-free, but it’s always a good idea to check coolant levels and quality periodically to ensure optimal performance.

How Liquid Cooling Works

Our liquid cooling systems feature a pump-on-block combination, proprietary EPDM rubber tubes and a heat exchanger.

Asetek Invented the All-In-One Liquid Cooler

Prior to the introduction of our sealed all-in-one liquid coolers, achieving the high performance and low noise benefits of liquid cooling:

  • Required a plumber to install
  • Required frequent topping off of the fluid and occasional flushing of the cooling system
  • Suffered from poor reliability and sporadic leaks
  • Was expensive

Our innovations have eliminated these barriers making high performance, reliability, quiet computing available to all and with absolutely zero maintenance and upkeep.
Read about our History of Innovation.

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