An AIO cooler is a liquid cooler that helps you stabilize your CPU temperature by relying on liquid solutions. It uses a closed-loop system to pump water or any other fluid to cool your CPU block. However, just like any other component, it gets old as well. Therefore, find out how long an AIO cooler lasts so you can replace it timely.

Key Takeaways

• AIO coolers can last up to 7 to 10 years if used with care.
• Maintaining your AIO cooler and monitoring its performance is important for longevity.
• Replace the AIO cooler if you see air bubbles or leakage.

An AIO cooler typically has a lifespan of about 5 to 7 years, with some lasting up to 10 years, depending on build quality and maintenance. Leading brands like Corsair and Cooler Master offer 3 to 5 years warranties for their liquid AIOs.

Brand Verifications

Mentioned below are the warranties of some of the well-known AIO series:

• Corsair Hydro Series: 5 years.
• Corsair Hydro X Series Core (blocks, pumps, and radiators): 3 years.
• NZXT Kraken Z Series: 6 years.
• NZXT Kraken X Series: 6 years.
• Cooler Master’s Master Liquid PL Series: 5 years.

Factors Affecting Its Lifespan

AIO coolers usually last longer than any other custom liquid cooling solution. However, certain factors may decrease their lifespan.

Installation Problems

The most common mistake users make while installing an AIO is placing the tubing beneath the cooling block and radiator, which leads to bubbling noises and poor rotation of the liquid. It causes massive cooling problems and decreases the cooler’s lifespan.

The pump should always be beneath the radiator, not even on the same level, as it ensures the proper flow of the liquid. 

Pump Failure

Often, by default, this type of CPU cooler is filled with up to 90 percent of its total design capacity. This means that 10 percent of the space is reserved empty. In rare cases, tiny air bubbles can build up in this space, which merge to create bigger bubbles. It occupies the unused space and blocks the outgoing tank.

Luckily, some AIOs offer an extreme mode in their software to remove bubbles, or you can physically bleed the system to let air out if you hear bubbling sounds. This prevents pump issues.

Corrosion

While testing the best 280mm AIO coolers, the reviewer found that most AIO coolers’ radiators, including their fins, are made of copper or aluminum. The thermal performance of copper is better than that of aluminum while lasting much longer because of its resilience and ability to degrade at a lower rate.

Copper fins in cooling systems are generally more durable and corrosion-resistant than aluminum fins. Plus, when combined with cheaper welding flux and low-quality coolant, the latter can create a highly oxidizing mixture. This oxidizing nature can contribute to the deterioration of tubing over time.

Extend The Lifespan Of An AIO Cooler

Here are a few pointers I use to extend the lifespan of my AIO Cooler:

• Ensure that it is mounted correctly in the direction suggested by the manufacturer.
• The pump should always be underneath the radiator, and the tubing should remain beneath both.
• Perform regular maintenance.
• Prevent dust buildup around the radiator and fans. Although, follow this guide if your AIO CPU fan is not working.
• Monitor system thermals to confirm proper cooler performance.

Personally, I use Task Manager to monitor the real-time temperature and performance of my AIO cooler. If the fan noise gets noticeably loud, I recommend cleaning it at the earliest. This can be because there’s dust in your radiator or because your cooler is struggling to keep your CPU at ideal temperatures. 

More Related To AIO Coolers:

• AIO vs Custom Loop Liquid Cooling
• AIO Vs Air Cooler: Which One Is Better?

Ali Rashid Khan

[Wiki Editor]

Ali Rashid Khan is an avid gamer, hardware enthusiast, photographer, and devoted litterateur with a period of experience spanning more than 14 years. Sporting a specialization with regards to the latest tech in flagship phones, gaming laptops, and top-of-the-line PCs, Ali is known for consistently presenting the most detailed objective perspective on all types of gaming products, ranging from the Best Motherboards, CPU Coolers, RAM kits, GPUs, and PSUs amongst numerous other peripherals. When he’s not busy writing, you’ll find Ali meddling with mechanical keyboards, indulging in vehicular racing, or professionally competing worldwide with fellow mind-sport athletes in Scrabble at an international level. Currently speaking, Ali has completed his A-Level GCEs with plans to go into either Allopathic Medicine or Business Studies, or who knows, perhaps a full-time dedicated technological journalist.

Get In Touch: alirashid@tech4gamers.com

Answered: How Long Does An AIO Liquid Cooler Last? is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

Key Takeaways

• Your PC can face overheating issues if you do not clean it often, which may reduce the components’ lifespan.
• Cleaning the PC occasionally can reward you with good performance and riddance from overheating.
• Air filters, cleaner surroundings, and distance from pets can help keep your PC clean for longer.

In my experience, it’s crucial to clean your PC every 3 to 6 months, although the frequency might vary depending on where you live. If you’re in an area with polluted air, you might notice dust accumulation within just a few days after giving your PC a thorough clean.

Even in cleaner environments with less dust, it’s still important to regularly open up your PC case and inspect the components. Despite the absence of pollution, there can still be unwanted substances that need removal to ensure the safety and longevity of your PC’s components.

I mostly use compressed air cans to remove dust from the hard-to-reach areas of my PC and the components. The nozzle is narrow and conveniently blows off layers of dust. However, if you do not have an air can, read how to clean a PC without compressed air.

Importance Of Cleaning A PC Often

Not cleaning your PC causes dust and debris to build up, ultimately affecting its overall condition. Not only does it harm your components physically, but it also can snatch their ability to perform the assigned tasks.

These are all the problems you may encounter for not cleaning the PC timely:

• Slower Performance: Resource-intensive tasks become sluggish, such as gaming, high-resolution movie streaming, or loading multiple tabs simultaneously. 
• Overheating: Dust settles in the PC fan bearings, over the processor, and other components, impeding the fans’ ventilation function. The heatsink also struggles to radiate heat off the processor effectively. As a result, components exert extra effort to maintain task performance while managing temperature. Meanwhile, learn about a good PC case airflow setup for optimal cooling.
• Polluted Surroundings: As your PC heats up, the fans work harder to bring in cool air, attracting surrounding dust earlier than usual. 
• Reduced Lifespan: With problems like overheating and dust build-up, the original lifespan of the PC and its components may be reduced.

Which Components Of The PC Should Be Cleaned Often?

Here is a list of essential components I clean every once in a while to prevent unwanted PC troubles. To make things easier for you, I will briefly explain the cleaning technique for each.

Monitor

Use an air compressor can or alternatives to clear dust from the monitor’s input ports. After clearing the dust, I wipe the monitor with a damp cloth to eliminate any stubborn mess.

Fans

Fans hold much dust as they are the ones that do all the air work in the first place. Therefore, you need to clean PC fans to allow smooth functioning. I use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol for tough dust. A damp cloth will also work fine. Once the fans are clean, you may attach them back into their respectful place.

Motherboard

After you have opened the computer case, unscrew the motherboard and detach the heatsink. Clean the motherboard carefully to remove any accumulated dust. After cleaning, I applied a new thermal paste on the heatsink before re-attaching ck to the motherboard so it sticks firmly. However, make sure to clean the old thermal paste completely before putting on a new batch. Also, check out how long thermal paste lasts so you can replace it timely.

Graphics Card

To clean the graphics card, again, use a compressed air can. Carefully make sure to blow off any dust that is covering the GPU slots and its heatsink. Plus, you can use our guide to fix the graphics card overheating issue.

PSU

I recommend cleaning the PSU using an air compressor. Set the correct pressure and keep it at a distance of at least 2 inches. Blow the air into the holes already present on the PSU’s sides and through the fan. Ensure to keep blowing the dust off until none comes out of the PSU. And know how long power supply units last to know when they require a replacement.

How Do I Protect My PC From Catching Dust Soon?

Here are some tips you can keep in mind so that your PC does not catch dust sooner than it should:

• Keep it out of pets’ reach, as their furs can likely block the fans from spinning if it gets between them.
• Get an air filter to prevent dust and debrom entering your computer case. 
• Keep your PC in a closed room, preferably with an AC; this will help your PC not get covered up in dust and not heat up quickly.
• Maintain clean surroundings of your PC.

As someone who cares about their PC, I always ensure it is free of any impurities. Additionally, while cleaning the PC, I was careful not to damage any sensitive areas. If you give your PC the care it needs, only then will it be able to provide you with a good performance. The lack of care can turn into quickly become a big expense. 

Similar Guides:

• How Much Is My PC Worth? [Valuation Guide]
• How Much Does It Cost To Ship a PC? [2023]
• How Much Does It Cost To Build A PC: Gaming & Budget

Ali Rashid Khan

[Wiki Editor]

Ali Rashid Khan is an avid gamer, hardware enthusiast, photographer, and devoted litterateur with a period of experience spanning more than 14 years. Sporting a specialization with regards to the latest tech in flagship phones, gaming laptops, and top-of-the-line PCs, Ali is known for consistently presenting the most detailed objective perspective on all types of gaming products, ranging from the Best Motherboards, CPU Coolers, RAM kits, GPUs, and PSUs amongst numerous other peripherals. When he’s not busy writing, you’ll find Ali meddling with mechanical keyboards, indulging in vehicular racing, or professionally competing worldwide with fellow mind-sport athletes in Scrabble at an international level. Currently speaking, Ali has completed his A-Level GCEs with plans to go into either Allopathic Medicine or Business Studies, or who knows, perhaps a full-time dedicated technological journalist.

Get In Touch: alirashid@tech4gamers.com

How Often Should I Clean My PC? [Full Guide] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

Key Takeaways

• GPU Artifacting is often noticed while playing heavy games or editing videos. 
• The main causes of it include outdated drivers, improper hardware fixing, and GPU overheating.
• Cleaning the GPU and tightening loose connections can help fix the problem.

What Does GPU Artifacting Look Like

When a GPU (graphics processing unit) starts to go bad, it can show signs of “artifacting.” This is when strange patterns or images start to appear on the screen. GPU artifacts can look like squares, lines, or other shapes. They can be any color, usually red, green, or blue. Artifacts can sometimes be little visual noise, but they can sometimes signify a more significant issue.

What Causes GPU Artifacting?

If you’re experiencing the problem, check to see if your graphics card is properly cooled. If not, try increasing the airflow around your computer or adding additional cooling fans.

Overheating

Overheating is among the most frequently observed causes of GPU artifacts. When the GPU overheats, it can cause the graphics to distort or glitch. This can be caused by several factors, such as dust build-up on the heat sink, an inadequate cooling system, or simply running the GPU at too high a temperature. 

GPU artifacts can be annoying for gamers and perhaps permanently harm the GPU. Therefore, it is important to prevent overheating, such as cleaning the heat sink regularly and ensuring adequate airflow around the GPU. You might want to read our guide on how to lower GPU temperature to keep things under control.

Power Supply Issues

Regarding artifacting, one of the most common issues is with the power supply. Power supply issues can cause problems with a GPU, from minor artifacts to complete system failures.

Power supply issues occur when the voltage is too low. There are several reasons why this may occur, but it frequently results from the power supply not being strong enough to support the GPU. Because of this, you will experience artifacting.

Too much voltage is another frequent problem. This may occur if the power supply is defective or is not configured properly for the GPU. Either way, this can lead to serious artifacts on the screen.

Driver Issues

Driver issues are a common cause of GPU artifacts. A common indication that the graphics cards are not working properly is artifacts appearing on the screen. These anomalies include flickering, black or white dots, lines, or squares.

Driver issues often cause GPU artifacts. The drivers for your graphics card control how it interacts with your computer’s other hardware and software. If there is a problem with the drivers, it can cause the graphics card to produce artifacts.

Ensure your graphics card runs on the latest drivers first to prevent this. They are often available for download from the company’s website. Try returning to an earlier driver version if that doesn’t work, as newer drivers can occasionally lead to issues.

Physical Damage

The GPU is one of the most crucial parts of a computer system; its work is to process and render graphics/visuals. However, GPUs can be susceptible to damage, leading to graphics artifacts.

One of the many reasons behind GPU artifacts is physical damage. This can include anything from a simple dent or scratch on the GPU to more serious damage, such as a cracked PCB or solder joints. In most cases, physical damage will result in visible artifacts like lines, dots, or blobs on the screen. Audio distortions like crackling or popping noises can sometimes result from physical damage.

Physical damage is not the only cause of GPU artifacts but is certainly one of the most common. Other causes can include software issues, overheating, and power surges. 

How To Spot Artifacting In GPU

If you’re seeing strange patterns or visual artifacts in your games or other graphics-intensive applications, it’s a sign that something is wrong with your GPU. Various problems, like overheating, driver faults, or hardware flaws, might result in artifacts.

Typically, artifacting will be easy to identify. However, your GPU is likely the culprit if you see strange colors or patterns that don’t make sense. In some cases, artifacting can also cause your screen to flicker or freeze up completely.

Additionally, pay attention to the GPU for any odd noises. Finally, touch the GPU to see if it feels unusually hot. If you notice any of these signs, your GPU may be artifacting, and you should take steps to fix it.

How to Fix/Avoid GPU Artifacting

If you see strange artifacts on your screen, don’t panic! Your graphics card is likely the culprit. Below are a few steps you can take to prevent it from happening. 

Check For Dust And Clean If Necessary

Numerous factors can lead to the problem, but dust is one of the most common causes. If you think dust might cause your GPU’s artifacting, you should first check for dust and clean it off if present.

To check for dust, visually inspect your GPU and look for dust accumulation on the surface. Once you’ve removed all the visible dust, re-boot your computer and see if the artifacting has stopped. Remember to read our guide on cleaning a PC without using compressed air.

Check For Loose Connections

If your computer displays strange artifacts on the screen, it could be a sign that the graphics processing unit (GPU) is loose. Check all of the connections and tighten them if necessary to resolve this.

Start by removing the computer’s power cord from the back. Then, remove the screw that holds the GPU in place. Carefully pull the GPU out and inspect all of the connections. With a screwdriver, tighten any of them that are loose.

Re-attach the GPU and tighten it into place once you have checked and tightened every connection. See if the artifacts remain by turning on your computer and plugging in the power cord.

Update Drivers

If your graphics card displays artifacts, it’s likely because the drivers are outdated. Updating your drivers should fix the problem.

Determine the brand and model of your graphics card first. This information is often located in the manual’s Specifications section. Once you know that, visit the company’s website where your card was made and look for the Drivers section. We recommend using the Nvidia GeForce Experience app or the AMD Radeon Software for downloading the drivers. 

After downloading, install the drivers according to your OS. Restart your computer when installed. Afterward, open up a game or any other program that uses 3D graphics and see if the artifacts are gone.

Related Articles:

• SOLVED: How To Disable GPU Overclocking?
• How To Fix GPU Keeps Crashing [11 Methods]
• How To Remove GPU From The Motherboard

Ali Rashid Khan

[Wiki Editor]

Ali Rashid Khan is an avid gamer, hardware enthusiast, photographer, and devoted litterateur with a period of experience spanning more than 14 years. Sporting a specialization with regards to the latest tech in flagship phones, gaming laptops, and top-of-the-line PCs, Ali is known for consistently presenting the most detailed objective perspective on all types of gaming products, ranging from the Best Motherboards, CPU Coolers, RAM kits, GPUs, and PSUs amongst numerous other peripherals. When he’s not busy writing, you’ll find Ali meddling with mechanical keyboards, indulging in vehicular racing, or professionally competing worldwide with fellow mind-sport athletes in Scrabble at an international level. Currently speaking, Ali has completed his A-Level GCEs with plans to go into either Allopathic Medicine or Business Studies, or who knows, perhaps a full-time dedicated technological journalist.

Get In Touch: alirashid@tech4gamers.com

GPU Artifacting: Everything You Need To Know is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

Key Takeaways

• A well-maintained motherboard can last up to a decade without having any issues.
• Several factors can reduce a motherboard’s life, like low-quality PSU, power surges, overheating, improper handling, faulty electronics, and moisture and humidity.
• Increase its lifespan by cleaning it regularly, using a high-end power supply unit, investing in power surge protectors and dehumidifiers, and assembling your PC carefully.

How Long Does A Motherboard Last?

With proper care and no accidents, a motherboard can last 7-10 years or longer. However, its lifespan depends on your PC usage. Light usage, like internet browsing, can maintain its life, while intense gaming can shorten it.

Ways To Increase The Motherboard’s Life

As time passes, your motherboard is bound to experience some factors which will reduce its lifespan. However, there are several measures that you can take to increase it as much as possible.

Invest In Surge Protectors And Good Quality PSU

A power supply can make or break your motherboard. For instance, if your PC components require high power, and your power supply cannot provide it, then your motherboard is likely to be affected by it. Also, you should know how long a power supply lasts so you can replace it timely.

When building a PC, get a good PSU that will protect your rig against power surges and abnormalities while also maintaining the required power.

Additionally, if your house is prone to power surges, you can invest in surge protectors. A good surge protector will absorb the excess voltage and divert it toward the ground to protect your computer.

Provide Adequate Cooling

Keep track of your computer’s temperatures with software like MSI Afterburner or Speccy. A good idling temperature would be 40-60°C

Install proper CPU coolers to manage heat effectively. If your budget allows and you can maintain it, a liquid-cooling system is a great choice. However, a well-planned fan setup can also work effectively.

Most heat-generating components are located at the back of the case, so configure your fans to expel hot air from the back and top while drawing in cool air from the bottom and front. We also recommend regularly changing your CPU’s thermal paste to prevent overheating. Additionally, it is essential to know how long thermal paste lasts.

Handle With Care

Computer components, including the motherboard, are delicate. When assembling your PC, use cardboard or anti-static foam under the motherboard to prevent soldered points from shorting.

Handle your PC with utmost care, especially when holding the motherboard. Lift it from the edges, avoiding contact with its intricate circuitry. Plus, during assembly, avoid forcefully tightening a single screw. Instead, gradually tighten each screw to distribute equal pressure across all corners.

Regularly Clean Your Motherboard

Regularly cleaning a motherboard and removing accumulated dirt and dust helps in normal performance and enhances its lifespan. 

Use A Dehumidifier

To protect your computer, relocate any surrounding plants, as they can raise humidity levels. Keep drinks away from your PC to prevent spills and damage. 

We invested in a reliable dehumidifier that helped maintain optimal humidity levels, significantly reducing the risk of motherboard damage. Additionally, strategically placing dehumidifying crystals around your PC setup can absorb excess moisture, enhancing protection.

Ali Rashid Khan

[Wiki Editor]

Ali Rashid Khan is an avid gamer, hardware enthusiast, photographer, and devoted litterateur with a period of experience spanning more than 14 years. Sporting a specialization with regards to the latest tech in flagship phones, gaming laptops, and top-of-the-line PCs, Ali is known for consistently presenting the most detailed objective perspective on all types of gaming products, ranging from the Best Motherboards, CPU Coolers, RAM kits, GPUs, and PSUs amongst numerous other peripherals. When he’s not busy writing, you’ll find Ali meddling with mechanical keyboards, indulging in vehicular racing, or professionally competing worldwide with fellow mind-sport athletes in Scrabble at an international level. Currently speaking, Ali has completed his A-Level GCEs with plans to go into either Allopathic Medicine or Business Studies, or who knows, perhaps a full-time dedicated technological journalist.

Get In Touch: alirashid@tech4gamers.com

How Long Does A Motherboard Last + Improve Lifespan is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

Key Takeaways

• While overclocking RAM may lead to a boost in gaming performance by reducing memory-related bottlenecks, the actual impact on FPS is typically minimal.
• Overclocking RAM carries risks and may not be suitable for all systems. Overclocking RAM can lead to system instability, compatibility issues, and potential damage if not done correctly. 
• If you’re looking to increase FPS in games, investing in a more powerful GPU or CPU is usually a more effective approach than overclocking RAM. Upgrading these components will have a more significant impact on gaming performance.

Understanding RAM & Overclocking

RAM (Random Access Memory) is a crucial component of your computer responsible for temporarily storing data that the CPU and GPU need to access quickly. When you play games, your RAM plays a significant role in maintaining smooth gameplay by storing game assets, textures, and other data.

RAM speed or RAM frequency is measured in MHz (megahertz) and refers to how quickly data can be read from and written to the RAM modules. Lower-latency RAM generally operates at higher speeds. Timings, often represented as a series of numbers like 16-18-18-36, describe the RAM’s latency or how quickly it responds to requests.

Overclocking RAM involves running it at a clock speed/frequency higher than the manufacturer’s rated speed. The primary aim is to improve overall system performance, including potential gains in FPS. However, this process isn’t without risks. 

Can Overclocking RAM Increase FPS?

In this section, we’ll go over the main question of whether RAM overclocking actually increases your in-game FPS. 

Theoretical Benefits

In theory, overclocking RAM can lead to an increase in FPS by reducing the time it takes for the CPU to access game assets and data. Faster RAM can provide a slight performance boost in tasks that are memory-intensive, such as gaming with high-resolution textures or running memory-hungry applications.

Actual Performance Gains

While overclocking RAM can theoretically lead to performance gains, the actual impact on FPS in gaming is often minimal. Several factors contribute to this:

• In gaming, the GPU is usually the primary bottleneck for FPS. Even with faster RAM, if your GPU can’t keep up, the performance gains may not be significant.
• The relationship between RAM speed and gaming performance is subject to diminishing returns. The difference between, say, 2400MHz and 3200MHz RAM may be noticeable in benchmarks, but the impact on real-world gaming might be minimal.
• Overclocking RAM can lead to system instability or compatibility issues, which can offset any potential gains in FPS.

Also Read: Ram Buying Guide: Factors To Consider

Other Factors Influencing Gaming Performance

When seeking to increase gaming performance, it’s essential to consider other components and factors that play a more significant role than RAM speed alone:

• GPU Performance: Upgrading your graphics card is often the most effective way to increase FPS in games. However, keep in mind that overclocking can damage the GPU. 
• CPU Performance: A powerful CPU can also impact gaming performance, particularly in games that rely heavily on the CPU.
• Storage Speed: An SSD (Solid-State Drive) can reduce loading times, but its impact on FPS is limited.
• Resolution and Settings: Higher resolutions and in-game graphics settings can significantly affect FPS.

Also Read: Can You Mix RAM Brands

Benefits & Risks of Overclocking RAM

While overclocking RAM may have a significant impact on your PC’s performance, it can also cause instability. Before overclocking your RAM, you should be aware of the benefits and risks involved in the process.

Benefits

While the impact on FPS may not always be substantial, overclocking RAM can still offer several benefits:

• Overclocking RAM can lead to quicker data access and faster application loading times, which in turn means improved general system performance.
• If you frequently run multiple applications simultaneously, overclocked RAM can help improve multitasking performance.
• Overclocking RAM can result in higher scores in synthetic benchmarks like 3DMark.

Risks 

Before diving into overclocking your RAM, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks:

• Overclocking RAM may void your warranty with the RAM manufacturer.
• Overclocking can lead to system instability, crashes, or data corruption. Ensure you’re comfortable troubleshooting and resetting your BIOS settings.
• Overclocking can increase the heat generated by your RAM modules, requiring better cooling solutions.
• Not all RAM modules can be overclocked reliably, and results can vary depending on your motherboard and other hardware.

General Tips To Safely Overclock RAM

Here are some general tips to follow when overclocking RAM:

1. Understand your RAM’s rated speed and timings. Research your motherboard’s compatibility and potential overclocking limitations.
2. If your RAM provides XMP (Extreme Memory Profiles), try switching between them to see which one works best for you. 
3. Create a backup of important data in case overclocking causes stability issues.
4. Access your motherboard’s BIOS and navigate to the RAM settings. Increase the clock speed incrementally, making sure to keep an eye on stability.
5. Run stress tests to ensure your overclocked RAM is stable. MemTest86 and Prime95 are popular options.
6. Monitor your RAM temperatures to ensure they stay within safe limits.
7. If needed, tweak RAM timings for additional performance gains or stability.
8. Periodically check for stability and temperature issues after overclocking.

While overclocking RAM can lead to improved system performance, the direct impact on FPS may not always be substantial. Factors such as bottlenecks, game/application dependencies, and system configuration play crucial roles. Always proceed with caution and be prepared to reset your BIOS settings in case of instability. 

More Guides:

• Dell Command Update In Windows 11 
• Windows 11 Volume Slider Not Working
• How To Show Battery Percentage In Windows 11?

Ali Rashid Khan

[Wiki Editor]

Ali Rashid Khan is an avid gamer, hardware enthusiast, photographer, and devoted litterateur with a period of experience spanning more than 14 years. Sporting a specialization with regards to the latest tech in flagship phones, gaming laptops, and top-of-the-line PCs, Ali is known for consistently presenting the most detailed objective perspective on all types of gaming products, ranging from the Best Motherboards, CPU Coolers, RAM kits, GPUs, and PSUs amongst numerous other peripherals. When he’s not busy writing, you’ll find Ali meddling with mechanical keyboards, indulging in vehicular racing, or professionally competing worldwide with fellow mind-sport athletes in Scrabble at an international level. Currently speaking, Ali has completed his A-Level GCEs with plans to go into either Allopathic Medicine or Business Studies, or who knows, perhaps a full-time dedicated technological journalist.

Get In Touch: alirashid@tech4gamers.com

Does Overclocking RAM Increase FPS? [Explained] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

Also Read: What Are DIMM Slots?

Key Takeaways

• An SSD controller is the data manager which controls and guides the data flow inside an SSD.
• SSD controller is very important to ensure longevity and high performance of SSD.
• You can find the SSD controller that your SSD is using by checking the manufacturer’s specifications labels or using third-party tools.
  

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What Is An SSD Controller?

An SSD controller is a crucial component within solid-state drives responsible for managing data storage and retrieval. It serves as the “brain” of the SSD, which manages the flow of data between the computer and the memory chips that store the data. The primary functions of an SSD controller include data access, error correction, wear-leveling, garbage collection, and managing the overall performance and longevity of the SSD. It is also referred to as a flash controller or NAND controller.

You can think of an SSD controller as the manager of a storage unit, i.e., SSD. The controller’s job is to keep track of where all your data is stored, like a librarian organizing books in a library. When you want to read or write data to the SSD, you talk to the controller, and it makes sure you find what you’re looking for quickly and accurately.

The controller also makes sure that your data stays safe and lasts a long time. It’s like a repairperson who fixes things that might go wrong inside the storage unit. For example, if some parts of the storage start to wear out over time, the controller helps spread the wear evenly so that your SSD lasts a lot longer. It’s a crucial part of why SSDs are fast, reliable, and a popular choice for storing data in computers and devices. So, in simple terms, the SSD controller is like the smart organizer and protector of your data inside the SSD.

Is SSD Controller Important?

The SSD controller is critically important for several reasons. First and foremost, it determines the overall performance of the SSD. The controller manages data storage and retrieval, ensuring that data is read from and written to the NAND flash memory efficiently. This leads to faster boot times, quicker application launches, and reduced file access latency compared to traditional hard drives. The controller’s ability to handle data requests swiftly is a primary factor behind the remarkable speed and responsiveness of SSDs.

Secondly, the SSD controller is vital for data integrity and longevity. It incorporates error correction mechanisms to detect and correct data errors that can naturally occur in NAND flash memory cells. Additionally, it employs wear-leveling algorithms to distribute write and erase cycles evenly across the memory cells, preventing certain cells from wearing out faster than others. This enhances the SSD’s durability and extends its lifespan, making it a reliable long-term storage solution.

Also Read: Best SSDs For Gaming

How To Find What Controller An SSD Uses?

There are various ways to find out what controller a specific SSD uses. I have listed some of the easy ones below:

Check the Manufacturer’s Website

The easiest and most reliable method is to visit the official website of the SSD manufacturer. Manufacturers often provide detailed specifications and product information, including the controller used in their SSDs. Look for the product page or documentation related to the specific SSD model you’re interested in.

Check the SSD Label or Sticker

In some cases, the SSD controller may be mentioned on a label or sticker attached to the drive itself. This label is usually located on the SSD’s casing. However, this information may not always be present or may be limited to the brand of the controller rather than the specific model.

Use Third-Party Tools

There are third-party software tools and utilities that can provide detailed information about your SSD, including the controller model. Popular options include CrystalDiskInfo and HWiNFO. Download and install one of these tools, and it should display the controller information along with other drive details.

Ali Rashid Khan

[Wiki Editor]

Ali Rashid Khan is an avid gamer, hardware enthusiast, photographer, and devoted litterateur with a period of experience spanning more than 14 years. Sporting a specialization with regards to the latest tech in flagship phones, gaming laptops, and top-of-the-line PCs, Ali is known for consistently presenting the most detailed objective perspective on all types of gaming products, ranging from the Best Motherboards, CPU Coolers, RAM kits, GPUs, and PSUs amongst numerous other peripherals. When he’s not busy writing, you’ll find Ali meddling with mechanical keyboards, indulging in vehicular racing, or professionally competing worldwide with fellow mind-sport athletes in Scrabble at an international level. Currently speaking, Ali has completed his A-Level GCEs with plans to go into either Allopathic Medicine or Business Studies, or who knows, perhaps a full-time dedicated technological journalist.

Get In Touch: alirashid@tech4gamers.com

What Is An SSD Controller & Is It Important? is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

Key Takeaways

• CPU cooler noise is measured in A-weighted decibels, also written as dBA or dB(A). Higher fan speeds mean more noise but also better performance.
• To find your CPU cooler’s noise rating, refer to the manufacturer’s spec sheet for it. You can also measure the noise yourself with a dBA meter or an acoustic test chamber.
• 15-30 dBA is generally the recommended noise rating for a CPU fan. The noise is hardly noticeable, and most CPU cooler fans’ rating is found in this range.
• To reduce CPU cooler noise, keep it dust-free, improve airflow in your PC, or replace the fans with quieter ones. You can also try installing more fans, setting up fan curves, replacing the thermal paste, and decoupling the fans from resonators.

Basics Of Cooler Noise Levels

Here are some basics to keep in mind:

• First off, noise is measured in A-weighted decibels, written as dBA or dB(A). It measures the relative loudness of sounds as perceived by the human ears.
• As far as CPU coolers are concerned, the rating you read on specification pages is the noise produced at maximum fan speed, measured in RPM. 
• Liquid coolers are generally quieter than air coolers since they have more area for heat dissipation and, often, more fans.
• At high fan speeds, you get better cooling, but the fans are noisier – and vice versa.
• The more fans your cooler has, the more noise is produced. But more fans mean you can run them at slower speeds and still get effective cooling.
• The same applies to larger fans (they can produce the same performance at lower speeds). 
• Lastly, noise level also varies in fans of the same size due to differences in the number and design of fan blades.

How To Measure Cooler Noise Level

Firstly, the best tool is your ears. You can get an idea of how much is too loud and how much is optimal by tuning the fan speeds and noting down the RPM using monitoring software like HWiNFO. You can also refer to the manufacturer’s specs sheet for the cooler to find the maximum noise rating, which the manufacturer tests.

The second option is using a dBA meter – but this isn’t completely accurate due to ambient noise and noise from other components (for example, the GPU). The best and most accurate (also the costliest) option is using an acoustic test chamber.

Related Read: AIO Vs Air Coolers

What Is A Good Noise Level?

Here’s a breakdown of the different CPU cooler noise levels, including the ideal level you should look for.

So, the recommended noise level is between 15 and 30 dBA. Most CPU cooler fans lie in the 20-35 dBA range, while the loudest fans are below the 45 dBA mark.

How To Reduce Fan Noise

There are various ways to reduce CPU cooler fan noise.

• Maintenance: Make sure the fans remain clean and free of dust. Dust renders your fans ineffective and running faster to tackle the heat. 
• Improve Case Airflow: It’s good to ensure optimal airflow in your case to dissipate air effectively, allowing your fans to run at quieter speeds.

  

• Replace The Fans: Replace your fans with lower-RPM fans, such as the be quiet! Silent Wings Pro 4.
• Install More Fans: You can also increase the number of fans on your cooler. CPU coolers with tall heatsinks can support up to three fans, and AIOs support 1 to 3 fans on either side of the radiator. 
• Set Up Fan Curves: Fan curves allow you to configure your fans to change their speed based on the CPU temperature. This is necessary that your fans aren’t unnecessarily running at high speeds even when temperatures are under control.

  

• Decouple Your Cooler Fans: The vibration from your cooler’s fans can be amplified by the heatsink/radiator of the cooler and the case. Prevent this by padding them with anti-vibration screws or rubberized frames.
• Replacing Thermal Paste: Depending on various factors (like your general usage of the PC), your thermal paste may dry out quicker than usual. So, try replacing it and ensure that the thermal paste is high quality and has high heat conductivity (at least 70W/mK).

Ali Rashid Khan

[Wiki Editor]

Ali Rashid Khan is an avid gamer, hardware enthusiast, photographer, and devoted litterateur with a period of experience spanning more than 14 years. Sporting a specialization with regards to the latest tech in flagship phones, gaming laptops, and top-of-the-line PCs, Ali is known for consistently presenting the most detailed objective perspective on all types of gaming products, ranging from the Best Motherboards, CPU Coolers, RAM kits, GPUs, and PSUs amongst numerous other peripherals. When he’s not busy writing, you’ll find Ali meddling with mechanical keyboards, indulging in vehicular racing, or professionally competing worldwide with fellow mind-sport athletes in Scrabble at an international level. Currently speaking, Ali has completed his A-Level GCEs with plans to go into either Allopathic Medicine or Business Studies, or who knows, perhaps a full-time dedicated technological journalist.

Get In Touch: alirashid@tech4gamers.com

A Guide To CPU Cooler Noise Levels is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

Today, I’ll explain what these speeds mean and their importance in keeping your computer running speedily.

Key Takeaways

• Read/write speeds are the primary measure of an SSD’s performance. Read speed is how fast it takes to access data from a drive, while write speeds determine how fast data can be saved on a drive.
• While a faster read/write speed almost certainly means better performance, it’s not a very important metric when upgrading from one SSD to another unless you’re regularly transferring/editing large files.
• For tasks like gaming, web browsing — basically anything that doesn’t involve the transfer of large files — read/write speeds of 500 MB/s are good enough. If you move large files around on a daily basis, consider an NVMe drive with speeds of at least 2500 MB/s.
• To find your SSD’s read/write speeds, refer to the manufacturer’s spec sheet. If you want to test the speeds yourself, try CrystalDiskMark on Windows. On Mac, you can use the Blackmagic speed test; on Linux, you can use the dd disk utility.

What Are SSD Read/Write Speeds?

Read/write speeds are the most basic measure of an SSD’s performance. Simply put, read speed refers to how long it takes to access (or read) data from a drive. Conversely, write speed measures how fast data can be saved (or written) onto a drive. Read/write speeds are divided into sequential and random speeds.

Sequential speeds measure the read/write times when the files being accessed are in a designated order. Meanwhile, random read/write speeds measure the time it takes to access files that are not in an orderly fashion. Sequential speeds are much faster than random speeds.

Read/write speeds are measured in MB/s and, often, in GB/s as well. SATA SSDs typically clock around 550 MB/s read and 500 MB/s write speeds. PCIe NVMe SSDs are a whole different league, though. Samsung’s 990 PRO is the fastest PCIe Gen 4 SSD, clocking 7.45 GB/s read and 6.9 GB/s write speeds.

What Is A Good Read/Write Speed?

Generally, anything over 500 MB/s (about the average speed of a SATA SSD) is good. For large files, at least 2500 MB/s of throughput is a good landmark, which every NVMe SSD is capable of. For gaming and all other tasks that don’t involve large file transfers, a good SATA SSD, such as the Samsung 870 EVO, is plenty.

Again, though, I’ll reiterate that these speeds aren’t exactly the best measure of performance in most cases; more details below.

How Much Does Read/Write Speed Matter?

The difference in read/write speeds will cause a noticeable performance difference when moving from a mechanical hard drive (HDD) to an SSD. This includes everything from Windows boot times to copying files from one place to another. The same can’t be said for different SSDs (moving from a slower to a faster SSD) — at least in most tasks.

This is because mechanical hard drives have moving parts that limit how many reads/writes they can handle in a second. SSDs don’t have that problem, so moving from a hard drive to about any SSD is a massive upgrade — but moving from a slower to a faster SSD, not so much.

If you’re regularly dealing with large files (for example, saving and editing long 4K videos), the extra throughput will, in fact, be helpful. But other regular tasks, such as gaming, web-browsing, music, and video streaming, will display nothing more than a minor performance difference. So, instead, look for more capacity and get an SSD that can sustain its read/write speeds for long sessions.

In addition to the “normal” cells an SSD is made of, it contains a relatively smaller number of faster cells that are used as buffer. It may fill up during a read/write operation (say, copying a large file), causing the speeds to drop immediately. However, a drive with good sustained performance can copy such files without dropping their speeds.

How To Check Read/Write Speed

To check your read/write speeds, refer to the manufacturer’s website. Additionally, you can use CrystalDiskMark for Windows, Blackmagic Speed Test for Mac, or the dd utility on Linux. As mentioned before, the sequential read/write speeds shouldn’t be far off from the manufacturer-mentioned speeds. If they are, you may have stumbled upon a faulty drive.

Ali Rashid Khan

[Wiki Editor]

Ali Rashid Khan is an avid gamer, hardware enthusiast, photographer, and devoted litterateur with a period of experience spanning more than 14 years. Sporting a specialization with regards to the latest tech in flagship phones, gaming laptops, and top-of-the-line PCs, Ali is known for consistently presenting the most detailed objective perspective on all types of gaming products, ranging from the Best Motherboards, CPU Coolers, RAM kits, GPUs, and PSUs amongst numerous other peripherals. When he’s not busy writing, you’ll find Ali meddling with mechanical keyboards, indulging in vehicular racing, or professionally competing worldwide with fellow mind-sport athletes in Scrabble at an international level. Currently speaking, Ali has completed his A-Level GCEs with plans to go into either Allopathic Medicine or Business Studies, or who knows, perhaps a full-time dedicated technological journalist.

Get In Touch: alirashid@tech4gamers.com

What Are SSD Read/Write Speeds? [Explained] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

Key Takeaways

• A CPU socket (or CPU slot) is a mount that houses the CPU and allows the CPU to communicate with the motherboard. This communication takes place through metal pins. 
• There are three types of CPU sockets: LGA, PGA, and BGA. In LGA sockets, the pins are on the motherboard; in PGA sockets, they are on the CPU. Conversely, in BGA sockets, the pins (solder balls) are placed on a chip carrier.
• Sockets are named LGA #, PGA #, and BGA #, with # referring to the number of pins, holes, or solder balls.
• As of 2023, both Intel (LGA 1700) and AMD AM5 (LGA 1718) use LGA sockets for their desktop CPUs and BGA sockets for their laptop CPUs.

What Are CPU Sockets?

A CPU socket, or a CPU slot, is a mount on computer motherboards that allows data and power transfer between the motherboard and CPU. CPU sockets allow easy installation of CPUs without soldering, allowing you to replace them easily. They also hold the CPU firmly in place.

CPU sockets are commonly found in desktop computers and servers. They take up more space than soldering, but again, allow easy installation and replacement.

How Do CPU Sockets Work?

A CPU socket contains pins or holes on which the CPU is placed and a retention bracket with a lever to lock the CPU in place.

The CPU is placed on the socket, and the retention bracket is then placed over the CPU, and the lever is locked in place, allowing contact between the CPU and the socket. More in the heading below as I explain the types of CPU sockets.

Types Of CPU Socket

There are three types of CPU sockets: LGA, PGA, and BGA. Here’s a breakdown of the differences between them.

LGA Sockets

In LGA (Land Grid Array) sockets, the metal pins are located on the socket on the motherboard. The CPU has flat electric contact pads that connect to these pins. Intel has been using LGA sockets since 2004, and AMD switched to LGA in 2022 with their AM5 platform. Furthermore, AMD’s enthusiast-level Threadripper lineup has used LGA sockets since its 2017 launch.

The primary advantage of LGA sockets is higher pin density and, consequently, more data and power delivery. Additionally, the pins are on the motherboard, which is cheaper than the CPU in most builds, so in case of pin damage, replacement is not as costly. These sockets have one con: the pins are thinner and fragile, so repair is difficult.

• Best LGA 1700 CPU Coolers
• Best AM5 CPU Coolers
• Best AM5 Motherboards

PGA Sockets

In PGA (Pin Grid Array) sockets, the pins are placed on the CPU, and the socket has holes with which the CPU aligns. Intel used PGA sockets up till 2004 and AMD (with the exception of Threadripper) all the way till 2022.

PGA pins are thicker, more rigid, and easier to repair. Additionally, due to this thickness, they can handle more current. The downside is that with the pins being on the CPU, pin damage can be costly. 

Learn More: LGA Vs PGA Sockets

BGA Sockets

BGA (Ball Grid Array) sockets are named similarly to LGA and PGA ones because the contacts (solder balls) are arranged in a grid-like pattern. They are placed on a chip carrier. However, as you may have guessed, it involves soldering the CPU on the socket. Both Intel and AMD use BGA sockets for their laptop CPUs.

The advantages of BGA sockets include less heat conduction and better electricity conduction. Moreover, BGA sockets take up less space than LGA and PGA ones. Its disadvantages are difficult (and permanent) installation. In addition, BGA the solder balls used in BGA sockets are not very flexible.

CPU Socket Naming Hierarchy

LGA, PGA, and BGA sockets are named as LGA #, PGA #, and BGA #. The # refers to the number of pins (in case of LGA), contact points on the motherboard (in case of PGA), or solder balls (in case of BGA). So, for example, Intel’s LGA 1150 socket means the socket has 1150 pins, while AMD’s PGA 1331 socket means the motherboard has 1331 contact points. The number of pins typically increases with newer sockets as CPUs become more powerful and need more power and higher data transfer speeds.

Intel And AMD Sockets

So, as mentioned, both Intel and AMD are on the LGA socket platform as of 2023. Intel CPUs typically move to new sockets after every two generations (although the LGA 1151 socket lasted four generations). Meanwhile, AMD promises to support their latest AM5 (LGA1718) socket up to 2026. Here’s a list of the most recent mainstream sockets from both CPU manufacturing giants:

Normally, you can upgrade from a lower-end to a higher-end CPU as long as they’re on the same socket. Running newer CPUs on older-generation motherboards requires a BIOS update, though.

Ali Rashid Khan

[Wiki Editor]

Ali Rashid Khan is an avid gamer, hardware enthusiast, photographer, and devoted litterateur with a period of experience spanning more than 14 years. Sporting a specialization with regards to the latest tech in flagship phones, gaming laptops, and top-of-the-line PCs, Ali is known for consistently presenting the most detailed objective perspective on all types of gaming products, ranging from the Best Motherboards, CPU Coolers, RAM kits, GPUs, and PSUs amongst numerous other peripherals. When he’s not busy writing, you’ll find Ali meddling with mechanical keyboards, indulging in vehicular racing, or professionally competing worldwide with fellow mind-sport athletes in Scrabble at an international level. Currently speaking, Ali has completed his A-Level GCEs with plans to go into either Allopathic Medicine or Business Studies, or who knows, perhaps a full-time dedicated technological journalist.

Get In Touch: alirashid@tech4gamers.com

What Is A CPU Socket? [Explained] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News

If that’s the case, don’t worry; I’ll explain the workings of liquid cooling, its pros and cons, and compare it to air cooling.

Key Takeaways

• Liquid or water cooling is a method of cooling your components (CPU/GPU/RAM) that uses liquid (water or a coolant) as a medium to direct heat away from them.
• There are two types of liquid coolers: All-in-one liquid coolers and custom loop water cooling kits.
• Water coolers involve a pump, water block, pipes/tubes, radiator and fans, and optionally, a reservoir.
• Compared to air coolers, liquid coolers provide better cooling, are less noisy, don’t have clearance issues, and may be more aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, AIO coolers can be installed in most cases due to their small size.
• In terms of their disadvantages compared to air coolers, they are pricier and may be slightly or much harder to install. Furthermore, water cooling loops require large cases and maintenance, including replacing the coolant and cleaning the water block.

What Is Liquid Cooling?

Liquid cooling, or water cooling, is a method of cooling your computer’s components (typically the CPU) using a liquid (typically distilled water). This is considered a more efficient method than traditional air cooling because water conducts heat about 25 times faster than air.

To learn how CPU coolers work in general, you can check out our guide.

How Liquid Cooling Works (And The Parts Of A Liquid Cooler)

You can conveniently understand how liquid cooling works as you learn about the different parts of a liquid cooler. Here’s a picture for easier understanding, though.

Note: The following points describe the typical and most recommended flow order of liquid in a water cooling loop. 

1. Pump: The pump is the driving force behind liquid cooling as it circulates the liquid through the loop.
2. Water Block: Consists of a baseplate/coldplate which takes the heat from the CPU and transports it to the liquid inside the water block. Thermal paste is applied on the integrated heat spreader of the CPU/GPU, which allows it to make contact with the baseplate effectively.

   

3. Tubes/Pipes: They connect all the components in a loop and transport the liquid to and from the radiator or reservoir.
4. Radiator And Fans: The warm liquid reaches the radiator through the tube(s). It then moves into the radiator’s inlet and through the fins, which absorb the heat from the liquid. Then, the fans direct the heat away from the fins and out the case. Afterward, the cooled liquid is circulated back to the CPU, and the cycle repeats.
5. The Liquid: Again, this is normally distilled or de-ionized water because tap water contains contaminants like sodium, which can clog the channels in the radiator. Generally, the better option is using a coolant since it eliminates the risk of corrosion and bacterial growth. The base chemical used in most coolants is Ethylene Glycol.
6. Reservoir (Optional): All-in-one liquid coolers don’t use reservoirs — and in custom loop water cooling, they are optional. However, it’s generally recommended that you install a water cooling loop WITH a reservoir due to several reasons. This is because it holds extra coolant and makes filling the loop (during installation) easier. Furthermore, it helps to get rid of air bubbles after installation. In setups that include a reservoir-motor combo, the cooled liquid reaches the reservoir and heads back to the CPU. If the reservoir and motor are separate, the liquid goes from the reservoir to the liquid, to the water block. 

Types Of Liquid Cooling

Liquid cooling is of two types: Open-loop (or custom loop) liquid cooling and closed-loop (or all-in-one/AIO) liquid cooling. Both work in the same way, but all-in-one liquid coolers are typically designed for CPUs, while custom loop kits can cool CPUs, GPUs, and even the RAM all at once.

Open Loop Liquid Cooling

It involves a water-cooling kit that is assembled by the user. It is highly customizable but also more difficult to install. In addition, custom loop water cooling kits are costlier than AIO coolers. 

Custom loop liquid cooling kits may involve a reservoir for holding extra coolant. Custom loop water cooler setups require occasional coolant replacement; thus, maintenance cost and effort come into play. Also, there’s an increased risk of leakage in custom loop cooling, but this is typically due to negligence during installation.

All-In-One Liquid Cooling

These involve pre-assembled kits that are much easier to install and are ideal for most users. They are cheaper, efficient, and don’t require active maintenance — although some AIOs are designed to be refillable.

They come in different sizes, but the most common sizes are 240mm, 280mm, and 360mm.

Read more on AIO vs custom loop water cooling in our guide.

Installing A Liquid Cooler

Installation differs quite significantly between closed-loop and custom-loop water coolers. 

Installing An AIO Cooler: Installing an all-in-one cooler is quite simple. To put it simply, involves installing the water block first. Following that, the fans are installed onto the radiator in your desired configuration and hooked onto your case. 

Installing A Water Cooling Kit: Similar to installing an AIO cooler, installing a water cooling kit starts with the installation of the water block and the radiator-fan combination. The additional work is installing the pump, reservoir, and the tubing. Additionally, you’ll need to fill the loop with coolant and test it for leaks.

Installing the first two is also straightforward — the real challenge is installing the tubing. This is because you need to cut and bend it to fit correctly. The more radiators you install (and the more components you water-cool), the more time you’ll spend setting up the tubing.

For A Step-By-Step Tutorial, Check:

• How To Install A Liquid CPU Cooler?

Liquid Cooling Vs Air Cooling

As mentioned earlier, water cooling is preferred over air cooling because water conducts heat faster than air. The basic principle is the same; the difference is just in using liquid over air. Air coolers consist of a heatsink, which receives heat from the CPU, and fans, which dissipate that heat.

Now, let’s talk about how they compare in various aspects.

Performance

Performance-wise, liquid/AIO coolers are generally better. However, there are variables since different air and liquid coolers perform differently. Some air coolers have more efficient designs, use bigger (and dual) fans, and have more fins, etc. Similarly, liquid coolers differ in the radiator’s size, thickness and fin density.

At best, the most premium air coolers can compete with 280mm AIO coolers. 

Prices 

Due to their simpler design, air coolers are significantly cheaper than liquid coolers. Again, both liquid and air coolers vary greatly in price. Here is a rough breakdown of how much each category of cooler can cost:

• Air Coolers: $25-$130
• AIO Coolers: $70-$300
• Liquid Cooling Kits: $200-$1000

Ease Of Installation

For a first-timer, installing an AIO cooler may seem daunting, but it’s really not that difficult compared to installing an air cooler. The real challenge is installing a custom loop water cooling kit, as it involves correctly assembling the tubing. Improperly installed tubing can lead to leakage, which can damage your components.

Installing an air cooler involves attaching the fans to the heatsink and then installing the heatsink onto your CPU. Meanwhile, installing an AIO cooler involves hooking up the fans to the radiator; then, the radiator is attached to your case. Then, the water block is placed and screwed onto the CPU.

Compatibility/Clearance

Air coolers typically use more space than AIO coolers but less than water cooling kits. The main issue that arises with air coolers is RAM clearance. Furthermore, it’s necessary to ensure that the case is wide enough to accommodate the heatsink. For AIO coolers, this is not an issue; even mini-ITX cases support AIO coolers. You just need to make sure that at least one side of your case can support the radiator.

For water cooling kits, you’ll want a large ATX case to accommodate the tubes and the reservoirs. 

Noise

Since air coolers can’t dissipate heat as fast as liquid coolers, they rely heavily on the fan(s) and must run their fan(s) at higher speeds to efficiently get rid of the heat. So, air coolers are typically noisier than water coolers.

Aesthetics

This is subjective, but some people may find liquid coolers aesthetically unappealing due to their industrial-like design. However, in recent years, air cooler manufacturers have upped their game with RGB fans and beautiful black/white finishes. 

Meanwhile, most liquid coolers come with RGB, and in custom loop water coolers, you can buy colored coolant or dye the water to match your PC’s RGB theme. What’s more, many water blocks have LCD/LCS displays to further decorate your setup.

Maintenance

Unlike air coolers, liquid coolers setups require occasional maintenance. AIO coolers don’t require maintenance, although, as mentioned earlier, some allow you to replace the coolant. 

Here’s a breakdown of all the key differences.

You can learn how air coolers compare to AIOs in more detail in our guide.

As far as custom loop water cooling is concerned, the following heading dives into detail about their maintenance.

Liquid Cooling Maintenance

A few measures are necessary to keep your open-loop liquid cooling setup running optimally. 

Cleaning The Radiator And Fans

Depending on the area where you live and your particular chassis, dust builds up over your radiator and fans, which will need cleaning at a certain point to ensure optimal function. This period may vary anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. A compressed air can or an air blower can be used to clear out the dust. For the radiator, a paintbrush or toothbrush also works.

Cleaning The Water Block

Occasionally, it’s also a good idea to clean the water block to prevent oxidation and dust buildup. For this, you need to take the block apart by unscrewing the base. Next, fill up a bowl with water. Now, depending on the material of the block, you should use the following combinations to clean the block.

• For Bare Copper: Water and vinegar or lemon juice
• For Nickel-Plated Copper: Just warm water, then non-abrasive metal polish
• For Acrylic Glass: Soap and warm water
• For Acetal: Soap and warm water

Submerge the block parts in the solution for 5-10 minutes, take them out, dip a brush in that solution, and rub all the parts to get rid of any debris. Afterward, rinse the block thoroughly with distilled water.

Flushing/Draining Your System

This refers to clearing out the coolant/liquid from your water cooling loop and replacing it with fresh coolant/distilled water. Make sure to use distilled water to clear out the liquid to prevent corrosion.

The process of flushing the loop is outside the scope of this article, but you can check out this neat video from Jayztwocents to familiarise yourself with it.

Ali Rashid Khan

[Wiki Editor]

Ali Rashid Khan is an avid gamer, hardware enthusiast, photographer, and devoted litterateur with a period of experience spanning more than 14 years. Sporting a specialization with regards to the latest tech in flagship phones, gaming laptops, and top-of-the-line PCs, Ali is known for consistently presenting the most detailed objective perspective on all types of gaming products, ranging from the Best Motherboards, CPU Coolers, RAM kits, GPUs, and PSUs amongst numerous other peripherals. When he’s not busy writing, you’ll find Ali meddling with mechanical keyboards, indulging in vehicular racing, or professionally competing worldwide with fellow mind-sport athletes in Scrabble at an international level. Currently speaking, Ali has completed his A-Level GCEs with plans to go into either Allopathic Medicine or Business Studies, or who knows, perhaps a full-time dedicated technological journalist.

Get In Touch: alirashid@tech4gamers.com

Liquid Cooling [What, Why, How To Install] is a post from Tech4Gamers - All About Technology And Gaming News