Liquid cooling uses water to cool computer systems by transferring heat from computer parts through a metal surface and into the liquid. The water is then cooled and sent back to the computer. This system is more efficient than traditional fan and heat sink systems, but also more expensive.
Liquid cooling is the use of liquid, typically water, to cool computer systems. This is usually achieved through the transfer of heat from computer parts through a metal surface and into the liquid. The liquid is then passed through a system such as a radiator to cool the water and send it back to the computer. Due to the nature of water as a conductor, liquid cooling systems can help release much more heat than traditional fan and heat sink systems. While fans are still more commonly used, as computer equipment gets more powerful and creates more heat, such systems may become more common.
A liquid cooling system is built with a series of flexible tubes running along a computer tower, replacing the typically louder fans. Plates made of copper or other highly conductive metals are placed in contact with the central processing unit (CPU) or other heat-producing parts of computer equipment. The water pipes are then joined to those metal parts to carry the heat away through the system and release it through the radiator. Built on the basic laws of thermodynamics, heat transfer through this type of system is efficient and heat is released much more quickly than with traditional heat sinks and fans.
Traditional fan and heat sink systems work by drawing heat away from a CPU or other device into the metal heat sink, and then the fan blows air over the heat sink to transfer heat away from the system. Water has a much higher degree of conductivity than air, so water is able to absorb heat from computer equipment more quickly and then release that heat. This type of system can also more effectively move heat completely out of the tower, instead of relying on multiple fans to expel the heat. While most computer users may not yet need liquid cooling, as hardware power increases, which increases the heat produced by the equipment, such systems may become more popular.
Some initial users of liquid cooling may be concerned about potential problems with having water running through their expensive computer equipment. Most liquid cooling hoses are made to withstand much greater pressures than those created through standard system use. Anyone wishing to purchase such a system should ensure that they are only purchasing through a reputable manufacturer with an established reputation for quality products. While liquid cooling can be more effective than heat sinks and fans, they’re also often a bit more expensive. Like any other technology purchase, researching the manufacturers and seeking reviews or comments from users of the product is strongly advised.
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