Computer components have been getting smaller and faster due to this reason, heat generated increases rapidly and gets concentrated in smaller areas. Imagine you are a professional worker or gamer and working on complex tasks, putting extra load on the CPU which leads to generating a lot of heat. This causes the PC to lag and slows down your tasks sometimes leading to sudden shutdown, causing hindrance in your performance. Whether you are a gamer or creative professional, understanding how liquid coolers work is very important to best drive performance and durability of your computer.

However, liquid cooling is a method largely used to minimize temperature of computer processor units (CPU) and sometimes graphic processor units (GPUs). They observe heat from the CPU or GPU and then scatter it away from the hardware. There are two categories of liquid coolers; first one is All-in-one (AIO) coolers or custom cooling loops. It starts with a baseplate which is connected to the CPU with a layer of thermal paste. The base plant is a part of a water block designed to be filled with coolant. Furthermore, heat is absorbed by coolants and it continues to move in the system. Radiator then exposes the liquid to the air, allowing it to cool down and the fans move the heat from the cooler. Let’s explore the best brand for liquid cooler and factors to consider when buying it.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Liquid Cooler:

Compatibility with CPU/GPU and PC Case:

Multiple factors are there to be considered when choosing a liquid cooler. Compatibility with CPU involves looking for socket support. Built-in CPU sockets are presented in the liquid coolers that ensure the cooler is working properly. Thermal design power (TDP) rating also shows how much your CPU generates heat and the liquid cooler should handle CPU’s TPD to ensure powerful performance.

Some liquid coolers are mainly for GPUs and include brackets for its cooling. Adequate room should be there so that the CPU and GPU can connect without disturbing other components. Mother should have enough space for pumps and fans.

Also Read: Best CPU coolers for gaming

Size of Radiator: 120mm, 240mm, 360mm, etc:

PC case involves identifying the optimal radiator size such as 120mm, 240mm,260mm and others. Choose the size of the radiators based on the performance you want and the cooling needs. !20mm radiator is ideal for entry level cooling but it has limited capacity and can stop working in high-end CPUs. The 20mm radiator is suitable for mid-range CPUs as it can offer better cooling performance than 120mm radiators. Lastly, a 260mm radiator works best on heavy load CPUs and GPUs.

Noise Levels and Fan Performance:

PC case involves identifying the optimal radiator size such as 120mm, 240mm,260mm and others. Choose the size of the radiators based on the performance you want and the cooling needs. !20mm radiator is ideal for entry level cooling but it has limited capacity and can stop working in high-end CPUs. The 20mm radiator is suitable for mid-range CPUs as it can offer better cooling performance than 120mm radiators. Lastly, a 260mm radiator works best on heavy load CPUs and GPUs.

RGB Lighting and Design Aesthetics:

Many buyers look for aesthetics when buying liquid coolers. RGB lighting makes the appearance of a PC more appealing and can be customized based on the preference of the buyer. They can select from ARGB (Addressable RGB) or standard RGB. Placement of RGB lighting is mostly on the CPU pump block, they glow under the case and premium coolers have RGB-lit tubes to enhance its appearance.

Lian Li Galahad II Performance 360:

Key Features: 

• It offers three interchangeable designs in addition to two rings of colors. You can control them individually with different lighting effects.
• Pump is about 15% larger and the motor has 31% faster speed providing strong water flow. Ensure optimal circulation of coolant making it efficient for the system. Provides strong water flow and prevents it from heading under heavy work conditions.
• Height is optimal and the copper plate fin thickness is specifically designed to diffuse the coolant over the entire area of copperplate much better
• It involves a double stack fin radiator to increase performance and dissipation of heat better. The design is formulated to improve the performance of cooling by allowing more airflow to pass and making sure the coolant is effectively working. It is perfect for high performing CPUs that mainly generate heat.
• Lian Li Galahad II Performance 360 has cooler that offers high airflow capacity of 108.29 CFM that makes sure heat is removed. Maintains noise level when under high working load that is mainly quiet for most users.

Pros & Cons: 

Pros:

• High air flow and double-stack radiator promotes cooling system effectively and minimizes thermal loads.
• Customize your liquid cooler with RGB lighting that can be controlled and changed for aesthetic appealing.
• Large pump impeller and fast motor, ensures strong flow of water promoting optimal cooling.

Cons:

• This liquid cooler requires specific space in the case, not ideal for smaller cases.
• As this liquid cooler has less noise under normal conditions, it can get loud when workload is high.
• 4-pin connector and 10. Watt hours makes it highly energy demanding.

Price in AED: 

The price of Lian Li Galahad II Performance 360 is AED 696.77.

Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 Atmos:

Key Features: 

• Provides high performance cooling with its 360mm aluminum radiator and has Master liquid 360 Atmos that delivers cooling capabilities and handles thermal loads effectively.
• Users can change their system appearance according to their aesthetic. It offers customizable pump cover and can be made up to personal aesthetics.
• Better  coolant flow and heat transfer through the system with its dual chamber pump and cold plate design to enhance the coolers performance.
• Cooler has integrated aesthetic and smooth lighting with Gen 2 RGB technology. Offers a unique look to the overall setup.

Pros & Cons: 

Pros:

• High quality fans and 360mm radiators allow effective heat transfer.
• Change the pump cover or RGB lighting according to the aesthetic you want to match your setup.
• Cooler systems will promote more low noise levels.

Cons:

• It may be expensive for certain users as compared to other coolers.
• Radiator may limit compatibility with cases that are smaller.

Price in AED: 

The price of Cooler Master Master Liquid 360 Atmos is AED 681.89.

ID-Cooling FX360 INF:

Key Features: 

• The cooler offers a 360mm aluminum radiator that provides a lot of extra surfaces for heat to cool down. Suitable for high performance or overclocking CPUs.
• Offers ARGB lighting with infinity mirror design on the pump head that makes the lighting more visually appealing and its compatibility offers easy sync with other components.
• 120mm fans deliver strong and fast airflow that helps in maintaining optimal temperatures for the CPU to cool down.
• It includes various CPU sockets that include Intel LGA1700, LGA1200 and others to make it compatible with other systems.

Pros & Cons: 

Pros:

• Offers effective cooling with 360mm radiators and provides space for heat to scatter.
• Personalize ARGB according to your setup and aesthetics.
• Compatible with multiple CPU sockets.

Cons:

• Has non-standard fan connectors they may not be suitable for certain motherboards.
• When working during heavy load, the noise is quite noticeable.

Price in AED: 

The price of ID-Cooling FX360 INF is AED 189.00.

Silverstone IceMyst 360:

Key Features: 

• Silverstone IceMyst 360 comes with an expandable water block and has 360 rotatable top cover. It has high reliability three phase for more quieter operations.
• It supports a range of CPU sockets making its connection more simplified and compatible with other systems.
• It has 70mm IMF70 ARGB fans that are stackable and can be directly mounted on the pump housing. Target the specific motherboard component that needs cooling, thereby promoting stability all over the system.
• The pump of Silverstone IceMyst 360 offers three phases, six pole design making operations smoother and less noisy than other traditional pumps.

Pros & Cons: 

Pros:

• Innovative solutions in terms of stackable fans that allow targeted cooling onto motherboard components.
• Change or enhance ARGB lighting effects, optimizing the overall look of the system.
• Advanced pump design promotes more efficient and less noisy operations.

Cons:

• Stackable fans may require additional fans to fully operate, thereby increasing the cost.
• Radiator is not compatible with smaller cases.
• With the addition of more fans, noise level may significantly increase.

Price in AED:

The price of Silverstone IceMyst 360 is AED 349.00.

Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT:

Key Features: 

• You can show your CPU temperature, portray animated GIF, meme, teams’ logo or any customized image live on your CPU. It offers a 2.1 IPS LCD screen with 480×480 resolution and over 16.7 million colors.
• Choose the theme you want within the diverse colorful library and it allows users to overview information in bold graphic display that best suits your overall setup.
• Fans can stop when your setup is at lowest temperature and can show the exact fan speed up to 1,700 RPM which minimizes fan noise completely.

Pros & Cons: 

Pros:

• 420mm radiator ensures fans are working in high performance to limit heat.
• IPS LCD display and ARGB lighting can be customized, enhancing the appearance of your system.
• It provides control over lights, fan speed and performance.
• Can be connected with various CPU sockets.

Cons:

• Multiple components and large size makes its installation difficult compared to other AIO coolers for CPU.
• 420mm radiators require large space hence, size will be an issue for smaller cases.

Price in AED:

The price of Corsair iCUE H170i Elite LCD XT is 1691 AED.

Lian Li Galahad II LCD 280:

Key Features: 

• Lian Li Galahad II LCD 280 offers 2.88-inch IPS LCD screen and 480×480 resolutions that allows users to experience and showcase real-time CPU temperature, display animation and other information.
• 140mm performance focused fans are specifically designed to minimize noise and increase airflow so that heat can be lowered down efficiently.
• Improved cooling efficiency through Asetek’s latest 8^th generation pump which promotes less noisy operations and enhances overall performance.
• It supports various CPU sockets, ensuring best compatibility with various systems.

Pros & Cons: 

Pros:

• It has a 280mm radiator, it ensures high performance and it is stronger than most 360mm AIOs.
• Quieter and better with performance focused fans.
• Show your CPU temperature, animation and other customizations smoothly.

Cons:

• Display makes for an expensive AIO as it allows real-time showcasing.

Price in AED:

The price of Lian Li Galahad II LCD 280 is 881 AED.

DeepCool LS520:

Key Features: 

• The deep cool LS520 has 240mm radiators and two FC120 A-RGB PWM fans plus an infinity mirror cap which ensures optimal cooling performance of the CPU.
• It involves a high performance 4^th generation water pump to maximize cooling performance making consistent coolant flow as it has a three phase drive motor.
• Better user experience with quicker installation and newly designed mounting brackets that enables the cooler to be fastened safely.
• Designed with higher maximum fans speeds that improves airflow and static pressure compared to other models.

Pros & Cons: 

Pros:

• Handles high thermal outputs, perfect for overclocked CPUs.
• Easy and quick installation has made it simpler enhancing the overall user experience.
• Upgraded fans improve airflow and static pressure.

Cons:

• It does not facilitate control over lighting or fans.
• May increase noise when fans are running at maximum speed.

Price in AED:

The price of DeepCool LS520 is 435 AED.

NZXT Kraken 240:

Key Features: 

• Comes with 1.54 square LCD display and 240×240 resolution plus 30 Hz refresh rate that offers improved content.
• Make your system stand out by customizing its display, adding animation, monitor performance and other customization.
• The powerful Asetek pump can operate up to 2,800 RPM that makes sure coolant circulation is quiet and efficient.
• Powerful cooling plus less noise is achieved by static pressure fans that have fluid dynamic bearing.

Pros & Cons: 

Pros:

• Favors strong cooling performance by Kraken 240 that keeps low temperature of CPU.
• Sleek design and customization makes it aesthetically pleasing.
• It offers easy installation and mounting.
• Durable and smoother overall performance is guaranteed.

Cons:

• Customization and advanced cooling fans will make it expensive.

Price in AED:

The price of NZXT Kraken 240 is 669 AED.

Installation Tips for Liquid Coolers:

Liquid coolers can be easily installed when you keep a few tips in mind. Let’s explore them so your installation can go smoothly. First check its compatibility, whether your case can facilitate radiator size that ranges from 120mm,240mmm,360mm etc. Another tip is to carefully check whether your existing CPU sockets and the motherboard are compatible with the cooler.

When connecting the liquid cooler, ensure your PC is powered off and cables are disconnected. Prioritize Best Liquid Coolers for PC so that you can avoid any complications in the future. Mount the radiator on to your case after reading the manual and then install the pump and align it to the mounting holes. Connect the pump to the power cable, install fans, check the positioning of the tube and then check if everything is working fine.

Conclusion:

Using a PC excessively can lead to your CPU or GPU to heat up and sometimes it can also cause the system to shut down. Here liquid coolers come into play. They observe heat and move it away through the hardware. Involves base plant and thermal paste, coolant observes heat and continues to do so until and unless your CPU or GPU is cooled down, there are multiple factors to consider when buying liquid coolers and few brands have been listed for you to choose your liquid cooler that best fit your requirement and you can Buy liquid cooler for pc. 

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