How does a water cooling system work and why is it more efficient than air coolers?

A water cooling system (WCO) is the most effective solution for maintaining a stable processor temperature, although its cost is also impressive.

The main components of the SVO are:

  • Radiator
  • Fan
  • Water block
  • Pump (usually combined with a water block)
  • Tubes/Hoses
  • Refrigerant
  • Expansion tank (for custom)

The principle of operation is quite simple and is similar to the cooling system of an internal combustion engine of a car. The pump ensures closed circulation of the refrigerant through the tubes. The liquid passes through the water block, which is in contact with the surface of the processor, and heat exchange occurs. Then it enters the radiator, where the temperature is reduced due to the air flow from the fans. The cooled mixture moves again to the water block, and the cycle repeats.

The thermal conductivity of the refrigerant is very high, and the active method of heat removal does its job. Therefore, the efficiency of the air cooler is much higher than that of classic air coolers, including the most powerful tower types.

However, we can immediately note that the choice in favor of dropsy is made under the condition of “hot” CPUs or if there is a desire to overclock. The practical benefits of such systems are noticeable for Core i7 / Ryzen 7 processors and higher. For mid-range PCs, the CBO option can also be considered if the goal is to achieve a minimal noise level in the assembly. Some liquid cooling models are ideal for ultra-compact cases where efficient circulation cannot be achieved using air coolers. For budget computers, it makes no sense to consider dropsy.

Boxed or custom dropsy?

When choosing a water cooling system, it is important to understand that most models are ready-made solutions (out of the box). This is the best option for any PC that does not require assembly, configuration, maintenance and is relatively easy to install.

Custom SVO requires certain knowledge in order to correctly select all the components of the system yourself. Here you need to take into account many parameters so that the equipment is compatible and does not limit each other’s potential. Some manufacturers offer ready-made kits for self-assembly.

Therefore, experts recommend that ordinary users choose boxed SVOs, while custom ones remain a priority for enthusiasts who create designer gaming PCs with the maximum use of modding and stylization.

Popular water cooling systems

TDP selection based on processor characteristics

The most important criterion for choosing water cooling is TDP (Thermal Design Power). It represents how much heat can be effectively dissipated. Processor manufacturers indicate a similar heat dissipation parameter, which you need to focus on.

Important! For effective cooling, the TDP of the dropsy must be 2 times greater than that of the CPU. In case of overclocking and top-end “stones”, it is desirable to provide a threefold increase.

For example, the AMD Ryzen 9 Raphael 7900X has a TDP of 170 W. It is worth considering that this figure is nominal, and under maximum load or overclocking it can increase significantly. Therefore, the TDP of a liquid cooling system must cover not only the maximum possible level of heat dissipation, but also ensure a good margin so that the cooling system does not operate at the limit of its capabilities. Thus, the best option for the AMD Ryzen 9 Raphael 7900X would be a dropsy with a heat dissipation rating of about 350 W.

Which radiator is suitable for gaming PCs of different levels?

Cooling efficiency largely depends on the size of the radiator and the number of fans. Manufacturers offer single-section models 120 or 140 mm. They are compact, most often installed on the rear panel and are optimal for mid-range PCs with Core i5 / Ryzen 5 processors.

Professional gaming builds are usually equipped with multi-section radiators of different sizes depending on the number of coolers installed. The options may be the following:

The most common are two-section radiators 240 mm. They work well with high-performance processors, but for the hottest processors it is better to choose more efficient 360 mm or 420 mm systems. Such SVOs are installed on the front or top panel. The main thing is to choose a case that supports the CBO of the appropriate size.

At this stage, it is necessary to pay attention to the quality of the radiator and the density of the fins. In most cases it is made of aluminum, but premium models may use copper. There should be no damage upon visual inspection. The density of the partitions should be at least 10 per ". The higher it is, the more efficiently the liquid circulating inside will be cooled. Ready-made air cooler kits are usually balanced, but it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the fans. It is worth giving preference to hydrodynamic bearings, which last longer and have a low noise level. A prerequisite must be PWM support so that the system can independently regulate the impeller speed and the CPU cooling efficiency depending on the temperature.

What properties should a water block have?

The water block is installed on top of the processor and is responsible for heat exchange between its surface and the coolant. The choice of SVO should be based on compatibility with the socket, although most manufacturers offer a set of all necessary adapters in the kit. The second important point is the material of the contacting sole. The best option is copper, which has good thermal conductivity. The internal structure of the water block is also important, although such information is quite difficult to find in the product description. It is recommended to separate the fluid flow into separate microchannels. So the efficiency of heat transfer will be much higher.

Popular water blocks for the processor

Requirements for connecting pipes

Connecting tubes ensure fluid circulation throughout the system. The safety of the entire PC depends on their quality, since the slightest leaks will lead to a short circuit and damage to components. When choosing a liquid cooling system, you need to pay attention to the important properties of the hoses. There are flexible and rigid options. The former are usually made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the latter from polymethyl methacrylate (in other words, acrylic) or metal (aluminum, copper).

PVC hoses are affordable, so they are used in most ready-made water supply systems. They cope well with increased pressure and temperature of the circulating fluid. By adding dye to the coolant, you can get a nice visualization of the system unit due to its transparency.

The disadvantage is low mechanical strength. They are quite easy to damage or puncture, so such hoses are often supplemented with protective braiding.

Hard tubes are used by enthusiasts in custom builds. This is quite an expensive pleasure, which also requires accurate calculations. They are often made independently or to order with a specific length and angle.

The thickness of the tubes depends on the performance of the water treatment system, in particular the pump. The standard is 13/10 mm size (external/internal). For air coolers with a high TDP (more than 300 W), hoses with an outer size of 16 mm and an inner size of 12 mm can be used. This provides greater throughput and speeds up heat dissipation from the processor.

It is important to consider the length of the hose, which depends on the location and method of installing the water cooling system in the body. With the top and rear placement, the distance from the processor to the case is minimal, so 300 mm will be enough even if the radiator is mounted externally. If you plan to install the SVO on the front panel, then a standard length of 400 mm is recommended.

Opportunities for modding and customization of SVO components

Quite often, a gaming PC is upgraded, so the liquid cooling system should also provide the ability to upgrade or replace individual components. It is advisable to choose models with removable fasteners (fittings), which will allow you to disconnect the radiator and water block, change flexible hoses to rigid tubes, providing convenient modding.

For connoisseurs of everything stylish, backlit drops are suitable, which can often be synchronized with the visual effects of other components. A fashionable trend is a cooling system with a built-in display, which allows you to monitor its status without additional software during gaming.

Conclusion

It is important to understand that the cost of high-quality and efficient water cooling systems starts from 4,000 hryvnia. The most popular brands are: Asus, Deepcool, ID-COOLING, Corsair. Decent drops are also present in Gigabyte, Arctic, Be quiet! When choosing, you must give preference to trusted brands, since poor build quality and components can cause leaks and failure of expensive gaming equipment with loss of warranty service.