What is a CPU cooler? A CPU cooler is a heat exchanger that transfers the heat from the processor to the air outside of your computer case. The goal of a CPU Cooler is to keep your processor running in its optimal range. If you don’t have a good cooling solution, your PC will reduce its speed to prevent overheating and maybe even shut down altogether.
So how do you know what kind of CPU cooler to buy? There are three different kinds: Air coolers, Liquid coolers, and Dual-tower air/liquid coolers. You can also get an all-in-one liquid cooler that includes both parts! Keep reading for more information about each type of cooling system below!
What is a CPU cooler
A CPU cooler is a heat exchanger that transfers the heat from the processor to the air outside of your computer case. The goal of a CPU Cooler is to keep your processor running in its optimal range. If you don’t have a good cooling solution, your PC will reduce its speed to prevent overheating and maybe even shut down altogether.
The three different types of CPU coolers
There are three different types of CPU cooler systems: Air coolers, Liquid coolers, and Dual-tower air/liquid coolers. You can also get an all-in-one liquid cooler that includes both parts! Keep reading for more information about each type of cooling system below!
Air Cooler
An air cooler is the cheapest option out of all three types of CPU Coolers. It uses fans to blow air across fins (metal plates) that are cooled by the heat from your processor. Air coolers tend to be less effective than liquid cooling systems, but they’re also much quieter and more affordable.
Air coolers work best when there’s enough space around the CPU socket to fit the cooler, but they might require you to purchase low-profile RAM or remove your graphics card. Make sure you check out the dimensions before buying one!
Air Cooler Price
You can get an air cooler for about $30-60 dollars online. If you’re looking for something more affordable, this Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo is a great option that will only set you back about $35.
Air coolers are the most affordable, but they’re also the noisiest! If you want something quiet, consider either getting an air cooler with bigger fans or one of the other types of CPU Coolers.
Liquid Cooler
A liquid cooler is more expensive than an air cooler, but it provides better cooling while being virtually silent. It works by transferring the heat from the processor to a liquid that is then pumped around inside of tubes and up into a radiator which dissipates the heat away from your components.
Liquid coolers come with different size radiators and tubing lengths depending on how much space you have in your computer case. Some liquid coolers even come with their own water blocks so you don’t need to remove your existing CPU cooler! Make sure you pay attention to all of the specifications before buying one.
Liquid Cooler Price
Liquid coolers can be a bit harder to install since they require precise fittings and different parts, but they’re also more effective than air coolers. This Corsair Hydro Series H100i is a great liquid cooler that will only set you back about $115.
Liquid coolers are one of the best options, but they’re also the most expensive! Make sure your computer case has room for everything before making the investment.
Dual-tower air/liquid coolers
A dual-tower air/liquid cooler typically has two separate cooling systems: one for the processor and another for the graphics card. This type of CPU Cooler can be a bit more expensive than other options, but it’s not as loud or bulky. It also offers great cooling compatibility with additional storage drives in your PC case.
Dual-tower coolers have a reservoir, pump, and tubes for each component they’re cooling. Check out the dimensions of your case before making a purchase so you know it’ll fit.
Dual-tower air/liquid coolers price
This Corsair Hydro Series H115i is a great all-in-one liquid/air cooler that will only set you back about $120. It’s one of the best options out there, and it should fit into most standard computer cases!
Dual-tower coolers are a great choice, but they’re also one of the more expensive options. If you want the best all-in-one cooling system, this is your best bet.
How to choose the right type for your PC
case size check
Some computer cases come with additional storage drives which can get in the way of air coolers. Make sure you check the measurements on your case before buying anything!
quiet air cooler
If you’re looking for something cheap and quiet, an air cooler might be right up your alley! Air coolers are easy to install, but they don’t provide as much cooling as a liquid cooler.
Liquid cooler if you have room for a larger CPU cooler
If you have room for a bigger CPU Cooler, a liquid cooler might be the best option for you! Liquid coolers can provide more cooling and they’re also virtually silent, but they tend to be more expensive.
Dual Tower Air/Liquid Chiller
A dual-tower air/liquid cooler is great if you want good airflow as well as high-end cooling. It’s usually more expensive than an air cooler, but not as pricey as a liquid cooler.
If you want the best possible cooling and silence, consider getting a dual-tower air/liquid cooler! These will give you great airflow and temperature control at a decent price.
Pros and cons of each type
Air coolers
- + Affordable
- + Quiet (for the most part)
- – Bulky and tall
Liquid coolers
- + Very quiet (especially if you buy a good radiator)
- + Best cooling solution for overclocking
- – Expensive! You could probably buy two air coolers for the price of one liquid cooler.
Dual Tower Air/Liquid Chiller
- + Great cooling at an affordable price, especially if you like having quiet components
- + High-end cooling
- – Bulky and tall depending on the air cooler you buy (watch out for dual tower liquid coolers too!)
FAQs about cooling systems
Do I need a liquid cooler?
Liquid coolers are usually a better choice for overclocking, but they’re also more expensive. If you have the money and don’t mind spending a little bit extra, go with a liquid cooling system!
Are our liquid coolers loud?
Liquid systems that include all of the components in one unit will be far quieter than an air cooler. You can still get liquid coolers that are quieter than most air coolers, but they come at a much higher cost.
Can I use an air cooler for my graphics card (GPU) too?
Sure! If you have the room in your case, you can install up to 3 fans on most air coolers. Your GPU will still be cooled by the built-in cooler, but you’ll get better airflow around your other components.
Do I need to check my case size?
Most of the time, yes! Make sure you know exactly what kind of case you have before buying any sort of CPU Cooler for your desktop PC.
Do I need to check my case size again?
Liquid coolers come in all shapes and sizes, so make sure your case can handle the one you want before making a purchase. For example, there are some liquid coolers that actually attach to the front of your PC’s case (fancy!). You’ll need the appropriate case for those as well.
Are dual-tower air coolers better than single towers?
In general, yes! Dual-tower coolers offer the best performance and cooling for your money because they’re more efficient than a regular single tower cooler. Single-tower coolers might be cheaper, but they don’t provide as much airflow or as much cooling power.
How to clean your PC cooling system
Is your computer running a little hot lately? It might be time to clean out all that dust and grime from your desktop! Over time, dirt and dust can build up in places where you wouldn’t normally expect it. For example, check behind the fan blades of your CPU cooler: if there’s a bunch of gunk stuck on there, your CPU might be running warmer than it should! If you don’t maintain your system regularly, it can lead to overheating and even more damage. So how do you clean out your desktop PC’s cooling system? Here are some tips:
Make sure to unplug everything first!
You wouldn’t want anything shocking or static-y happening while you’re cleaning your computer, would you?
Watch out for sharp edges on the fans!
Make sure to hold them by the plastic or rubber coating, and never touch a fan’s wires. Even a tiny metal sliver can be dangerous when touching those wires.
Make sure to use canned air if you don’t have any compressed air lying around.
You can find both at pretty much any hardware store or electronic retailer, but take care not to hold the canned air upside-down for too long!
You can use a paintbrush (soft!)
to get into small places like between blades on your CPU cooler. Just be careful not to damage anything while you’re brushing away dust. If possible, try using the brush on a vacuum to suck up any extra dust you might have missed.
Make sure to check how hard it is to take off your fan blades!
Some are held in by screws or brackets, while other fans will pop right out. If you want to reuse them after cleaning, make sure to put them back carefully.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the importance of a CPU Cooler and how to buy one! If you have any questions or suggestions, just leave me a comment below! Have fun building your computer!
CPU coolers are an important part of every desktop PC. They help keep your components running at their best by dissipating heat away from your CPU. If you’re building your first computer, keep these tips in mind when buying a CPU Cooler! Make sure you have room for your fan, that your case can handle the size, and that you clean out your PC regularly to prevent damage. Remember though, always unplug everything beforehand! You wouldn’t want anything shocking or static-