Water Cooling vs. Air Cooling | Which Is Best For Your PC?

The advantage of building a PC from scratch is you get to choose all the components that go inside it. This isn’t the case with pre-built systems and laptops. Starting with expensive parts such as CPU and GPU to relatively inexpensive parts such as RAM, Power Supply, and CPU Cooler, you will be in charge of all the parts.

Speaking of coolers, the two main options that keep the CPU temperatures in check are Air Cooling and Water Cooling. If you are building a PC for the first time, picking one among air and water coolers can determine how cool the CPU runs, the amount of noise it makes, and the overclocking prospects as well.

In this Water Cooling vs. Air Cooling comparison guide, we will go back to the basics and understand how these systems work. In the process, we will look at several characteristics of air cooling and water cooling such as ease of installation, performance, noise, cost, and more. We hope that this guide will steer you in the proper direction while picking the right CPU cooler for your PC.

NOTE: GPUs or Graphic Cards also need adequate cooling. But most of them already come with heatsink and fans. CPUs are different in this regard. Some low-end or entry-level CPUs might come with a bundled heatsink/cooler in the retail package.

However, most mid and high-end CPUs don’t usually come with any kind of cooler and you have to pick one while purchasing the parts. That is why we will keep this water cooling vs. air cooling discussion strictly to CPU coolers.

Importance Of A CPU Cooler

A CPU cooler is not just an accessory but a critical component of any computer system. But why do CPUs need coolers in the first place? Modern CPUs have billions of transistors packed into a tiny space (a recent 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU has more than 3 billion 800 million transistors in less than 1 cm² area). The process of executing instructions involves electrical signals passing through these transistors and CPUs can execute millions, sometimes billions, of instructions per second.

As the electrical signals move rapidly, they generate friction, which produces heat. The more tasks the CPU handles, the more heat it generates. Additionally, the dense concentration of transistors also increases the heat buildup. The smaller the space, the harder it becomes to dissipate heat naturally.

As a result, CPUs require some sort of cooling solution to maintain safe operating temperatures. Fans, heatsinks, and liquid coolers work to draw heat away from the CPU so that it stays cool even under heavy workloads.

Dissipating a couple of hundred watts of heat from a tiny CPU die is very difficult. Hence, CPUs usually come with an Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS). It is basically a metal lid (copper or aluminum) that covers the CPU die and helps in effective heat dissipation. The IHS absorbs heat from the die and spreads it across a large surface area.

The CPU cooler, be it a simple air cooler with a heatsink and a fan or a water cooler with a base plate, water block, pump, and radiator, sits on top of the IHS and further helps in the dissipation of the heat to the ambient environment.

Overview Of Air Cooling

Air Cooling is one of the simplest and most popular methods of keeping a CPU cool. A typical air cooler consists of two key components that work together to manage CPU temperatures.

The most important component is the heatsink. It is usually made from copper or aluminum. An important feature of the heatsink is its heat pipes and numerous thin fins.

Heat pipes carry heat from the surface of the CPU to the fins. Speaking of which, these fins increase the overall surface area of the heatsink and allow it to absorb and dissipate more heat. The base of the heatsink makes direct contact with the CPU’s IHS.

Another crucial component is the fan or sometimes multiple fans. These fans attach to the heatsink and force air through the fins. As air moves through the heatsink, it carries away the heat absorbed by the fins and thus reduces the CPU’s temperature. Larger air coolers often use two fans in a push-pull configuration to improve airflow and cooling efficiency.

While technically not a part of the heatsink, the thermal paste plays an important role in air cooling. We have to apply thermal paste between the CPU’s IHS and the heatsink base to improve thermal conductivity. The thermal paste fills in microscopic gaps between these two surfaces that could potentially trap air. We know that air is a poor conductor of heat. Thermal paste helps in optimizing the contact between the CPU and maximizes the efficiency of the cooling process.

How Air Cooling A CPU Works?

Air cooling a CPU operates on the principle of heat transfer and airflow. When the CPU processes data, it generates heat that accumulates at the surface of the CPU’s IHS. The heatsink, which is placed directly on top of the IHS, absorbs this heat. Due to its large surface area, the heatsink can quickly draw a significant amount of heat away from the CPU.

The fans attached to the heatsink then come into play. These fans create airflow by pulling cooler air from inside the case and pushing it through the heatsink fins. As the cool air moves through the fins, it picks up the heat from the heatsink and carries it away. The warm air then exits the system, either through a case exhaust fan or ventilation holes.

Air cooling relies on maintaining a consistent airflow within the computer case. Good case ventilation can help cool air enter the heatsink and warm air exit the case. To optimize airflow, proper cable management and strategic placement of fans in the case (a combination of intake and exhaust fans) is very important.

Overview Of Water Cooling

Liquid Cooling or Water cooling a CPU is a highly efficient method for managing heat simply due to the fact that water has a higher thermal conductivity than air, which allows it to absorb more heat. Unlike air cooling, which relies on fans and heatsinks, liquid cooling uses a liquid to absorb and transfer heat away from the CPU. If the liquid is as simple as distilled water, then the unit is simply known as a Water Cooler. Alternatively, we can also use special coolant liquids for a slightly better cooling.

Water cooling generally provides superior cooling capacity. Such cooling solutions are ideal if you want to overclock your CPU or use it in intensive workloads for extended periods. Additionally, water cooling systems tend to be quieter because they rely on fewer and slower fans. For those who prioritize both performance and silent operation, water cooling is an excellent solution.

Types Of Water-Cooling Systems

There are two types of water-cooling systems: All-in-One (AIO) coolers and custom cooling loops. AIO coolers, as the name suggests, is a compact system that integrates the pump, radiator, and water block into a single unit.

On the other hand, custom cooling loops include a water block for the CPU, a radiator, a pump, a reservoir, and tubing. Apart from cooling the CPU, you can also add water blocks for other components, such as GPUs and VRMs. While custom cooling loops offer great flexibility and allow users to design a cooling unit to fulfill their specific needs, they require more expertise, time, and maintenance. Hence, we will be focusing on the AIO system for the rest of the discussion.

A typical AIO Water Cooling System consists of a waterblock, whose base plate attaches directly to the CPU’s IHS and absorbs heat from the processor. There are a series of microchannels inside the waterblock where the coolant flows to maximize heat transfer efficiency.

Most AIO coolers in the market integrate the pump (which helps in circulating the coolant) with the waterblock to save space and simplify installation. It moves the coolant from the waterblock to the radiator and back again. The radiator acts as the primary heat dissipation component in a water-cooling system using its fins and fans

How CPU Water Cooling Works

Water cooling a CPU using an AIO system operates in a closed-loop process. The cycle begins when the CPU generates heat during operation. This heat transfers to the baseplate of the waterblock and the coolant inside the waterblock absorbs this heat. The heated coolant then flows from the water block to the radiator via the pump.

As the coolant reaches the radiator, it passes through a series of thin tubes surrounded by metal fins. The fans mounted on the radiator push air over these fins and cools the liquid inside. Once cooled, the liquid circulates back to the water block to absorb more heat and repeats the cycle.

Water Cooling vs. Air Cooling: Comparison

Components And Size

Air coolers consist of a heatsink, fans, and thermal paste. The heatsink sits directly on the CPU, with fans mounted to push air through its fins. This simple and straightforward design keeps the overall size of most air coolers relatively compact. However, large air coolers like the Noctua NH-D15 can take up considerable space. They can potentially block RAM slots or interfere with other components.

In contrast, water cooling systems include more components. A typical AIO water cooler contains a water block, pump, radiator, tubing, and fans. Custom water-cooling loops add more complexity with reservoirs, additional radiators, and various fittings.

Even with all these components, most AIO water coolers don’t occupy much space around the CPU socket as the water block and pump are integrated into a single unit. Two tubes come from the water block and go to the radiator, which usually sits at the top of the case. AIO coolers like the Corsair H100i Elite Capellix offer even slimmer profiles to save space around the CPU socket.

Ease Of Installation

Air cooling is generally easier to install compared to water cooling. Most air coolers involve securing the heatsink to the CPU with a mounting bracket (after applying thermal paste). Users can then simply attach the fans and connect them to the motherboard to the appropriate headers (CPU_FAN or CPU_OPT). The process is so straightforward that even beginners can install air coolers without any complications.

Water cooling, particularly AIO systems, requires more steps during installation. However, these steps are much simpler compared to a custom loop installation. Users must secure the water block, mount the radiator, position the fans, and manage the tubing.

Even though most manufacturers design their AIO coolers for easier installation, the process needs more time and care than air cooling. Custom loops are much more difficult, especially for beginners. For those without experience, air cooling is the way to start.

Aesthetics

If you are building a PC that can not only perform well but is also visually appealing, the aesthetics of the cooling unit also play a crucial role. Water cooling often has a sleeker, more modern look. AIO coolers often have clean designs with RGB lighting on the pump and fans. Some models have RGB lighting even on the tubing. Models like the Lian Li Galahad AIO 360 come with addressable RGB lighting that can improve the overall appearance.

Air coolers generally have a more traditional appearance. Some models, while bulkier, also offer aesthetic appeal. High-end models (Be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4, for example) have elegant designs with black finishes. Some air coolers include RGB lighting on the fans, for those who want RGB in their air-cooling system. If you are aiming for a minimalist or retro look, you may prefer air coolers. For those who prioritize aesthetics, water cooling is the best way.

Cooling Performance

Now coming to the crucial aspect of cooling performance, water cooling often provides superior results due to its higher thermal conductivity. High-end AIO coolers, like the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280, excel in handling significant heat loads. They keep CPU temperatures low even during intensive tasks.

Air coolers, though slightly less efficient, still offer excellent performance for most users. High-end models (such as the Noctua NH-D15) can cool powerful CPUs effectively, even under load. However, air coolers may struggle in cases with poor airflow. So, apart from having a large and high-end air cooler, you also need to take care of the rest of the air flow in and out of the case.

For users demanding maximum cooling performance (in intensive tasks such as gaming at high or ultra settings, video rendering, 3D Modeling, Streaming, etc.), water cooling generally offers better results, especially in high-end builds.

Operating Noise

Water cooling systems, particularly AIO models, tend to operate more quietly. The fans on the radiator can run at lower speeds due to the efficiency of liquid cooling. Additionally, the pump, though audible, usually produces minimal noise. This combination makes the system quieter, even under load.

Air coolers, depending on the fan speed and size, may produce more noise. Large coolers with multiple fans, like the DeepCool Assassin III, can generate a noticeable sound when operating at high speeds. However, manufacturers have designed many air coolers with silent operation in mind, especially models with large, low-RPM fans. Still, if you want the quietest system, you may find water cooling is a better option.

Overclocking Headroom

Overclocking is a process of increasing the clock speed of the CPU/processor beyond its factory-set limits. By overclocking a CPU, you can push it to run faster than its default speed, which can improve performance (especially for CPU-intensive tasks). However, overclocking increases the CPU’s power consumption and heat output.

Water cooling systems, with their superior thermal capacity, can handle this additional heat more effectively and prevent thermal throttling or system crashes. AIO coolers provide ample cooling for significant overclocking. In fact, most tech enthusiasts recommend having a decent water-cooling unit (either an AIO or a custom loop, if possible) before even thinking about overclocking

Most air coolers may limit the overclocking potential. Some high-end models can manage moderate overclocks, but extreme overclocking pushes their limits. The increased heat due to overclocking can cause higher temperatures. If the air cooler isn’t capable of properly dissipating this heat, it can lead to thermal throttling or instability.

For users interested in maximizing their CPU’s performance through overclocking, water cooling is the ultimate choice.

Maintenance

Air coolers require minimal to no maintenance during their entire operation. We have to occasionally clean the heatsink and fans. Every few years, we have to clean the thermal paste and apply some new thermal paste to improve thermal conductivity.

Although sealed and closed-loop AIO coolers need less maintenance than custom loops, you should still check for leaks, monitor coolant levels (top-up if necessary), check for clogs, and clean the radiator and fans regularly. Custom loops demand even more maintenance, including coolant replacement and thorough cleaning.

Price

Air coolers are generally a more budget-friendly option. Entry-level models like the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo cost around $40, while high-end models like the Noctua NH-D15 range between $90 and $100. These coolers provide excellent performance without a high price tag.

AIO Water cooling tends to be more expensive. Mid-range AIO coolers like the Corsair H100i Elite Capellix start around $150. High-end models, such as the EK-AIO 360 D-RGB, can cost over $200. Custom loops, depending on the components used, often exceed $300.

For users with a limited budget, air cooling is a more affordable solution. However, if you are willing to spend a little bit more for slightly better cooling performance and aesthetics, then you may find water cooling is worth the additional cost.

Air Cooling vs. Water Cooling: Pros And Cons

Air Cooling

Water Cooling

Which Is Better, Air Cooling Or Water Cooling?

If you want a simple, no-nonsense cooling solution that is reliable, high-performance, and cost-effective, air cooling is the way to go. Installing air coolers is very straightforward. The only point of a mechanical failure is the fan(s). Even if the fan fails (which happens very rarely), you can easily replace it.

Another reason to choose air cooling is budget considerations. High-performance air coolers, such as the Noctua NH-D15, can provide effective cooling at a reasonable price. Air coolers generally provide the necessary cooling for non-overclocked CPUs (even high-end CPUs). Compact systems, such as mini-ITX builds, often lack room for large radiators. Air coolers, particularly low-profile models, fit well in smaller cases.

Users with high-performance or overclocked CPUs often choose water cooling. If you want to maximize the system’s performance, water cooling has a good lead over air coolers for maintaining stability at higher clock speeds.

If you prioritize visual appearance with a striking build, AIO water cooling is a better choice than bulky air coolers. Another reason to choose water cooling is noise levels. AIO water coolers generally operate more quietly than air coolers. Note that AIO water coolers cost more than air coolers.