HEAD TO HEAD

Which CPU cooler tech is right for you?

Air v AIO v custom loop CPU cooling

High-performance computing is all about keeping cool. But what’s the best way to achieve that? Air cooling is the default, while water cooling is often seen as the gateway to maximising performance. But is that true? What’s more, if you’re considering water cooling, are pre-built AIO (all-in-one) coolers the best bet? Or can you get better performance from a custom closed-loop solution? Of course, performance may not be your only consideration. Ease of use, longevity, and even looks might be on your radar. Time to find out how to keep cool.

Round 1 LOOKS

There are some pretty nifty looking air coolers. Big, bold coolers with hefty heatsinks, oversized fans, and more LEDs than you can shake a SATA cable at. Heck, you can even get air coolers with programmable LEDs that you can sync with other elements of your build, such as case lighting, keyboards, and mice. Air coolers that make a visual statement? Not a problem.

But for sheer visual clout with a sci-fi vibe, nothing competes with a slick custom closed-loop water-cooling installation. What’s not to like about gleaming pipes full of brightly colored coolant? Of course, much depends on your specific implementation. A really great-looking custom water-cooling install is costly and complex. Moreover, a shonky build won’t just look cheap, it could be a recipe for disaster.

As for AIO coolers, you might think they don’t stand a chance from a pure styling perspective. After all, most are at best functional – even agricultural –looking items. Typically, you’re looking at a large black radiator, a couple of rubber hoses, and the CPU bracket. Not exactly sexy. On the other hand, if neat and tidy is your aim, AIOs can deliver a really nice no-nonsense solution.

WINNER:

CUSTOM LOOP WATER COOLING

Round 2 VALUE

With high-performance PCs, the law of diminishing returns tends to apply. The more you spend, the less you get in terms of performance uplifts. CPUs are a classic example. Intel will sell you a very nice six-core chip for well under half the cost of some of its eight-core models. The latter are faster, but not enough to justify the price premium.

The same applies to cooling. The best bang-for-buck is something like a $20 air cooler. Sure, it won’t enable the kind of clock speeds that more expensive solutions unlock. If you care about maintaining the lowest possible temps, you need something pricier, too. But for virtually no cash, you get better performance than the likes of a standard Intel cooler can provide. And even compared to the most expensive cooling kit, the computing experience is indistinguishable much of the time.

That said, AIO solutions are very affordable. $80 buys you a single-fan solution from one of the bigger brands. And, it’s a component you can typically use for multiple builds. So, it’s a worthwhile long-term investment. As for custom water cooling, going cheap is a scary prospect for PC reliability, so the value proposition is simply poor.

WINNER:

AIR

Round 3 INSTALLATION

Air cooling seems like the simplest solution when it comes to installation. Most coolers are compatible with a range of modern CPU sockets, so at most it’s a case of choosing the right bracket, maybe fitting that bracket, slapping on some heat paste, then bolting everything down.

The exception comes with larger and more aggressive coolers. For starters, big coolers that spread out from the socket can come into conflict with the RAM sockets. Broader compatibility with cases can also be an issue.

All-in-ones rarely present problems regarding motherboard components. So, it largely comes down to case compatibility. However, most AIOs conform to standardised 120mm and 240mm form factors that are provided for by pretty much any decent case. The exception to that is some small form factor cases, which can limit your options for using AIO solutions.

As for custom water-cooling loops, they’re by far the most difficult to install. In theory, their configurability and scope for customisation allows for a wide range of compatibility. In practice, however, it can be both hard work and a little hit and miss.

WINNER:

TIE: AIR AND ALL-IN-ONE

Round 4 LONGEVITY AND MAINTENANCE

For simple, worry-free operation over the long haul, air cooling is a great option. Worst case scenario: You’ll want to whip the cooler out once a year and give it a thorough clean to remove dust and restore full cooling efficiency.

Given the relative complexity of an AIO cooler, you might assume high maintenance levels, but that isn’t necessarily so. They’re designed to be much lower maintenance than custom water cooling. They’re pre-filled and sealed from the factory, with no need to refill, flush, or monitor levels. In that sense, maintenance levels match that of an air cooler. You just need to dust off the radiator now and then. Reliability over the long haul, however, is more questionable. With both fans and a pump, there’s more to go wrong.

As for custom water cooling, forget it – it’s far higher maintenance. Levels have to be checked, and the system may need periodic topping up. Full-on disassembly for flushing and cleaning may also be necessary; in fact, it’s recommended. Likewise, with far more parts, many of them user-assembled, there’s way more that can go wrong. If you want an easy life and perfect long-term reliability, don’t go with a custom water loop.

WINNER:

AIR (BY A WHIFF)

Round 5 PERFORMANCE

Air cooling might deliver the best bang for your buck, but it isn’t the most effective cooling solution on offer. That’s water cooling. But does AIO or a custom loop perform best?

You might think there’s little in it. Both pump water through a CPU block that offers the same contact with the CPU’s heat spreader, right? Yes, but flow rate makes a difference, as does radiator size and efficiency, the fans attached to it, and all that jazz.

Most AIOs fall into two categories: 120mm models with a single fan, and 240mm items with dual fans (triplefan models are also available). There’s some variation in design and efficiency, but they’re largely known quantities with predictable performance. Custom loops are a whole different ball game.

In theory, there’s no limit to how much water you can pump or the size and number of radiators and fans. At the very top end, then, custom cooling offers the most potential. You can specify more powerful pumps, larger radiators, and more fans. Actually achieving better cooling performance versus a quality AIO cooler, of course, will depend on getting your design, implementation, and installation just right...

WINNER:

CUSTOM LOOP WATER COOLING