(13) Processor cooling
Case fans are great, but CPU cooling is crucial in keeping your rig running under stress. There are three options: a traditional air cooler, full liquid cooling, or an all-in-one (AIO) cooler unit that uses both fans and liquid coolant. The first is typically what comes in the box with your processor – these stock coolers are decent enough, and generally not too hard to install, but don’t provide high-level cooling. Complete liquid-cooling loops are tricky to install and cost significantly more, though their performance is often unparalleled. AIO coolers are frequently the best option, providing top-notch cooling with a large degree of flexibility, and little to no maintenance. If you’re overclocking your CPU, a good AIO cooler is heartily recommended.
(14) Air pressure
There are two possible options for maintaining good air pressure inside your build. Balanced air pressure means the case draws in a similar amount of air to how much it pumps out, keeping airflow steady, and temperatures lower. Positive air pressure means your build draws in more air than it pumps out – this can prevent air entering through unfiltered sections of the case, potentially reducing dust build-up. The difference in temperature is relatively minimal, but if you’re serious about cooling, balanced air pressure is generally better – test both out using stress-testing benchmarking tools such as Prime95 if you’re curious about the results. There is a third option – negative air pressure, the (surprise) opposite of positive pressure – but you want to avoid this, as it tends to result in build-up of dust inside your case.
(15) CPU installation
The core of what makes your PC tick, central processing units come from two primary manufacturers: AMD and Intel. AMD CPUs are a little easier to install; simply lift the retention arm, slot the CPU into place by lining up the gold triangle on one corner with the matching corner on the socket, then lower the arm back into place. All done! Intel CPUs are a smidge more complex, with the pins mounted on the motherboard rather than the processor chip, and a metal bracket that sits over the CPU socket. Lift the retention arm, then slide the bracket out from under the fixed Torx screw, and raise it to reveal the socket. Line up the CPU and place it in the socket, then lower the bracket and retention arm back into place. Intel motherboards come with a plastic cover over the CPU socket; this comes off automatically once the CPU is in locked in.