Water vs. Air cooling?

February 19, 2012 4:27 PM PST · Flag · 5 answers

I would choose water but I've heard of the horrors of a faulty tube. I really, really would not like a busted system or expensive upkeep, but on the other side plan to run a powerful system with an intel hexacore and either top-line Kepler or the superclocked 580. Could you post both sides of the argument here? Include the safest hardware too please. I really appreciate it!

Terrance Earle

Enthusiast I

I almost passively cool my 1075t with a giant metal air cooler. So I stuck a really quiet fan next to it and I am constantly 32 Celsius.

Reply · Send thanks · posted 87 days ago

Alec S.

Enthusiast II

Newegg.com - Noctua NH-D14 120mm & 140mm SSO CPU Cooler

I wanted to go with liquid cooling for the longest time, but honestly, I found an air-cooled solution that is actually quieter and more-efficient then water. The heatsink is one of the best you can buy (though not a looker, and very large) but I have my i5-2500k running at 4.7GHz with temps NEVER over 55 Celsius, and is VERY quiet.

... But that's just my opinion! Some really love water cooling, but for me it wasn't worth the hassle.

Reply · Send thanks · posted 89 days ago

1 points posted by Zach Wainwright

I know this is completely off topic, but what do you have your vcore set at? Because I've seen people getting to 4.5 (which is my goal) on 1.2 or 1.3 volts
Also what is the ambient temperature in your room when you get those temps? Ambient temp is a big factor

1 points posted by Alec S.

I have it at 1.4 right now, though I might be able to get it a bit lower, I just haven't tried. The ambient temperature is around 70 or 75 fahrenheit.

1 points posted by John Williams

Thanks so much!

Jimmy Phom

Novice II

If you are rich, water cooling. Nothing wrong with air cooling.

Reply · Send thanks · posted 90 days ago

1 points posted by Zach Wainwright

Oh yeah, forgot to mention price. That rasa rx-360 kit I mentioned is $180 I think. And if you upgrade the parts later on down the road, they are indeed expensive. So yes, price sucks, and there definitely isn't wrong with good air cooling. Noctua NH-D14 is my preference for air

1 points posted by Alec S.

You hit the nail on the head. I have the NH-D14 (see above) and that thing ROCKS.

Zach Wainwright

Enthusiast III

If you go liquid cooled go with a custom loop. A rasa rx-240 would be a good place to start for you (you will have to assemble it yourself). The Hydro H60 listed above will disappoint you beyond belief, I know from experience because I have the OEM version which performs worse than a high end air cooler.

Please please please don't let liquid cooling scare you. It is not at all scary. before you actually turn your machine on (after installing your custom loop that is) you run a leak test which is basically turning the pump on while everything is set up outside of the machine. This will allow you to see any leaks and adjust/fix any problems that crop up. Some run these leak tests for 24 hours, but whatever makes you comfortable will do.

There is upkeep, but it is minimal, typically just refilling the reservoir.

And I am actually just now seeing the "intel hexacore" that being said if you want to cool both CPU and GPU, you would be better off with the rasa rx-360 kit.

These kits come with everything you need. Typically people replace the fans with something aftermarket (like a scythe gentle typhoon). These kits are also completely up-gradable and the pumps usually have enough power to support more than one radiator.

I'll add that I have done extensive research on this subject and also know a good deal about computers and their hardware. Feel free to contact me as I would be more than happy to help.

Reply · Send thanks · posted 91 days ago

1 points posted by John Williams

Thank you! I really appreciate a well thought out response.

1 points posted by John Williams

And you're sure that I have nothing to worry about? I know there isn't... but it really is terrifying.

2 points posted by Zach Wainwright

I completely understand where you are coming from, I used to be the same way. But look at it like this, as long as you do a leak test with no leaks after 24 hours of the pump constantly being on, you will be fine.

If you aren't sure in your own ability to reliably assemble the water cooling loop, I would suggest taking it to a local pc repair shop, they would most likely do it for a reasonable amount. And if your local shop is anything like the one I work at, the people doing would actually love to do it.

Personally, I think that anyone that has the knowledge and experience to assemble their own computer has what it takes to assemble a water cooling loop. You already know what the dangers are and therefore, will most likely check and double check your work before it goes in your pc as a final product. You are motivated to do a good job and do it right because if you don't you will be out a nice chunk of change. And given that fact, I feel like you will do just fine

1 points posted by John Williams

Thanks. Any idea where to find the rasa? Not on Newegg or Amazon

Richard Edwards

Professional III

I think liquid cooling is certainly necessary if you plan on doing some serious overclocking or volt modding, but only if you plan on serious stuff like that. Most of the time you can get away with using some halfway decent fans, which are more cost effective and easier to install/run.
If you decide you do need liquid (as you may with a superclocked 580), make sure you really know what you are doing. Like you said, a faulty tube can ruin your setup. Also keep in mind that you have to change the water periodically (about every 6 months I believe) which again poses a threat to your computer. Water cooling is not for newbies... pretty complicated install, lots of parts, etc. I'm not saying you can't handle it, just that you need to be comfortable with it and really know what you are doing before you start messing around with it!
Have you considered something like this?
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Cooling-Hydro--High-...
don't know if it will work with your setup, but it's a great simple way to cool.