What Is a Water-Cooled Computer and Should You Buy or Build One?

Ensuring that your PC does not overheat is pivotal in maintaining its longevity and keeps the integral components free from the risk of permanent damage. Most computers come with multiple fans integrated within the cabinet and it is generally advised to place your PC in an area which is well-ventilated. Even though internal fans do a decent job of cooling down a PC, the processor still heats up while carrying out heavy tasks. A water-cooled PC is a great solution to this problem. Using water as a coolant, a water-cooled computer is able to dissipate a greater amount of heat fairly quickly and makes sure your PC can handle even the most rigorous tasks with relative ease. In this article, we explain what a water-cooled computer is, how it works, and whether you should build one. 

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What is a Water-Cooled computer and how does it work?

A water-cooled computer or PC replaces the internal fans in a traditional PC with cooling pipes that use water to bring down the internal temperature of the computer. Water has a higher specific heat capacity than air, which means it is able to absorb a greater amount of heat.

A water-cooled computer works similar to the cooling system within a car. Water runs through the cooling pipes across the components, absorbing heat along the way. The conduction of heat in a water-cooled PC takes place through water blocks made out of aluminium or copper. Much like a car, a water-cooled PC requires a liquid cooling pump to move the water within the cooling tubes. After that, the heated-up water ends up in a radiator where it is allowed to cool off before being pumped back in, forming a loop.

Should you build a Water-Cooled PC?

While water-cooled computers are efficient in handling the high internal temperatures of a PC, they are also very appealing visually. The water blocks make a great sight, and the whole process looks amazing. Unsurprisingly, water-cooled computers take a lot of time, money, and effort to assemble. So, is it worth building?

If you’re a casual to moderate PC user and do not demand an exorbitant level of performance from your PC, a water-cooled computer is not for you. Most air-cooled PCs do a decent job of cooling down the core components. If your computer is placed in a well-ventilated area, then you’re probably not going to face any major issues with overheating. 

However, if you’re someone that puts their PC to the task by pushing its boundaries and getting the most out of its performance, you may want to look into a water-cooling unit for your machine. Not only will you be able to reduce overheating by a major factor, but a water-cooling unit will also get rid of the annoying noise that the internal fans create. Putting together a water-cooled computer can be an intensive task, requiring you to be extra careful while installing the cooling tubes. Any leaks can prove to be detrimental, and you need to make sure that the water does not come in direct contact with any PC component. 

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Conclusion

Even though a water-cooled PC is bound to provide more efficient cooling, it may not outweigh the effort of putting it all together. With every passing year, air cooling solutions are getting better, and you may want to look into what the latest internal fans have to offer. However, if you’re a PC enthusiast and want to try out something new that looks appealing as well, building a water-cooled PC should definitely be on your list.