Nestemäjäähdyttimiä

Nestemäjäähdyttimiä, often referred to as liquid coolers, are devices used to transfer heat away from a component, typically a computer's CPU or GPU, using a liquid coolant. This method is generally more efficient than air cooling, allowing for lower operating temperatures, especially under heavy loads or when overclocking.

The basic principle involves a closed loop system. A pump circulates a specialized coolant, usually a mixture of distilled water and additives to prevent corrosion and biological growth, from a reservoir to a water block. This water block is mounted directly onto the heat-generating component, absorbing its heat. The heated coolant then flows through tubing to a radiator. The radiator has a large surface area, often with fins, and fans that blow air across it, dissipating the heat from the coolant into the surrounding environment. Finally, the cooled liquid returns to the reservoir, completing the cycle.

Liquid cooling systems can be either all-in-one (AIO) units, which are pre-filled, sealed, and easy to install, or custom-built loops. Custom loops offer greater flexibility in component selection, aesthetics, and cooling performance but require more technical knowledge and maintenance. The advantages of liquid cooling include superior thermal performance, quieter operation compared to high-performance air coolers, and the potential for a more visually appealing PC build. However, they are generally more expensive and introduce a small risk of leaks, though modern systems are designed with safety features to minimize this.