Traditional fan cooling is usually more than enough for most processors, but there are some models out there that generate a lot of heat from the factory, not to mention that overclocking enthusiasts need more robust solutions. That's where watercooling (or liquid cooling) comes in. Thanks to a new series of all-in-one units, watercooling has come down in price, and installation is reduced to a couple of screws, as long as there is room in the case. Would you like to know some options?
Watercooling has been seen for years as a too intimidating alternative. After all, working electronics and water don't mix, and the web is full of examples where a loop fails catastrophically and floods the inside of the computer. However, the market responded with much friendlier solutions that install almost as easily as a traditional cooler. These are AIO watercoolers, which already include a radiator, fans, hoses, pump, block, and pre-applied thermal paste. The only major precaution you need to take is space. If your case is too small, it most likely won't accept the watercooling system, but in more extreme cases, there's nothing that a Dremel and a bit of creativity can't fix...
Watercooling: Models for Every Taste
Today we're going to explore six options from four different brands, ranging from the basic 120-millimeter size (ideal if space is limited and you don't plan extreme overclocking) to true 360-millimeter tanks that only a small group of cases can accommodate. Let's take a look:
Corsair Hydro H75
With a 25-millimeter thick radiator, two PWM fans (2,000 RPM maximum), a copper block, and broad socket compatibility, the Corsair Hydro H75 becomes one of the most interesting compact watercoolers on the market. It's not technically a "new" model, but we've proven time and again that you don't need the latest to do a good job, and its five-year warranty seals the deal.
Thermaltake Water 3.0 Performer C
"Silent and cheap. Do your magic, Lisandro." Alright, the answer is the Thermaltake Water 3.0 Performer C. Its general characteristics are very similar to the H75, but Thermaltake decided to set aside the second fan in favor of a quieter design, and the inclusion of a "low noise" cable that reduces noise even further, without sacrificing too much performance. As if that weren't enough, you can enter the world of watercooling for less than 60 euros.
Corsair Hydro H100i v2
If you're looking for a bit more impact in cooling and a bit of color, one of the best cost-benefit ratios comes from the Corsair Hydro H100i v2. The 240-millimeter radiator can handle the thermal quirks of many processors even under overclocking, PWM compatibility gives us the chance to find a good balance with noise, and the RGB detail controlled with Corsair iCUE software is an extra that optimizes the aesthetics of any case, especially when the side panel is transparent.
Thermaltake Water 3.0 Riing RGB 240
On the other hand, if you're willing to invest an additional 25-30 euros, you'll find great cooling performance, two RGB fans, and a dedicated speed/LED controller (up to 256 colors) with auxiliary connectors on the Thermaltake Water 3.0 Riing RGB 240. Despite its circular block, the official page indicates that this watercooler also supports the TR4 socket for Threadripper processors.
Arctic Liquid Freezer 360
Logically, RGB and advanced fan control come with a certain premium, but if you prefer to set that aside and go for pure brute force, the Arctic Liquid Freezer 360 has what you want. The radiator is 390 millimeters long, comes with six fans from the factory, and isn't too loud. The best part? It supports a recommended TDP of 300 watts, ideal for pushing your CPU to the limit via overclocking and voltage adjustments.
NZXT Kraken X62
And to close our list, something slightly different. The NZXT Kraken X62 is available in 240 and 360 millimeters, but this version uses two 140mm fans, which saves a bit of space without giving up cooling capacity. Additionally, the block features a beautiful mirror effect and RGB lighting controlled with NZXT's software. Its support extends to practically all coolers, and personally I appreciate its six-year warranty.
We've reached the end, for now. With enough information and a compatible case, watercooling doesn't have to be scary. Do you have a particular model to recommend? Leave a comment and share your experience. Good luck!
