Air Coolers vs Liquid Coolers - What You Need to Know - Summary

Summary

The video discusses the comparison between air coolers and liquid coolers for overclocking CPUs. It covers aspects like cost, compatibility, acoustics, reliability, performance, and aesthetics. Air coolers are generally cheaper, widely compatible, and reliable with no risk of leakage but may have clearance issues with RAM. Liquid coolers offer better performance and aesthetics but can be more expensive and have potential reliability issues like leaks or pump failure. The conclusion suggests that air coolers are suitable for most due to their cost-effectiveness and reliability, while liquid coolers are for those seeking maximum overclocking performance despite the higher cost and maintenance.

Facts

Here are the key facts extracted from the text:

1. The Aqua Change 240 from Leppa is designed to complement CPU overclocks with superior thermal dissipation and performance.
2. The cooler has dual convex blades on the 120 millimeter fans, delivering high volume airflow at low noise.
3. The purchase of copper plate deploys more coolant for efficient CPU hotspot elimination.
4. Air coolers are typically cheaper than liquid coolers, with a wider range of options in the sub $60 price range.
5. Budget gaming PCs built for overclocking can often get more mileage out of choosing a competitively priced air cooler.
6. Both air and liquid coolers support nearly all of today's popular CPU sockets, whether AMD or Intel.
7. The biggest limitation for cooler compatibility is the case, with mid-tower or full-tower cases being the most common.
8. Air coolers are generally the budget-friendlier option.
9. Liquid coolers come with anywhere from one to three fans, with the option to expand up to six fans for extreme setups.
10. Pumps in liquid coolers can break or fail, rendering the entire unit useless.
11. The liquid inside the cooler can evaporate over time, making a noticeable difference in performance.
12. Leaks can occur in liquid coolers, typically where the tubes meet the water block or the radiator.
13. Air coolers are less prone to failure, with the fan being the only component that can fail.
14. Liquid coolers may require more maintenance to sustain quiet operation.
15. The best air coolers can outperform entry-level AIO liquid coolers and come within a few degrees of top-shelf liquid coolers.
16. The best AIO liquid cooler can beat the best air cooler by a small to moderate margin in terms of raw overclocking performance.
17. Price to performance should always be a consideration when choosing a cooler.
18. Air coolers can achieve great thermals without sacrificing acoustics and require little to no maintenance.
19. Liquid coolers can provide extra overclocking headroom and can be aesthetically pleasing, especially with a side panel window.
20. The installation process of a liquid cooler can be easier than an air cooler, without having to work around a cumbersome heatsink.