Where should you install your AIO liquid cooler? The best places tested!

Summary

In this video, the host discusses optimal all-in-one radiator placement for PC cooling systems, debunking myths about air bubble issues and bottom mounting. They share personal experience with various setups and perform thermal tests on three different radiator configurations: push-pull front mounting, standard intake, and top mounting. The results provide insights into system performance, emphasizing the importance of proper fan layout and cautioning against bottom mounting due to potential pump damage.

Takeaways

• 🔧 The video discusses optimal all-in-one radiator placement for maximum PC cooling performance.
• 🛠️ The presenter has experience with various radiator positions including top, front, and side mounting, as well as push-pull setups with different radiator sizes.
• ❌ Avoid bottom mounting radiators due to the risk of air bubbles forming and potentially damaging the pump over time.
• 💡 The presenter clarifies misconceptions about side mounting radiators with tubes up, emphasizing that as long as the CPU block is not the highest point, it should not be an issue.
• 📊 The video includes benchmarks and thermal tests to compare different radiator mounting options and their impact on system performance.
• 📈 In the benchmarks, push-pull setup resulted in lower temperatures compared to standard intake and top-mounted radiator setups.
• 🤔 Despite common belief, top mounting the radiator was found to be slightly warmer in the presenter's tests, suggesting that case-specific factors play a significant role.
• 🔄 The importance of considering tube placement to avoid interference with RAM or fans is highlighted.
• 🌀 The presenter recommends intake fans at the front, side, and bottom, with exhaust fans at the top and rear for optimal airflow, but acknowledges this setup may not be possible in all cases.
• 🧩 Experimentation with different setups is encouraged due to the variability in system performance based on case design and environmental factors.
• 👍 The video concludes by emphasizing the value of personal experimentation and the importance of not bottom mounting radiators.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is all-in-one radiator placement for maximum performance in PC cooling systems.

What are the different radiator mounting positions mentioned in the video?

The video mentions top mounting, front mounting, side mounting, and push-pull setups as different radiator mounting positions.

Why should bottom mounting a radiator be avoided according to the video?

Bottom mounting a radiator should be avoided because it can potentially damage the pump due to air bubbles forming in the radiator and rising to the pump head over time.

What is the potential issue with air bubbles in the radiator?

The potential issue with air bubbles in the radiator is that they can travel into the pump head, causing the pump to run on air instead of liquid, which could damage and break it.

What is the 'push-pull' setup mentioned in the video?

The 'push-pull' setup refers to a configuration where fans are positioned on both sides of the radiator, with one set pulling air through the radiator and the other set pushing air out.

What does the video suggest about side mounting radiators with tubes up?

The video suggests that side mounting radiators with tubes up is not a problem as long as the CPU block is lower than the top of the radiator, preventing air bubbles from entering the pump.

What benchmarks and tests were conducted in the video?

The video conducted benchmarks and thermal tests using Cinema bench R23, Heaven Benchmark, and 3D Mark to evaluate the performance of different radiator placements.

What temperatures were observed during the push-pull setup in the video?

During the push-pull setup, the maximum CPU temperature was 78 degrees Celsius, the GPU was around 65 degrees Celsius, and the memory and hot spot were at 90 and 77 degrees Celsius, respectively.

What was the outcome of the top-mounted radiator setup in terms of temperatures?

In the top-mounted radiator setup, the CPU temperatures increased to 82 degrees Celsius, and the GPU temperature was marginally different, indicating a slightly warmer system compared to the push-pull setup.

What is the video's recommendation for radiator placement considering the benchmarks?

Despite the benchmarks showing slightly warmer temperatures with the top-mounted setup, the video recommends top mounting as preferable for radiator placement, but also suggests experimenting with different setups due to the variability in system performance.

What other factors should be considered when mounting a radiator?

Other factors to consider when mounting a radiator include the placement of tubes to avoid blocking RAM or interfering with fans, and ensuring that the CPU block is not the highest point in the system to prevent air bubbles from entering the pump.