Liquid Cooling vs. Air Cooling Benchmark In-Depth (NH-D15, NZXT X62, & More)

Summary

The video compares air and liquid cooling solutions for CPUs, discussing their performance, reliability, and maintenance. Liquid coolers typically offer slightly better thermal performance but come with a higher risk of failure and maintenance needs, such as pump failure and coolant upkeep. Air coolers are simpler, more reliable, and have a longer lifespan, though they may not provide the same cooling efficiency. Ultimately, the choice between air and liquid cooling depends on your system’s needs, performance goals, and willingness to manage maintenance. Both options have their merits, making the decision largely dependent on user preference.

Takeaways

• 😀 Liquid coolers generally offer better thermal performance compared to air coolers, but the difference is usually only a few degrees.
• 😀 Air coolers are more reliable due to fewer components (fan and cold plate), making them less prone to failure.
• 😀 Good liquid coolers have a low failure rate, with pump failure being the most common but still rare.
• 😀 Liquid coolers are typically more efficient at moving heat away from the CPU, but air coolers can still perform comparably in many cases.
• 😀 Price-wise, liquid coolers can be better for thermal performance, but air coolers might be a more cost-effective solution for most users.
• 😀 Installation of air coolers can be more difficult in smaller or more restricted cases due to size and RAM clearance issues.
• 😀 Liquid coolers can suffer from coolant degradation, permeation, and corrosion, but high-end units tend to have low failure rates.
• 😀 Air coolers are 'install and forget' solutions, while liquid coolers require more maintenance, such as checking coolant levels and replacing parts over time.
• 😀 Liquid coolers will need to be replaced or maintained every 6+ years due to liquid permeation and mechanical failure.
• 😀 Air coolers can last longer, with a fan lifespan of 17,000-50,000 hours, and can be reused in multiple systems without degradation.

Q & A

What is the main advantage of liquid cooling over air cooling?

Liquid cooling generally provides better thermal performance, typically leading to lower CPU temperatures by a few degrees compared to air cooling, especially in high-end systems.

Is the difference in cooling performance between air and liquid cooling significant?

In most cases, the difference in temperature between a good air cooler and a good liquid cooler is small, usually just a few degrees. This may not be noticeable to most users, depending on their specific use case.

Why do some people believe liquid coolers have a high failure rate?

The perception of liquid coolers having a high failure rate comes from media coverage of catastrophic failures, such as leaks. However, the actual failure rate of well-made liquid coolers is low, and most issues are related to pump failures, which are rare.

What are the common points of failure in liquid coolers?

The most common point of failure in liquid coolers is the pump. However, catastrophic failures like leaks are much rarer, and many liquid coolers last several years without any issues.

What are the key advantages of air coolers over liquid coolers?

Air coolers are simpler, more reliable, and require less maintenance than liquid coolers. They also have fewer points of failure, making them a good choice for users who want a low-maintenance, long-lasting solution.

How does the lifespan of a liquid cooler compare to an air cooler?

Liquid coolers typically have a lifespan of about 6 years before liquid permeation starts to affect performance. In contrast, air coolers can last much longer, with fans often lasting 17,000 to 50,000 hours.

What is a major drawback of cheap liquid coolers?

Cheap liquid coolers, especially low-end models, can have poor build quality, often resulting in issues like leaks or pump failures. They may also provide inadequate cooling performance relative to their price.

Why are 120mm liquid coolers generally not recommended?

120mm liquid coolers are often not recommended because they tend to offer poor performance for their price. In many cases, users can get better cooling performance with air coolers like the NH-U14S or NH-D15.

What factors influence the reliability of liquid coolers?

The reliability of liquid coolers depends on factors such as the quality of the pump, the type of coolant used, and the design of the cooler. Some manufacturers use high-quality components that result in low failure rates, while others cut corners, leading to higher failure risks.

What is the main advantage of using air coolers for long-term system builds?

Air coolers are ideal for long-term builds because they require minimal maintenance and can last for many years. Once installed, they tend to operate without any need for adjustments or replacements, making them perfect for users who want a 'set and forget' solution.