How do liquid CPU coolers work?

The main parts of an AIO liquid cooler are - Cold plate/water block: Metal plate (usually copper) sits on the CPU with thermal paste for good contact. Inside are microfins or channels. Pump: Circulates coolant through the block, tubes, and radiator (often integrated into the block in AIO coolers). Tubes: Carry coolant between block and radiator. Radiator: Dense fin array that transfers heat to air. Fans: Push/pull air through the radiator. Coolant: Typically water with glycol and corrosion/biological inhibitors. The heat path follows the below process - CPU generates heat. Heat conducts through the IHS and thermal paste into the cold plate. Coolant flowing through microchannels absorbs the heat (convection). Pump moves the hot coolant to the radiator. Radiator fins spread heat; fans move air to remove it. Cooled coolant returns to the block and the cycle repeats.

CPU Coolers

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CPU Coolers

Lower CPU temps and elevate your build with AIO liquid coolers featuring customizable LCDs.

Meet the CPU Coolers

The Kraken Elite is powered by the custom-designed NZXT Turbine pump, delivering a 10% boost in CPU cooling performance. It features a stunning 2.72 inch IPS screen with a 640x640 resolution and displays your favorite GIF, image or track real-time system performance.

The Kraken Plus AIO Liquid Cooler provides high-performance cooling with the NZXT Turbine pump, keeping your CPU performing at its best. The 1.54” square LCD can display real-time system temps, animated GIFs or custom images.

The Kraken Core is an AIO liquid cooler with reliable, consistent cooling and a clean, user-friendly design. It keeps your CPU cool and your system quiet during gaming and heavy workloads.

The T120 provides high static pressure, moving ample air through the radiator for excellent cooling. It has 4 conductive copper heat pipes allowing for maximal thermal transfer from CPU to cooler.

The Kraken Elite is powered by the custom-designed NZXT Turbine pump, delivering a 10% boost in CPU cooling performance. It features a stunning 2.72 inch IPS screen with a 640x640 resolution and displays your favorite GIF, image or track real-time system performance.

The Kraken Plus AIO Liquid Cooler provides high-performance cooling with the NZXT Turbine pump, keeping your CPU performing at its best. The 1.54” square LCD can display real-time system temps, animated GIFs or custom images.

The Kraken Core is an AIO liquid cooler with reliable, consistent cooling and a clean, user-friendly design. It keeps your CPU cool and your system quiet during gaming and heavy workloads.

The T120 provides high static pressure, moving ample air through the radiator for excellent cooling. It has 4 conductive copper heat pipes allowing for maximal thermal transfer from CPU to cooler.

The main parts of an AIO liquid cooler are -

Cold plate/water block: Metal plate (usually copper) sits on the CPU with thermal paste for good contact. Inside are microfins or channels.
Pump: Circulates coolant through the block, tubes, and radiator (often integrated into the block in AIO coolers).
Tubes: Carry coolant between block and radiator.
Radiator: Dense fin array that transfers heat to air.
Fans: Push/pull air through the radiator.
Coolant: Typically water with glycol and corrosion/biological inhibitors.

The heat path follows the below process -

CPU generates heat.
Heat conducts through the IHS and thermal paste into the cold plate.
Coolant flowing through microchannels absorbs the heat (convection).
Pump moves the hot coolant to the radiator.
Radiator fins spread heat; fans move air to remove it.
Cooled coolant returns to the block and the cycle repeats.

In our opinion, if you’re doing a lot of intensive gaming or have a heavy workload on your CPU, having an upgraded cooling system is definitely worth it.

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