Computer Water Cooling Radiators are essential components of liquid cooling systems, responsible for transferring heat from the water to the air. These radiators come in a wide range of sizes, from single to extreme, and are manufactured by leading brands such as Hardware Labs, EKWB, Watercool, Alphacool, Phobya, XSPC, and Aquacomputer.
Selecting the Right Radiator: Factors to Consider
When choosing a computer water cooling radiator, several key factors must be taken into account to ensure optimal cooling performance:
Surface Area and Fin Count
The surface area and fin count of a radiator directly impact its cooling capabilities. Radiators with a larger surface area and higher fin count, such as CORSAIR’s offerings, are known for their exceptional cooling performance. The increased surface area and dense fin structure allow for more efficient heat dissipation.
Radiator Sizes
Radiator sizes are typically measured in millimeters, with popular sizes including 120mm, 240mm, and 360mm. These dimensions refer to the length of the radiator fan mounts. For example, a 240mm radiator has two sets of 120mm fan mounts, while a 360mm radiator has three sets.
Radiator Thickness
Radiator thickness is another critical factor to consider. Thicker radiators, ranging from 28mm to 64mm, offer better cooling performance due to their increased surface area. However, thicker radiators may require more space within your PC case.
Radiator Materials
Radiators can be constructed from either aluminum or copper. Copper radiators are more expensive but offer superior heat conductivity, while aluminum radiators are more affordable and lighter. It’s important to note that mixing copper and aluminum components in a liquid cooling system can lead to galvanic corrosion, so it’s essential to use compatible materials throughout the system.
Radiator Types: Multiport vs. Crossflow
When building a custom liquid cooling loop, you can choose between two main types of radiators: multiport and crossflow.
Multiport Radiators
Multiport radiators have inlets and outlets on the same side, providing a more straightforward routing option for your tubing.
Crossflow Radiators
Crossflow radiators have their inlets and outlets on opposite sides, offering more versatility in terms of routing, especially when using hard tubing in a custom loop.
Radiator Fans: Optimizing Cooling Performance
The choice of radiator fans plays a significant role in the overall cooling performance of your liquid cooling system. High-static pressure fans are recommended for radiators, as they can push air through the dense fin structures more efficiently.
When selecting radiator fans, consider the following factors:
- Fan Speed: Higher fan speeds can increase airflow and cooling performance, but may also result in higher noise levels.
- Fan Size: Common radiator fan sizes include 120mm and 140mm, with the latter offering slightly more airflow.
- Fan Quantity: Using multiple fans in a push-pull configuration can further enhance cooling performance.
Conclusion
Computer Water Cooling Radiators are a crucial component of any liquid cooling system, responsible for effectively dissipating heat from the water. By understanding the factors that influence radiator performance, such as surface area, fin count, size, thickness, and material, as well as the different radiator types and fan considerations, you can make an informed decision when building or upgrading your custom cooling setup.
Remember, the key to achieving optimal cooling performance lies in carefully selecting the right radiator and pairing it with high-quality, high-static pressure fans that can efficiently push air through the radiator’s dense fin structure.
Reference:
1. CORSAIR PC Water Cooling Radiators
2. Water Cooling Radiators on Amazon
3. Watercooling Radiators on Performance-PCs.com