10 Best Liquid Cooling Systems 2024 in the US

All computers require cooling systems to remove heat that can build up in various components during use. If you are a computer enthusiast who plans to build your own PC and will be overclocking it, it is integral that you invest in a quality cooling system to protect your hardware from heat damage.  Most likely, you are looking into liquid cooling systems to deal with a high volume of extreme heat. This buying guide will detail the different systems available and what customers look for in the ratings and reviews of the top-selling liquid cooling systems.

Heat Sinks: Heat sinks are passive cooling systems that cool components by dissipating heat. Your CPU is likely to have one situated on top of it, as are various other components on your motherboard. Heat moves from the component that is generating heat, to the heat sink that sits against it, and finally dissipates efficiently across the large surface area of the heat sink.

Thermal Compound: Thermal compound is typically located between a CPU/GPU and its heat sink. The product fills any air gaps between heat-producing components and their heat sink to make for more effective and efficient heat transfer. Thermal pads are an alternative to thermal compounds but tend to be less effective, especially for overclocking. It is important to apply a new layer of thermal compound from time to time, as it will deteriorate over time.

Fans: Fans are active cooling systems that require power to run and work by blowing hot air away from, or sucking cool air toward, the component that is generating heat. Fans are typically placed on top of the heat sink to ensure that the heat being dissipated from the sink is blown away from the sink and CPU.

Water Cooling: Water or liquid cooling systems are the types of cooling systems found in most PCs and are frequently employed by enthusiasts who require extreme cooling systems. Water cooling is more effective than fan cooling and will allow a PC to be overclocked further. Water cooling involves water being pumped through tubes that are situated throughout the PC’s case. As the water moves through the tubes, heat is absorbed from the components and then removed from the case where a radiator directs the heat outward. These systems are complex and can be more expensive than others, but are necessary for enthusiasts who will be dealing with extreme heat.

Immersion Cooling: Immersion cooling is the most extreme form of cooling and also the least common. Components are submerged in a thermally conductive liquid. No water is involved in this method. Essentially, you fill your computer’s case with an oil-type liquid and leave the components submerged while they cool. This requires a very particular type of liquid and leak-proof casing. It is typically only employed to cool some supercomputers.

• Easy Installation: The top liquid cooling systems were rated as being relatively quick and easy to install by 5-star reviewers. Although many claimed that the included instruction manuals were a bit cryptic to interpret, they were able to find YouTube videos online that provided clear instructions that allowed for efficient installation.
• Quiet: Given the nature of liquid cooling systems and their purpose, there is a risk that their fans will emit an excessive amount of noise. However, satisfied consumers noted time and time again that their purchase produced minimal noise. Users were impressed by how silent their liquid cooling system was even while overclocking.
• Part Switching: A number of top-rated reviews stated that they chose to upgrade various parts of their liquid cooling system to better suit their needs. These users said that although they were very satisfied with the stock parts that came with their highly-rated cooling systems, they sometimes chose to install different or additional fans, water blocks, or hosing, to better meet the needs of a current project.
• Aesthetics: Highly rated liquid cooling systems were noted to be good-looking and sleek. Users were impressed by the modern, aesthetically pleasing look of their new cooling systems. Building a PC requires innumerable parts and pieces of equipment and professionals and enthusiasts alike were impressed by the superior visuals of their new cooling system.

• Size: Liquid cooling systems come in a range of sizes depending on how much heat they are can handle. Consider your project as well as your workspace when browsing liquid cooling systems. Additionally, if you do not have a fixed workspace and will have to transport your equipment, it would be wise to look for a cooling system that is lighter and more compact than other options.
• Power: Depending on how much strain you plan to put on your liquid cooling system, look at the components of each option to determine which will be powerful enough for your needs. Be sure that the specifications are up to the task of keeping your CPU cool, especially if you will be overclocking.
• Adjustment: An overwhelming number of liquid cooling system users choose to sub-out a part or two. Reviewers often identify the exact parts that they chose to replace, the reason behind the replacement, and the difference in cooling performance between the stock parts and new parts. If you do not wish to customize your cooling system to up its performance, be sure to purchase equipment that has a high rating based upon its original state, not its modified state.
• Price: Most top of the line liquid cooling systems on the market are priced around $100. However, there are some that are far above this price point. Look at the statistics of the more expensive models to see whether or not your needs warrant an elevated price tag. Many of the more inexpensive cooling systems offer excellent value and are likely to be more than enough for your needs. 

Cooler Master: A solo product manager who was working out of his apartment in Taipei founded Cooler Master in 1992. He produced the first aluminum PC case, promoting airflow through the case rather than just using fans and heat sinks to cool PC components while building the machine.

Corsair: Corsair was founded in 1994 when they pioneered the high-performance DRAM market and has grown into a global operations infrastructure with distributors in over six countries around the world. They are now one of the world’s leading providers of PC components and peripherals.

Thermaltake: Thermaltake Technology Co. Ltd is a Chinese manufacturer of PC cases, power supplies, and cooling solutions. They were founded in Taiwan in 1999 and manufactured the world’s first turbine cooler for Intel in 2000. Most of their products are geared towards, and purchased by, consumers who wish to build their own PC.

Intel: Intel was founded in 1968 and is one of the world’s largest and highest-valued semiconductor chipmakers. It is known for both advanced chip design and manufacturing capabilities. They now pride themselves in the development and distribution of cutting-edge technology that is smart, connected, and sustainable.