Cooling Basics
Heat is the enemy of performance. Learn how to keep your system cool and quiet.
1. Air vs. Liquid (AIO)
Air Cooling
Reliable, cheaper, and zero risk of leaks. High-end air coolers can rival liquid coolers in performance.
Liquid Cooling (AIO)
Cleaner look, better for high-wattage CPUs, and takes longer to heat soak. Requires a radiator mount.
2. Airflow Pressure
Positive Pressure: More intake fans than exhaust. Keeps dust out (air is pushed out
of cracks). Recommended.
Negative Pressure: More exhaust than intake. Good for temps but sucks dust in
through every opening.
Neutral Pressure: Balanced intake and exhaust.
3. Fan Curves
Don't run your fans at 100% all the time. Go into your BIOS and set a fan curve.
- Idle (30-40°C): Low RPM (20-30%) for silence.
- Gaming (60-70°C): Ramp up to 60-70%.
- Max Load (85°C+): 100% to prevent throttling.