For cheaper and more straightforward, go for an air cooler, or go the AIO route if you're excited for all those extra features, even tiny screens. It's generally more energy-efficient and quieter, though a custom water cooling loop will be a darn sight more effort and cost.įull custom water cooling loops aside, we've chosen the best CPU coolers from our separate guides: the best AIO cooler for CPUs (opens in new tab) and the best CPU air cooler (opens in new tab). Liquid or water cooling circulates liquid through your system via tubing. They involve a metal heat sink that pulls heat away from the CPU, then blows it away with a fan or directly cooling the chip itself.
Air coolers are the most common and often the most affordable. There are two types of PC cooling options: air cooling and liquid cooling.