There are a lot of people scared to use AIO coolers due to worried that they won’t last long, or that they might leak, or will not perform as they’ve been promised.
It’s a shame, as AIO coolers are fantastic devices that assist in keeping cooling your computer, particularly in the case of gamers or you are a fan of overclocking your system.
AIO coolers (or All-In-One coolers) are very popular due to a variety of reasons, but mainly because , once the majority of the work has been completed (installing it) then you don’t need to do anything other than glance over them to determine if they’re functioning properly.
How Do AIO Coolers Work?
An AIO is comprised of five parts comprising the cooler block and pump fans, radiator along with cooling liquid.
The cooler block connected to the GPU or CPU generates heat for the chip.
The liquid that flows through the block of cooling absorbs heat and then flows through a tube that transfers it to the radiator.
The liquid is then pumped through the half of radiator channels, where the copper or aluminum fins draw the heat.
The fans remove heat generated by the radiator and also cool the liquid.
The liquid is able to make a U-turn within the radiator before moving through the second part of channels.
The second tube is used to transport the liquid back to the block that cools it.
How Long Will Your Liquid Cooler Last?
It is true that All in Ones (AIOs) usually last between 3 and 7 years provided you maintain them correctly. A custom loop is only designed to last for a few years. However, you can extend the duration with the proper maintenance and care.
AIO manufacturers evaluate their equipment to have a set number of hours it is suitable for, as well as the approximate number of years they will last. The pump will last around 8 years, or 70,000 hours of usage.
However, based on the extent to which you make use of your computer, and what you intend to use the computer to do, it could have a different experience or get less use out of your AIO.
Custom loops typically have a shorter life span as compared to the AIO and this is in part to the quantity of components that go in the loop. If you take care of it properly it is possible to prolong the lifespan of your custom loop so that it can match the longevity that of AIO. Many people have reported lifespans of between five and ten years.
Does Liquid Cooling Need a Lot of Maintenance?
It’s all about you define by “a lot” is. However, it’s definitely greater than just air conditioning.
You may be able to go about doing things in a way that aren’t necessary, however, like all PC-related issues routine maintenance should be part of your routine.
The same goes for liquid cooling. It’s no different. This is particularly relevant for the creation of a custom liquid cooling system.
It is recommended to completely flush, clean and then add new coolant to your liquid cooling system each year. It includes cleaning the radiators as well as fans.
It’s simpler to use AIO (All in One) liquid cooling configurations However. It’s not necessary to do any maintenance of the liquid since it’s completely sealed. Therefore all you need be doing is wash and dry the radiator(s) as well as the fan(s) to be good to go.
How Long Will A Liquid Cooler Last You?
Anecdotally I’ve been using NZXT’s Kraken AIO with a 240mm diameter for over an entire year. Yes, one of the reasons I went with it was the small screen that is on this block of CPU. I am sure it will be around for 3 more years in the future.
In the end, the life span of liquid cooling solutions depends on which of two kinds you decide to use. Although custom solutions generally outlast an AIO the reason for this is mostly from the capability to repair separate components as well as the regular maintenance they require.
If you’re trying to make a decision between these two options, take into consideration the amount of hours (and what frequency) you’d like to invest in making sure they are in good working order.
How Effective Are AIO Coolers?
AIO coolers are highly efficient in cooling your motherboard and CPU. In fact, they’re generally more efficient over air cooling units.
The effectiveness that an AIO cooler is contingent on several elements, like how well the cooler is constructed as well as the size of the radiator along with the efficiency of the cooling fans.
If you’re looking to ensure you’re AIO cooler runs as efficiently as it can be, then make sure you choose an excellent cooler that has a big radiator and speedy fans.
Should AIO Fans Be Intake Or Exhaust?
AIO fans can be exhaust or intake depending upon the setup you’ve chosen. The answer is in the CPU you’re employing. Certain CPUs are known to emit a significant quantity of heat. The 9900k comes to the mind here.
If your CPU emits lots of heat then you must make sure that you set your AIO fans to be intake. This is because your CPU needs to be sufficiently cool to run your applications and increase the performance of your computer.
If you’re running some sort of average processor, setting your AIO to exhaust would be the best option. Therefore, your best option is to set your AIO to be an exhaust. If you are aware that your processor emits tons of heat, you can configure it as an intake.
Final Words for You
AIO cooler is expensive, but extremely beneficial to boost the performance of your CPU and GPU.
If you purchase the AIO cooler from a reliable firm and you keep up with good maintenance, then it is unlikely that you will require replacement often. There are plenty of individuals who prefer a custom water cooling systems that include RGB fans as well.
However, in this article, we’ve reviewed the different cases on AIO longevity and the frequency you should replace your AIO fluid cooler. Take a look and eliminate any confusion you have about the issue. You will then identify whether your aio is wrong, liquid cooler or air cooler, how to replace an the aio cooler, the aio’s longevity and more.
