Building a custom gaming PC is an exciting challenge, but one that requires careful planning of the components that make up a powerful machine. One important component is the cooling system, which is essential for maintaining stable and reliable performance. While traditional air cooling has been the go-to method for years, more and more gamers are turning to liquid cooling for its many benefits. In today’s build, we be building a green liquid gaming PC.
Components Used In The Acid Green Liquid Gaming PC
The components used in this computer were designed to give the best performance under liquid cooling conditions. Here are all of the PC parts used in this system:
Intel has powerful processors that are capable handling heavy processing games and perfect for overclocking. The i9-12900k has 16 Cores and can be clocked up to an average of 5.2GHz. With reliable cooling, this machine will experience no lag when playing on 4k settings. To compliment the CPU in this build, the builder chose to add the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3080 LHR 10GB GDRR6X. An exceptionally powerful graphics card needed to guarantee the best performance. If we are going to add liquid cooling, it is easier to start with a CPU and GPU that won’t be swapped for a long time.
The PC Builder: TheBuilderHikama
Hikama is proud PC builder that is responsible for bringing this beautiful machine to life. If you would like to commission for a new custom gaming PC, feel free to reach out to his Instagram or contact us and we will get you in touch with a master builder!
The Outcome Of This Build
This was a successful build given that the liquid in combination with the RGB fans and waterblocks looks even better than it did on paper. The clear green liquid is able to display all of the components behind tubing while providing efficient cooling throughout the system.
Air cooling vs. liquid cooling
When it comes to cooling a PC, there are two primary methods: air cooling and liquid cooling. Air cooling uses fans to circulate air through the case and over the components, while liquid cooling uses a closed-loop system of pipes, a pump, and a radiator to move liquid coolant throughout the system. While air cooling is generally less expensive and easier to install, liquid cooling offers several advantages, such as consistent lower temperatures and quieter operation. However, liquid cooling is typically more expensive and difficult to install. Liquid cooling will also require routine maintenance such as a liquid swap every 6 months. This is to limit the possibility of algea buildup within your pipes. The buildup can cause heat buildups and can possibly burn your components if they don’t receive cooled liquid. You can also prevent that scenario by purchasing a silver coil strip to prolong the life of your water loop. Ultimately, the decision of whether to air cool or liquid cool your PC will depend on your specific needs and budget.
How water cooling works
Water cooling involves a closed-loop system in which water is pumped through a series of pipes that run through the components of the PC. The water absorbs the heat generated by the components, and is then cooled as it passes through a radiator. The cooled water is then pumped back through the system to absorb more heat. There are several factors that can also impact performance such the pipe loop design, how strong your water pump is, and if there is any algea or dust within your water loop. So it’s very important to plan your loops and maintain a clean area.
One common concern about water cooling is whether it can damage the electronic circuitry. While it is possible for leaks to occur and cause damage, a properly installed and maintained water cooling system should not pose a risk to your PC’s components. As long as you remember to keep the O-rings installed on your fittings, there shouldn’t be any leakage to worry about.
Advantages of using water cooling
The main advantages of using water cooling for a PC is that it can provide better cooling performance than air cooling. A gaming PC can generate a lot of heat simply by sitting idle. This is because most components are built to push out a lot of work if the base settings for your screen resolution are already set to high. As soon as a game is booted, the CPU and GPU work harder to run those games well. If you include overclocking into the mix, then more heat is being generated to make it all happen. Water cooling, while expensive, has always been the best cooling method to provide stable and consistent lower temperatures. This is especially important for esport gamers who demand high-performance and want to avoid thermal throttling.
Additionally, water cooling tends to be quieter than air cooling. As soon as dust builds up on your fans, your computer will let you know when it’s time for a tune-up. Water cooling has become more available now and it is possible to build/buy a water-cooled PC for less than $1000. However, water cooling will ensure your PC will stay up-to-date for many years to come. It can be a worthwile investment, especially if you use your computer extensively on a daily basis like many other content creators.
Budget considerations for building a water-cooled PC
The performance benefits are make it worth investing into your gaming PC. A typical water-cooling setup can cost anywhere from $500 to $1000 or more, depending on the components used. Here is a breakdown of the costs involved:
- Water block for CPU: $50-$400
- Water block for GPU: $50-$400
- Water Pump: $50-$200
- Radiator: $50-$200
- Fans: $10-$50 each
- Tubing: $10-$20 per foot
- Coolant: $10-$20 per bottle
- Fittings: $60-$100 for a 12 pack
- Silver coil: $10
One way to save money and time is to purchase a water-cooling kit, which includes all the necessary components at a discounted price. Thermaltake and EKWB both provide great kits that are compatible with both AMD and Intel CPUs.
Maintenance of a water-cooled PC
Maintaining a water-cooled PC is important to ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently. Over time, the water in the system can become contaminated with debris and microorganisms, which can cause clogs and reduce cooling efficiency. It’s recommended to change the water in a water-cooled PC every six months to a year, depending on usage. Adding a silver coil to your reservoir can ensure your system will be free of bacteria and prolong the life of your water loop.
To change the water, drain the system completely and clean all components with a non-abrasive cleaner. Refill the system with fresh distilled water and coolant, and run the system for a few hours to ensure there are no leaks or issues.
Causes of leaks in water-cooled PCs
Leaks in a water-cooled PC can be caused by several factors, including:
- Loose or improperly fitted tubing connections
- Cracks or damage to tubing or other components
- Overfilling or underfilling the reservoir
- Faulty or worn-out gaskets or O-rings
To prevent leaks, it’s important to inspect your tubing and components and to ensure that all connections are properly fitted and tightened. Run distilled water through your tubing especially after any cuts are made to wash away any debris before installing. Regular maintenance and monitoring of the system can also help detect and prevent leaks before they cause significant damage.
Building a water-cooled PC
Building a water-cooled PC requires some technical knowledge and experience, but it’s not as difficult as it may seem. There are plenty of online resources and tutorials available to help guide you through the process.
When choosing tubing for a water-cooled PC, it’s important to select the right size for the components used. Common sizes include 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, and 1/2 inch inner diameter (ID). A larger ID can improve cooling performance, but may be more difficult to work with and require larger fittings and a larger waterblock.
The size of the reservoir will depend on the size of the system and the amount of cooling capacity needed. A larger reservoir can help maintain stable temperatures and reduce the risk of air bubbles, but may also take up more space.
Conclusion
Building the Acid Green Water Cooled PC came out better than it was first planned. The components used are going to make this gaming PC last for a very long time. Although there aren’t many screens at this time that can play at 8k reslution, we believe that this PC is future proof enough that it will be able to handle it with ease.
While budget and maintenance requirements can scare people away from water cooling, the advantages make it a worthwhile investment for many gamers and enthusiasts.
By weighing the pros and cons of air cooling vs. liquid cooling, understanding how water cooling works, and taking proper precautions to prevent leaks, builders can create top-notch performance and stunning visually appealing computers.
So, if you’re considering a custom PC build, we encourage you to explore the world of water cooling and see how it can take your system to the next level. With the right tools and knowledge, the possibilities are endless.
