PC Cooling
Ongoing coverage on PC Cooling.
Latest coverage
Is a liquid-cooled PC worth it?
This article compares air cooling and liquid cooling for PCs, suggesting that the choice depends on the intensity of gaming. While air cooling is reliable, liquid cooling offers a more visually appealing setup.
Cooler Master's latest cooling innovation works wonders for the V8 Ace
The Cooler Master V8 Ace 3DHP is an exceptional single-tower PC cooler that rivals dual-tower performance thanks to its innovative 3DHP technology. While it excels in thermal management and offers an easy installation process, its high price point and car-inspired aesthetic may not appeal to all users. It competes strongly with high-end coolers like the Noctua NH-D15 G2 but offers less value than more affordable options like the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE.
Evening Tech Bits
AMD has reinstated memory encryption in its consumer CPUs following user feedback. Separately, an article discusses how tempered glass panels can negatively impact GPU cooling and offers a solution.
Thermal paste annoyances could be a thing of the past if Noctua and AMD have anything to say about it, but here's why I'd stick with it for your CPU upgrade this summer
Noctua is developing the NT-CP1 Carbice Carbon Nanotube Thermal Pad as a long-term alternative to traditional thermal paste, aiming to eliminate mess and the need for frequent reapplication. While AMD also showcased a similar thermal pad, Noctua's solution is slated for a September 2026 release, initially for AM4 and AM5 processors, and is positioned as a premium, non-reusable option for users who don't plan frequent upgrades.
Cooler Master's concept AIO cooler looks like it could chill Venus into Pluto, and I'm already hunting down the back of my sofa to get the pennies to buy one
Cooler Master has unveiled a concept all-in-one liquid CPU cooler at Computex that features a large fan directly attached to the pump/CPU block, aiming for a 400W thermal capacity. This design, dubbed the G11M, is intended to provide enhanced cooling and fill empty space within PC cases, potentially becoming a necessity for upcoming high-core-count processors like Intel's Nova Lake chips.
Thermal Grizzly's experimental direct-die CPU block is '3-4 times better' than most—but it uses diamond sheets that cost €500 each
Thermal Grizzly has developed an experimental direct-die CPU block utilizing industrial diamond sheets for significantly improved thermal conductivity, estimated to be 3-4 times better than standard blocks. While the diamond inserts alone cost €500 and the total block price could exceed €1500, making market release unlikely, the company is also exploring new non-nickel plating options for its CPU and GPU blocks in partnership with Platit.
The blower is back: Cooler Master has made a GPU accessory that pushes hot air outside your case rather than onto your…
Cooler Master has reintroduced the blower-style GPU shroud with its new MasterFlow accessory, designed to exhaust hot air directly out of the PC case. This aims to prevent GPU heat from negatively impacting CPU temperatures, potentially offering a four to six degree improvement. While currently planned for use in prebuilt systems, there is hope for a consumer release.
Cooler Master is playing around with a 2000 W CPU and GPU cooling solution with four huge 180 mm fans
Cooler Master has unveiled a prototype liquid cooling solution, codenamed Project AIO, capable of handling up to 2000W for both CPUs and GPUs. The system features four large 180 mm fans on a 360x360 mm radiator, designed to reduce noise and provide substantial thermal capacity for high-end workstations and potentially gaming PCs.
Noctua's pumpless liquid cooler prototype is now 'neck and neck' with a normal AIO: successfully cools…
Noctua has showcased an improved prototype of its pumpless liquid cooler at Computex, demonstrating performance comparable to standard all-in-one (AIO) liquid coolers. The thermosiphon technology relies on evaporation and condensation to transfer heat, eliminating pump noise. While still in the prototype stage with an estimated release in Q3 2027, Noctua is optimistic about its mass production potential.
Noctua aims to effectively banish thermal paste horror stories and gooped-up CPU sockets
Noctua has announced a long-term partnership with Carbice, a company specializing in carbon nanotube thermal interface materials. Noctua will become the exclusive retail distributor of Carbice's thermal pads, with the first product, the NT-CP1 AM5/4, launching in September 2026. This collaboration aims to offer PC enthusiasts a mess-free and maintenance-free alternative to traditional thermal paste, with potential for future product development.
Hardware modder connects his gaming PC to his bike and achieves 'human powered CPU cooling'
A YouTube creator named Mryeester has devised a method to use a bicycle to power a PC's CPU fan, effectively creating a human-powered cooling system. While the experiment successfully lowered CPU temperatures, it highlighted practical challenges and the limited utility of such a setup for sustained gaming.
YouTuber builds PC side panel out of 15 Noctua fans and names it the 'Superdome', cuts temps by 20 °C
YouTuber Major Hardware, also known as James, has created a custom PC side panel named 'Superdome' featuring 15 Noctua fans, which significantly reduced component temperatures by up to 20°C. Noctua provided assistance with fans and 3D printing materials for the project. The creator noted the fan setup is surprisingly quiet and effective, potentially leading them to keep it on their PC despite its meme origins.
Best CPU cooler 2026
This guide reviews the best CPU coolers for gaming PCs in 2026, focusing on balancing cooling performance, noise levels, and price. Top recommendations include the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB for general use, the Noctua NH-D15 for maximum air cooling, and the NZXT Kraken 240mm as a solid AIO liquid cooler option. The article also details budget choices and specific use cases like low-profile coolers.
