You may be wondering: is AIO noisy? You’re not the only one. You may have heard some complaints about AIO noise, especially when the system is running at its maximum capacity. The noise level may be triggered by a few things, including the radiator being angled in a way that prevents it from sag and the pump causing a rattling sound. Or perhaps you have heard a similar complaint from someone who’s bought a cheap air cooler and put it next to the AIO. Whatever the reason, it’s important to know the facts before buying a computer cooling unit.
Liquid coolers are noisier than air coolers
As with air coolers, water coolers produce noise due to the fan. The fans are larger and operate at a slower speed, but they generate more noise if they spin more quickly. The fans may also be more noisy if you are overclocking, which will put more strain on the cooling system. A high-end liquid cooler is quiet and effective for keeping temperatures in check, but it can be noisy if you overclock.
Air coolers are cheaper and do not require a large heat sink. While air coolers may be noisier, they can outperform liquid coolers and are quieter when the system is idle. Which type of cooling system is right for you? That is ultimately up to you. You may prefer air cooling or liquid cooling based on personal preference and your system’s performance. A liquid cooler may be better suited for overclocking and other CPU-intensive tasks, but it is important to consider the noise levels.
Liquid coolers are more expensive to manufacture
Most major brands don’t engineer every part of their products – Corsair and other top brands don’t have secret factories in basements. Instead, they spend their time and money testing and tweaking the final product. Testing includes trying out different fan speeds and configurations, as well as the latest OEM technologies. The end result is a cooler that offers the best value for the money. Creating a liquid cooler from scratch, however, is expensive and doesn’t necessarily make the product better.
While liquid coolers offer superior cooling performance to their fan-powered counterparts, they also tend to be more expensive to manufacture. However, they are more durable than their fan-powered counterparts, and can even carry dangerous materials. Liquid coolers are available in two types, closed-loop and all-in-one models. Closed-loop coolers are the easiest to install and maintain.
They have moving parts
One of the most common problems with AIO cooling systems is pump whine. These noisy pumps aren’t good for your system because they decrease performance and reduce durability. While you can get an AIO with quiet pump, you’ll still need to monitor fan speed and noise. Keeping these components clean and running at a low speed will reduce noise levels. However, you may need to replace the pump altogether.
Unlike motherboards, AIOs require you to install pumps and fans. They also require RGB headers and USB2 ports for control. Even experienced users can have difficulty installing AIOs. There are several things you must know before you get started. Some models require you to download additional software for setup. NZXT’s CAM software will allow you to edit fan curves and RGB lighting. Regardless of brand, AIOs have moving parts and are noisy.
They require more maintenance
The AIO has several advantages. The closed loop system prevents the need to clean out the tubing, leaving only the radiator to maintain. This minimal approach to maintenance comes at a price. The main reason you should never disassemble an AIO is that it can take a long time to detect fluid leaks and prevent them. Moreover, the system can be more susceptible to air leaks, which could result in lower performance and greater wear.
