Liquid cooling has become the gold standard for enthusiasts, overclockers, and professionals seeking maximum performance and thermal stability in their systems. In this ultimate guide, we explore how it works, its advantages, what to consider when installing it, and the latest industry trends for 2025. We also offer product recommendations available at Ibertrónica and compile the best of our specialized articles so you don’t miss anything.
What is liquid cooling and how does it work?
Liquid cooling uses a system that circulates a cooling fluid through thermal blocks (waterblocks) placed on key components (mainly CPU and GPU). The liquid absorbs heat and transports it to a radiator where it is dissipated, usually with fans.
Main advantages of liquid cooling:
- 🔇 Lower noise levels compared to air cooling systems.
- 🌡️ Greater heat dissipation capacity.
- 🎯 Premium aesthetics and customization options.
- ⚙️ Ideal for overclocking and extreme gaming setups.
📘 More information:
👉 Introduction to Liquid Cooling Systems for High-Performance PCs
Air Cooling vs.
Liquid Cooling
Feature | Air | Liquid |
Thermal efficiency | Medium/High | High/Very high |
Noise level | Moderate | Low (with a good setup) |
Aesthetics | Limited | High customization |
Price | More affordable | More expensive |
Installation complexity | Easy | Medium/High |
Maintenance | Almost none | Requires periodic checks |
📘 Learn more here:
👉 Liquid cooling for computer systems
Installation and maintenance of a liquid cooling system
Basic installation steps:
- Preparation: Read the kit instructions carefully and check compatibility with your case and CPU.
- Mounting the block on the CPU: Use thermal paste and secure the water block properly.
- Installing the radiator: Place it in a well-ventilated area (top or front).
- Connecting the tubes: Make sure there are no kinks or leaks.
- Electrical connection: Connect the fans and pump to PWM connectors.
Recommended Maintenance:
- Check the fluid level every 6 months (for custom loop systems).
- Clean the radiators and fans with compressed air.
- Monitor temperature levels with software like HWMonitor or AIDA64.
📘 Learn with our step-by-step tutorial:
👉 Liquid Cooling – How to Build Your Cooling System
Common Mistakes When Installing Liquid Cooling (and How to Avoid Them)
- Not checking radiator compatibility with the case.
- Using too little or too much thermal paste.
- Installing the pump above the radiator (can cause air bubbles).
- Not purging the system in custom loop setups.
- Ignoring basic maintenance.
📘 You might also be interested in:
👉 DIY Liquid Cooling: Its Dangers
Liquid Cooling in 2025: New Technologies and Trends
2025 will bring significant improvements in:
- Ultra-thin radiators with high thermal performance.
- Smart pumps with automatic flow control.
- Liquid cooling for NVMe SSDs and VRMs.
- AIO kits with integrated ARGB lighting and advanced control software.
📘 See all the latest news in our guide:
👉 Liquid Cooling 2025: The Complete Guide
Conclusion
This type of cooling is no longer just for enthusiasts: It’s an investment in stability, performance, and aesthetics. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current system or build a PC from scratch, this guide provides a solid foundation for making informed decisions.
Ready to take your cooling performance to the next level? Explore our liquid cooling category.
Need personalized assistance in choosing the ideal liquid cooling system for you?
💬 Contact Ibertrónica and we’ll provide free, expert advice!