How is this a water cooler?
How is this a water cooler?
I'm new to liquid cooling and want to buy an i7-7700k. I asked for recommendations on another forum, and they recommended this specific product. It doesn't use water and doesn't require any installation, which is confusing since I thought it would be a liquid cooler.
It's not as extreme as it seems. CPU durability can easily last over two decades with regular use. However, software limitations mean you're generally limited to about ten years before it becomes unreliable. Overclocking (OC) doesn't significantly reduce this lifespan; in fact, it often helps extend it by allowing the CPU to operate at lower voltages and maintaining tighter thermal management. People who perform OC usually have better-managed power supplies with cleaner outputs, which further supports longevity. Even with high OC levels, the impact on lifespan remains minimal. The main factors that affect longevity are poor thermal control—keeping the CPU in unsafe temperatures for long periods—and insufficient intelligence in managing voltage. My i7 can comfortably run at 1.32v @4.9GHz. If it required 1.4v+ at 5.0-5.1GHz, running continuously under heavy loads would shorten its life to just two to three years.
This is indeed a liquid cooler, of the closed loop variety. Meaning everything is entirely factory sealed and non-user serviceable. The liquid coolers with tubes you're thinking of that you can customize are open loop coolers.
jingsaw2859 :
BadBoyGreek :
This is indeed a liquid cooler, of the closed loop variety. Meaning everything is entirely factory sealed and non-user serviceable. The liquid coolers with tubes are known as open loop coolers.
So there is liquid inside it?
Yes there is. But unlike open loop systems, closed loop systems come pre-filled and sealed and you can't make changes to them.
There is liquid inside that. Generally, closed loop coolers don't offer much improvement over air coolers, particularly when factoring in the higher cost. My suggestion would be to opt for an air cooler aiming for around 5 ghz (likely closer to 4.8) or switch to a full open loop system, which is costly and not very beginner-friendly.
As Greek mentioned earlier, this cooler comes complete with everything necessary and is ready to install.
I just want to note that targeting 5 GHz is quite challenging. If you intend to go that far, be ready to potentially damage the CPU. Although such an overclock isn't uncommon, it often demands removing the CPU and swapping the TIM for liquid metal. Calling it risky is an exaggeration. Based on what I've observed, reaching 5 GHz typically also requires a core voltage that can cause the CPU to fail within months.
It's essentially similar to a car setup. Coolant from the radiator flows to the engine (pump) and back to the radiator. It's either an all-in-one or closed-loop cooler. The setup guide often isn't very helpful, but you can easily follow a few videos—there are two main methods: pushing fans through the radiator and out, or pulling fans through it. Either works, depending on your style and where you place the radiator (intake or exhaust). When you inspect the unit and your case, it's usually a clear choice.
Deciding whether to purchase it depends on alternatives. You can check pcpartpicker.com for cooler options (liquid) or explore air-cooling solutions like the Noctua NH-D15. However, these tend to be more case-specific than AIOs, which are straightforward. Your case will likely fit a 280mm, 240mm, 140mm, or 120mm cooler, but not all sizes are compatible. Buying a larger size just because it's available isn't wise if your goal is exhaust use—it often only fits intake applications.
jingsaw2859 :
So should I get it or are there any other better options for overclocking it to the max? I don't really want an open loop setup because I'm a complete noob so I'd rather stay way
It's one of the best AIO coolers out there. There aren't any AIO coolers that will do much better. That's not the issue.
Overclocking "to the max" will usually damage the CPU. If it works, it will still do damage over time. If you push it to 5 GHz, expect the CPU to die within a couple of months. There's a chance it won't die in that time frame, but don't be surprised if it dies in a week or two.
When you overclock to that extent, those are the risks you take, regardless of which cooler you use.
Also plan to delid the CPU if you still want to reach 5 GHz. There are numerous ways that this alone can brick the CPU if you don't know what you're doing, but if you don't, you'll overheat the CPU very quickly under load. The heat also compounds the damage that the overclock does, and will burn out the CPU even sooner.
Lastly, there's always the chance you'll "win the silicon lottery" and get a CPU that overclocks very well. Conversely, you could get one that can barely reach 4.8 GHz with every trick in the book. If you push the bad CPU any harder than that, you'll just brick it, and have to buy another one. This is just another risk you take.
If you haven't overclocked a CPU before, you don't want to aim for 5 GHz. Start with something more manageable, and work your way up as you learn everything involved. I've seen people literally brick their computer the day they got it because they thought they could just "dial in" an ambitious OC.
Basically, make sure you understand the risks before you take the risks.