- Mar 2, 2017
- 318
I prefer air because (1) there's no risk of leaks and (2) air - especially OEM air provides some cooling for the heat sensitive/heat generating devices surrounding the CPU socket. These devices are often overlooked when using alternative cooling solutions.
Unless doing extreme overclocking, all water does is provide bragging rights.
While providing sufficient cooling is absolutely essential, that does not mean cooler is automatically better. As long as your temps sit comfortably within the normal operating range, you are fine. That is, a CPU running at 30°C cannot be expected to perform better, be more stable, or have a longer life expectancy than a CPU running at 50°C.
Unless doing extreme overclocking, all water does is provide bragging rights.
While providing sufficient cooling is absolutely essential, that does not mean cooler is automatically better. As long as your temps sit comfortably within the normal operating range, you are fine. That is, a CPU running at 30°C cannot be expected to perform better, be more stable, or have a longer life expectancy than a CPU running at 50°C.