air cooling system uses an array of fans to push cool air across a heat sink and CPU. This system is relatively cheap, easy to install, and can work well for most PC builds. It is less effective for high-performance and overclocked systems, however, and requires more maintenance to maintain efficiency.

A heat sink is a piece of metal with a specialized surface designed to absorb heat. It is attached to the IHS of a CPU with thermal paste, which helps to facilitate better heat transfer. The heat sink then draws cool air through it using a fan, which can spin faster when more cooling is needed.

This air is then pushed away from the CPU, with the heat being dissipated into the surrounding air or driven elsewhere. This system is used in most engines, including those of automobiles and aircraft, as well as some rotary screw compressors.

The cooling process in liquid-cooled systems is similar, although the coolant is typically liquid and moves through a circuit to absorb heat from the engine block and cylinder head, pass it through the radiator to be exposed to cold air, and then return to the engine block to repeat the cycle. Liquid cooling is a more efficient way to cool engines than air, but it can be difficult to manage and may require an investment in water-treatment equipment or a dedicated onsite supply of pure water.

Liquid cooling is the more expensive and less-practical option, but it can deliver impressive performance and a flashy look that air cannot match. It can be configured in a variety of ways, with the components usually submerged in nonconductive liquid and connected to a cooling tower that encloses them in a sealed container. In this system, the coolant is either single- or two-phase. In a single-phase cooling system, the coolant is circulated to remove heat from the components. In a two-phase cooling system, the coolant is heated to its boiling point in the coolant tubes, rises to the container lid, and is cooled as it condenses back into liquid.

Both liquid and air cooling can be used in data centers, but organizations tend to favor the latter if they have the resources to invest in them. Liquid cooling is a good choice when rack power requirements are 20 kW or higher, as these systems offer greater energy-efficiency and can accommodate more equipment than air-cooled systems.

Choosing the right cooling system for your data center can help ensure optimal operating conditions and prevent downtime caused by temperature issues. To learn more about how to evaluate your air and liquid cooling options, contact an expert at CDW today. We can help you select the best solutions for your needs, and also provide support in sizing, installing, and maintaining them. We can help you create an ideal data center environment that is safe, reliable, and secure.