Click here to sign up for my free Rick’s Tech Tips Newsletter!
Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.
Question from Alice: I bought a new HP desktop computer with Windows 10 and an Intel Core i5 CPU.
Overall, I really like this computer and I want to do everything I can to make it last as long as possible.
I’ve read that keeping a computer’s CPU cool can prevent it from over-heating and failing prematurely and that a liquid CPU cooler does the best job at that.
I want this computer to last as long as possible so I’m thinking about having my computer guy replace the existing CPU cooler with a liquid CPU cooler to keep the CPU as cool as possible while the computer is running.
I use this machine primarily for Internet (mostly Facebook and Pinterest) and watching Netflix as or playing an occasional game of “Words with Friends”.
Do you think that’s a good idea to replace the CPU cooler? I don’t want to spend the money if you don’t think it’ll make a big difference.
Looking forward to your advice on this matter. Thanks.
Rick’s answer: Alice, I’m afraid the answer to your question is no. I don’t think replacing the stock CPU cooler in your new PC with a liquid cooler is a good idea, for the following reasons:
1 – The computer manufacturers generally do a good job at matching the CPU coolers they use with the intended uses of the machines.
Since you won’t be doing any serious gaming or otherwise pushing the limits of this computer’s CPU, over-heating shouldn’t really be a problem.
2 – As you can see right here, liquid CPU coolers aren’t cheap (and any fee you’d pay for someone to install it will add to that cost).
I really don’t think spending the cash to purchase a liquid cooler and having it installed would be a good use of your money.
3 – Depending on type and model of your desktop PC, there’s a chance that a liquid CPU cooler wouldn’t even fit inside the case.
Quality liquid CPU coolers typically take up more space than standard air coolers and many modern desktop PCs are pretty cramped inside as it is.
4 – While most quality liquid CPU coolers well-built and quite dependable, I’ve seen several of them spring leaks over the years. And in a few of those cases it completely ruined the machines.
Bottom line: I recommend that you skip the liquid CPU cooler and concentrate on keeping your computer free of malware and blowing the dust out of it every now and then instead.
After all, malware infections and dust build-up are two of the most common causes of CPU over-heating, and they are both relatively easy to prevent and/or mitigate.
Cick here to ask me a tech question.