back to glossary

Radiator

pc

A component in a PC cooling system that transfers thermal energy from the coolant to the air.

expanded

Radiators are heat exchangers used to dissipate heat in liquid-cooled computers. They are crucial in maintaining optimal CPU and GPU temperatures, enhancing performance and longevity. Typically constructed of materials like aluminum or copper, radiators employ fans to increase heat dissipation efficiency.

examples

The Corsair Hydro Series H100x radiator measures 276 mm x 120 mm x 27 mm, designed for dual 120 mm fans to maximize cooling efficiency.

Commonly used in high-performance gaming PCs and workstations requiring superior cooling solutions.

EKWB EK-CoolStream SE 240, a slim, high-performance radiator measuring 275 mm x 120 mm x 28 mm, fits cases with limited space without sacrificing cooling capacity.

Ideal for compact builds where space conservation is a priority without compromising on thermal management.

related terms

Liquid cooling
A system that uses liquid to remove heat from computer components.
Heatsink
A thermal management device that dissipates heat away from electronic components.
Reservoir
A reservoir in PC cooling systems is a component that stores additional coolant fluid.
Air cooling
A heat dissipation method utilizing airflow to lower the temperature of electronic components.
Waterblock
A waterblock is a cooling device used in liquid cooling systems to transfer heat away from electronic components.