If you're looking to water-cool your PC, you'll need to choose the best radiator for your build. But with so many options on the market, it can take time to decide which is right for you. In this blog post, we'll break down the differences between aluminium and copper radiators so you can make an informed decision. In addition to the materials, radiators come in different lengths and core thicknesses to provide optimum heat rejection capabilities, contributing to the overall costs.
Aluminium radiators are the most popular choice for water-cooling PCs. They're lightweight, durable, and relatively inexpensive. However, copper is better at transferring heat than aluminium. As a result, aluminium radiators tend to be less efficient than copper radiators.
Copper radiators are more expensive than aluminium radiators but are also more efficient at transferring heat. This makes copper a good choice for high-end PCs that require superior cooling performance. However, copper is a heavier metal than aluminium, so copper radiators are typically larger and more challenging to install than their aluminium counterparts.
Whatever you choose, a great quality coolant is required to avoid corrosion. Many PC coolants available on the market are incompatible with aluminium so check with the manufacturer before filling. A preparation fluid or flush to remove any flux or contaminant materials within the radiator from the manufacturing process is also a good idea. Following these steps will keep your radiator functioning as new for years.
So, which type of radiator is right for you? If you're looking for a lightweight option that's easy to install and won't break the bank, go with an aluminium radiator. But if you need the best possible cooling performance for your high-end PC, opt for a copper radiator instead.