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When it comes to the performance of an air cooler, the three most crucial components are the 

. While the fan and platform (Intel or AMD) also play a role, their impact on thermal performance is relatively minor in comparison.

Heat pipes are the backbone of any air cooler’s heat transfer system. The thicker and more numerous the heat pipes, the better the cooling performance.

more and thicker heat pipes = better heat dissipation

The baseplate is the interface between the CPU and the cooler, and it plays a significant role in how effectively heat is transferred. There are three main types of baseplates, ranked from highest to lowest thermal efficiency:

The flattened heat pipes directly contact the CPU surface, minimizing the thermal barrier.

A flat copper plate is used as the base, with heat pipes soldered directly into it for better contact and durability.

This design uses a sealed chamber filled with conductive liquid to evenly distribute heat across the baseplate.

Cooling fins are responsible for dissipating heat into the surrounding air. The more fins and the tighter their spacing, the more efficient the heat dispersion.

Fins are permanently soldered to the heat pipes, resulting in strong structural integrity and excellent heat transfer. Though costlier, it's more durable and effective.

Heat pipes are inserted through stacked metal fins, forming a tower structure. This method is more affordable but depends heavily on manufacturing quality. A precise fit ensures firm contact and better performance, while poor fitting can cause fins to loosen over time and degrade thermal efficiency.

While not as critical, a few additional factors can slightly affect air cooler performance:





When it comes to the performance of an air cooler, the three most crucial components are the heat pipes, baseplate, and cooling fins. While the fan and platform (Intel or AMD) also play a role, their impact on thermal performance is relatively minor in comparison.



Key #1: Heat Pipes

Heat pipes are the backbone of any air cooler’s heat transfer system. The thicker and more numerous the heat pipes, the better the cooling performance.





Pipe Thickness: Most air coolers on the market use 6mm heat pipes, though high-end models may include 8mm pipes for improved heat transfer.



Number of Heat Pipes: Entry-level air coolers typically feature 4 heat pipes, while flagship models often come with 6 or 7 for maximum efficiency.

The basic rule is: more and thicker heat pipes = better heat dissipation.





(darkFlash Darkair Plus CPU Cooler)



Key #2: Baseplate Design

The baseplate is the interface between the CPU and the cooler, and it plays a significant role in how effectively heat is transferred. There are three main types of baseplates, ranked from highest to lowest thermal efficiency:







1. Direct Contact Heat Pipes

The flattened heat pipes directly contact the CPU surface, minimizing the thermal barrier.

Pros:





Cost-effective and budget-friendly



Adequate for mid to low-range CPUs

Cons:





Lower manufacturing precision can lead to poor surface contact



Over time, heat pipe deformation may reduce performance



2. Soldered Copper Base

A flat copper plate is used as the base, with heat pipes soldered directly into it for better contact and durability.

Pros:





High flatness ensures better CPU contact



Durable and long-lasting



Common in mid-to-high-end air coolers

Cons:





More complex manufacturing process



Higher production cost



3. Vapor Chamber (Heat Spreader)

This design uses a sealed chamber filled with conductive liquid to evenly distribute heat across the baseplate.

Pros:





Superior heat conduction



Ideal for high-wattage, high-heat CPUs

Cons:





Expensive to manufacture



Less common and limited model options







Key #3: Cooling Fins

Cooling fins are responsible for dissipating heat into the surrounding air. The more fins and the tighter their spacing, the more efficient the heat dispersion.



Fin Attachment Methods

Reflow Soldering

Fins are permanently soldered to the heat pipes, resulting in strong structural integrity and excellent heat transfer. Though costlier, it's more durable and effective.





(Credit: Tom's Hardware)



Press-Fit (Stacked Fins)

Heat pipes are inserted through stacked metal fins, forming a tower structure. This method is more affordable but depends heavily on manufacturing quality. A precise fit ensures firm contact and better performance, while poor fitting can cause fins to loosen over time and degrade thermal efficiency.





(darkFlash C400 ARGB Air CPU Cooler)



Other Considerations

While not as critical, a few additional factors can slightly affect air cooler performance:





Fan Quality: Higher CFM and static pressure fans can improve airflow through the fins.



CPU Platform: Intel and AMD sockets may have subtle thermal behavior differences.



Case Clearance: Always check your case dimensions to avoid issues with cooler height and side panel clearance.





Quick Guide: What Affects Air Cooler Performance? Know the Key Factors Before You Buy!

Top 3 Key Factors That Affect Air Cooler Performance

Whether you're gaming, working, or somewhere in between, you've probably seen “high DPI” as a key selling point on many mice. But is higher always better? The answer depends on how you use your mouse.

In this article, we’ll break down the three most important factors when choosing a mouse: 

, and how they affect real-world use. We'll also show you how two of our darkFlash mouse products—powered by the 

 sensors—are designed for different needs.

 measures how far the cursor moves on screen for every inch your mouse moves physically. The higher the DPI, the faster the cursor moves.

(Mouse DPI of VALORANT pro player f0rsakeN from team Paper Rex)

Higher DPI isn't always better—especially in FPS games. Many pro players prefer low DPI for better aiming control.

 (measured in Hz) tells you how often your mouse reports its position to your PC.

, ensuring low latency performance whether you're playing or working.

(Mouse polling rate of CS2 pro player apEX from team Vitality)

PixArt is the industry leader in mouse sensors. Here’s how three popular sensor models compare:

Perfect for users who switch between work and gaming. It’s affordable, accurate, and responsive enough for casual gameplay while staying comfortable for day-long productivity.

If you play FPS or fast-paced RTS/MOBA games, this is your weapon of choice. The PAW3395 sensor delivers pixel-perfect accuracy, ultra-fast response, and smooth tracking—even during intense flicks or high-speed turns.

Choosing the right mouse isn’t just about DPI. For the best experience, you need the right balance of 

. Whether you're grinding through spreadsheets or climbing the ranks in your favorite shooter, darkFlash has a mouse tailored for your playstyle and workflow.





Whether you're gaming, working, or somewhere in between, you've probably seen “high DPI” as a key selling point on many mice. But is higher always better? The answer depends on how you use your mouse.



In this article, we’ll break down the three most important factors when choosing a mouse: DPI, Polling Rate, and Sensor Type, and how they affect real-world use. We'll also show you how two of our darkFlash mouse products—powered by the PAW3311 and PAW3395 sensors—are designed for different needs.



What Is DPI?

DPI (Dots Per Inch) measures how far the cursor moves on screen for every inch your mouse moves physically. The higher the DPI, the faster the cursor moves.





(Mouse DPI of VALORANT pro player f0rsakeN from team Paper Rex)
(SPECS.GG, VALORANT Masters Toronto)



💡Tip

Higher DPI isn't always better—especially in FPS games. Many pro players prefer low DPI for better aiming control.







What Is Polling Rate?

Polling Rate (measured in Hz) tells you how often your mouse reports its position to your PC.

Both of our mice support 1000Hz polling rate, ensuring low latency performance whether you're playing or working.





(Mouse polling rate of CS2 pro player apEX from team Vitality)
(SPECS.GG, BLAST Austin Major 2025)











Sensor Types: PAW3311 vs 3370 vs 3395

PixArt is the industry leader in mouse sensors. Here’s how three popular sensor models compare:







For Work & Everyday Use darkFlash DFM80 / DFM80 Plus –

Powered by PAW3311





DPI: Adjustable up to 12000



Polling Rate: 1000Hz



Sensor: PixArt PAW3311 (stable & efficient)

Why it’s great:
Perfect for users who switch between work and gaming. It’s affordable, accurate, and responsive enough for casual gameplay while staying comfortable for day-long productivity.







For Competitive Gaming darkFlash DFM80 Pro –

Powered by PAW3395





DPI: Up to 26000



Polling Rate: 1000Hz



Sensor: PixArt PAW3395 (flagship-grade)

Why it’s great:
If you play FPS or fast-paced RTS/MOBA games, this is your weapon of choice. The PAW3395 sensor delivers pixel-perfect accuracy, ultra-fast response, and smooth tracking—even during intense flicks or high-speed turns.







Final Thoughts

Choosing the right mouse isn’t just about DPI. For the best experience, you need the right balance of sensor, DPI, polling rate, and comfort. Whether you're grinding through spreadsheets or climbing the ranks in your favorite shooter, darkFlash has a mouse tailored for your playstyle and workflow.





A practical guide to DPI, polling rate, and sensor types — and how to choose the right mouse for gaming or productivity.

Is Higher DPI Better? Understanding Mouse Sensors & Performance

When you're building your ideal PC workspace, there's one classic question that often comes up: “Should I place my PC case on the desk or on the floor?”

This decision isn't just about aesthetics — it can directly impact your system’s airflow, dust intake, accessibility, safety, and overall user experience. As a brand specializing in PC cases and cooling solutions, darkFlash is here to break it down for you from a technical and practical perspective.

🟢 Pros of Placing Your PC Case on the Desk

Desks are typically cleaner than floors, making your system less likely to suck in dust. This helps extend the life of fans, power supplies, and other hardware components.

Air circulation is generally better on top of a desk, especially compared to corners or under-furniture spaces on the floor. With darkFlash’s high-airflow cases and fans, you’ll see improved thermal performance when placed on a desk.

Power buttons, USB ports, and audio jacks are right within reach — no need to bend down or stretch just to plug in a flash drive or headphones.

If you're using a darkFlash case with RGB lighting, placing it on your desk allows you to fully showcase your build’s style and lighting effects. It becomes part of your room's aesthetic, not something hidden by your feet.

If your desk is already limited in space, a large case could interfere with your monitor, keyboard, or mouse area.

Being closer to your ears, any noise from the case — especially from high-RPM fans or larger air coolers — will be more noticeable and could become distracting.

Pros of Placing Your PC Case on the Floor

Perfect for users working with a smaller desk, leaving more surface area for your monitor, notebook, or other peripherals.

If you prefer a minimal or clean setup look, keeping the case off the desk helps reduce visual clutter.

PCs on the floor are more exposed to dust — especially in rooms with carpets, pet hair, or humidity — increasing the need for regular cleaning and maintenance.

Floor areas can often be warmer, more enclosed, and lack airflow, reducing cooling efficiency — especially if the PC is tucked into a tight corner.

Reaching power buttons, USB ports, or upgrading components becomes a hassle when you have to bend or kneel each time.

If you're using a tempered glass side panel PC case, we recommend placing it on the desk to fully enjoy the benefits of our airflow design and RGB lighting aesthetics.

However, if space limitations require you to place your case on the floor, we highly suggest using a 

, wooden board, or a small wheeled cart to raise the case off the ground. This reduces dust intake, avoids moisture exposure, and improves overall airflow.





When you're building your ideal PC workspace, there's one classic question that often comes up: “Should I place my PC case on the desk or on the floor?”



This decision isn't just about aesthetics — it can directly impact your system’s airflow, dust intake, accessibility, safety, and overall user experience. As a brand specializing in PC cases and cooling solutions, darkFlash is here to break it down for you from a technical and practical perspective.



🟢 Pros of Placing Your PC Case on the Desk

Less Dust Buildup

Desks are typically cleaner than floors, making your system less likely to suck in dust. This helps extend the life of fans, power supplies, and other hardware components.



Better Cooling Performance

Air circulation is generally better on top of a desk, especially compared to corners or under-furniture spaces on the floor. With darkFlash’s high-airflow cases and fans, you’ll see improved thermal performance when placed on a desk.



Easy Access to Ports and Buttons

Power buttons, USB ports, and audio jacks are right within reach — no need to bend down or stretch just to plug in a flash drive or headphones.







Show Off Your Setup

If you're using a darkFlash case with RGB lighting, placing it on your desk allows you to fully showcase your build’s style and lighting effects. It becomes part of your room's aesthetic, not something hidden by your feet.



🔴 Cons of Desk Placement

Takes Up Desk Space

If your desk is already limited in space, a large case could interfere with your monitor, keyboard, or mouse area.







Potential Noise Issues

Being closer to your ears, any noise from the case — especially from high-RPM fans or larger air coolers — will be more noticeable and could become distracting.



🟢 Pros of Placing Your PC Case on the Floor

Frees Up Desk Space

Perfect for users working with a smaller desk, leaving more surface area for your monitor, notebook, or other peripherals.







Cleaner Desk Aesthetics

If you prefer a minimal or clean setup look, keeping the case off the desk helps reduce visual clutter.



🔴 Cons of Floor Placement

Higher Dust Exposure

PCs on the floor are more exposed to dust — especially in rooms with carpets, pet hair, or humidity — increasing the need for regular cleaning and maintenance.







Less Efficient Cooling

Floor areas can often be warmer, more enclosed, and lack airflow, reducing cooling efficiency — especially if the PC is tucked into a tight corner.



Harder to Access and Maintain

Reaching power buttons, USB ports, or upgrading components becomes a hassle when you have to bend or kneel each time.



Recommendation

If you're using a tempered glass side panel PC case, we recommend placing it on the desk to fully enjoy the benefits of our airflow design and RGB lighting aesthetics.







However, if space limitations require you to place your case on the floor, we highly suggest using a PC tower stand, wooden board, or a small wheeled cart to raise the case off the ground. This reduces dust intake, avoids moisture exposure, and improves overall airflow.





Maximize airflow, minimize dust — the science behind where you place your PC case.

Should You Place Your PC Case on the Desk or the Floor?

DF98 Mechanical Keyboard , Gasket Structure, Hot-swap Switch, Grooved PC Positioning plate

DRX70 Series case, magnetic front panel designed easy swap between glass and mesh

#000000

DY470 ATX PC Case

Motherboard Support

Liquid Cooler Support

Colors

DB330M M-ATX PC Case

DS900 ATX PC Case

DN360D Liquid CPU Cooler

Radiator Size

Color

DV360S Liquid CPU Cooler

DLM21 Mesh MATX PC Case

WD200 M-ATX PC Case

DN360S Liquid CPU Cooler

PC Case

CPU Cooler

Air Cooler

Cooler Type 

Heat Pipes

Cooler

Socket

Liquid Cooler

Cooling Fan

Fan Size

Lighting Effect

Fan Blade

Power Supply

Output Wattage

Modularity

Series

Keyboard and Mice

Keyboard

Connectivity

Product

Mice

Gaming Chair

Monitor

Size

Accessories

Thermal Paste

Mousepad

LED Panel

M.2 SSD Heatspreader

Laptop Cooler

VGA Bracket

Controller

Cable

Keyboard Rest

Monitor Stand

As an enthusiast of games and computer DIY in this age, we, darkFlash, feel proud and grateful for keep thinking how to develop impressive and extraordinary products with high-end facilities by assembling and using the PC cases, CPU coolers, case fans, and even gaming chairs and tables in person.

Our goal is to create products that could extremely exert its effect by every user.

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