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The DNS IcePeak LCD Water Cooler is the first liquid cooler from darkFlash to feature a built-in display. This screen not only allows you to monitor the system’s hardware status but also offers the ability to customize the display using darkFlash’s proprietary software. In this guide, we will walk you through how to use the darkFlash DNS Water Cooler software.

Synchronizing the Software with the LCD Display

The DNS software allows you to monitor various system metrics including CPU information, GPU stats, and water cooling status. It provides an easy-to-read interface for checking these parameters in real-time.

The DNS Water Cooler offers four customization features for the LCD display:

In addition to customizing the text content, you can adjust the font type, size, position, and color for each display option.

Click the “Customize” button at the bottom of the software, then select “New Theme.”

Use the “Path Selection” option to choose and upload your custom GIF, PNG, or JPG files.

Select the uploaded image and click "Save."

Go back to the “Theme Preview” section, and select your custom theme from the list to apply it.

By following this DNS water cooler software guide, DIY players using the screen-equipped cooler for the first time will be able to quickly get up to speed and enjoy the customizable features available.





The DNS IcePeak LCD Water Cooler is the first liquid cooler from darkFlash to feature a built-in display. This screen not only allows you to monitor the system’s hardware status but also offers the ability to customize the display using darkFlash’s proprietary software. In this guide, we will walk you through how to use the darkFlash DNS Water Cooler software.



How to Download the DNS Driver Software





Visit the product page for the DNS IcePeak Water Cooler.



Click on the "Drivers" link at the top right of the page.



Under the "Download" section, click the "DNS IcePeak Driver" link to download the software.





Synchronizing the Software with the LCD Display





After installation, open the software and click "Connect and Start Using."



The software will begin syncing with the LCD screen on the water cooler.



Note: If the cooler is not detected, please restart your computer or unplug and re-plug the USB cable connection.





Software Interface Overview

The DNS software allows you to monitor various system metrics including CPU information, GPU stats, and water cooling status. It provides an easy-to-read interface for checking these parameters in real-time.





Customization Features

The DNS Water Cooler offers four customization features for the LCD display:





Text



Data



Status Bar



Arc Bar

In addition to customizing the text content, you can adjust the font type, size, position, and color for each display option.



Text Display Example ↓





Data Display Example ↓





Status Bar Example ↓





Arc Bar Example ↓





How to Customize Your LCD Display

Step 1: Create a New Theme

Click the “Customize” button at the bottom of the software, then select “New Theme.”





Step 2: Upload Custom Images

Click on “Background Settings.”

Use the “Path Selection” option to choose and upload your custom GIF, PNG, or JPG files.





Step 3: Save the Image

Select the uploaded image and click "Save."





Step 4: Apply the Theme

Go back to the “Theme Preview” section, and select your custom theme from the list to apply it.





By following this DNS water cooler software guide, DIY players using the screen-equipped cooler for the first time will be able to quickly get up to speed and enjoy the customizable features available.


This tutorial will help first-time DIY players quickly get started with the DNS IcePeak LCD Water Cooler and its software.

DNS IcePeak LCD Water Cooler Software Guide

Water cooling technology has become highly advanced, leading more consumers to choose all-in-one (AIO) water coolers for CPU cooling. Aside from heat dissipation performance, the ease of installation has also become an important consideration. To enhance the user experience, manufacturers have focused on improving one of the most critical components—the water cooling fan.

Currently, there are three main types of water cooling fans on the market: standard fans, custom chain-link fans, and modular fans.

Standard fans function similarly to typical case fans and are connected using two types of cables: PWM and ARGB. The PWM cable features a 4-pin connector, which controls the fan speed through the motherboard, while the ARGB cable has a 3-pin connector to control the lighting effects.

These fans use a universal connection method and can be linked with case fans.

The installation process can be cumbersome as each fan requires two different cables, making the setup difficult and cable management challenging.

Chain-link fans use a specialized cable system to connect fans in series. With just one cable, all the fans are linked together, and you only need to connect the final cable to the motherboard.

These fans save time during installation, and manufacturers typically pre-install the fans onto the radiator, saving you from having to secure them yourself.

 If one fan malfunctions, you can only replace it by purchasing the exact same fan from the manufacturer—third-party replacements are not possible.

Modular fans connect via either a snap-together or magnetic system, eliminating the need for cables between fans. Like the chain-link fans, the only connection required is to the motherboard.

With no cables between fans, the system looks much cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing.

Due to the advanced technology involved, modular fan-based AIO water coolers tend to be more expensive, which might not be ideal for budget-conscious users.

The DN360S Liquid CPU Cooler by darkFlash is an excellent choice for those seeking both affordability and ease of installation. This cooler uses the chain-link fan design to provide a smooth installation process and saves users time by pre-installing the fans onto the radiator. Additionally, the DN-360S features a 2.1-inch 480x480 pixel IPS display, which can monitor hardware data or display customizable, cute animations. Whether you're checking system stats or adding a touch of personality to your setup, the DN360S Liquid CPU Cooler has you covered!





Water cooling technology has become highly advanced, leading more consumers to choose all-in-one (AIO) water coolers for CPU cooling. Aside from heat dissipation performance, the ease of installation has also become an important consideration. To enhance the user experience, manufacturers have focused on improving one of the most critical components—the water cooling fan.



| Types of Water Cooling Fan | 

Currently, there are three main types of water cooling fans on the market: standard fans, custom chain-link fans, and modular fans.



1. Standard Fans

Standard fans function similarly to typical case fans and are connected using two types of cables: PWM and ARGB. The PWM cable features a 4-pin connector, which controls the fan speed through the motherboard, while the ARGB cable has a 3-pin connector to control the lighting effects.



Advantages: These fans use a universal connection method and can be linked with case fans.

Considerations: The installation process can be cumbersome as each fan requires two different cables, making the setup difficult and cable management challenging.



Aesthetics: ★★

Installation Experience: ★

Cost-Effectiveness: ★★★★







2. Chain-Link Fans

Chain-link fans use a specialized cable system to connect fans in series. With just one cable, all the fans are linked together, and you only need to connect the final cable to the motherboard.



Advantages: These fans save time during installation, and manufacturers typically pre-install the fans onto the radiator, saving you from having to secure them yourself.

Considerations: If one fan malfunctions, you can only replace it by purchasing the exact same fan from the manufacturer—third-party replacements are not possible.



Aesthetics: ★★★★

Installation Experience: ★★★★★

Cost-Effectiveness: ★★★★







3. Modular Fans

Modular fans connect via either a snap-together or magnetic system, eliminating the need for cables between fans. Like the chain-link fans, the only connection required is to the motherboard.



Advantages: With no cables between fans, the system looks much cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing.

Considerations: Due to the advanced technology involved, modular fan-based AIO water coolers tend to be more expensive, which might not be ideal for budget-conscious users.



Aesthetics: ★★★★★

Installation Experience: ★★★★★

Cost-Effectiveness: ★★







Best Chain-Link Fan Water Cooler – DN360S Liquid CPU Cooler

The DN360S Liquid CPU Cooler by darkFlash is an excellent choice for those seeking both affordability and ease of installation. This cooler uses the chain-link fan design to provide a smooth installation process and saves users time by pre-installing the fans onto the radiator. Additionally, the DN-360S features a 2.1-inch 480x480 pixel IPS display, which can monitor hardware data or display customizable, cute animations. Whether you're checking system stats or adding a touch of personality to your setup, the DN360S Liquid CPU Cooler has you covered!



















When it comes to water cooling solutions, there are three common types of fans available on the market: standard fans, chain-link fans, and modular fans. Understanding their unique characteristics can help you choose the most suitable water cooler for your system.

Types of Fans in All-in-One Water Cooling Systems

Since the advent of computer processors, air coolers, often referred to as tower fans by DIY enthusiasts, have played a vital role in cooling processors and improving performance. It wasn't until the introduction of all-in-one liquid coolers that air coolers began to see some changes. So, what should you keep in mind when selecting a tower fan? To make an informed decision, it’s essential to first understand the structure and cooling principles of a tower fan.

A tower fan typically consists of four main components: heat fins, heat pipes, base, and fan.

These are usually made of aluminum or copper and are designed to dissipate heat efficiently. They provide a large surface area for the fan to help cool the hot air generated by the processor.

Most heat pipes are made of copper, which is hollow and contains a small amount of heat-conducting liquid. As the temperature rises, the liquid in the base of the pipe evaporates, transferring the heat to the top of the heat pipe. The heat fins and fan then assist in cooling down the system. Once the temperature decreases, the vapor condenses back into liquid form and returns to the bottom of the heat pipe.

The base of the tower fan is typically coated with thermal paste, ensuring the fan's base is tightly connected to the processor for optimal heat transfer.

The fan is mounted on the heat fins via clips or screws, and it uses airflow to carry heat away from the heat fins and heat pipes. The speed and airflow of the fan are key factors in the overall cooling performance.

The cooling process in a tower fan starts at the base, where heat is transferred to the liquid inside the heat pipes. As the liquid heats up, it evaporates and moves to the top of the heat pipe, where the heat is dispersed by the heat fins and fan. The liquid then condenses back into a liquid state when cooled, continuing the cycle.

| Important Factors to Consider When Choosing a Tower Fan | 

Entry-level tower fans typically have 4 heat pipes, while flagship models come with 6 or 7 heat pipes. The more heat pipes a tower fan has, the better its heat dissipation capabilities. More heat pipes mean more effective heat transfer and better cooling performance.

The fan in a tower cooler is responsible for dissipating the heat from the heat fins. A fan with higher airflow will carry away the heat more quickly, which results in better cooling performance. The more airflow the fan generates, the faster the heat is removed from the system.

The more fans a tower cooler has, the better the cooling performance. Entry-level tower fans typically use a single fan, while high-end models use two or more fans to enhance cooling efficiency.

Important Note: For dual-fan tower coolers, be sure to check the height of your RAM. There can be compatibility issues if the tower fans interfere with the RAM modules, preventing proper installation.

Choosing the right tower fan for your PC build requires understanding the cooling technology behind it. Tower fans have evolved to become an effective solution for cooling processors, offering a straightforward yet efficient cooling mechanism. By considering factors like the number of heat pipes, fan performance, and fan quantity, you can make a more informed decision to ensure optimal cooling for your system.

Now that you understand the key components and how they work, you're ready to choose the perfect tower fan for your PC!





Since the advent of computer processors, air coolers, often referred to as tower fans by DIY enthusiasts, have played a vital role in cooling processors and improving performance. It wasn't until the introduction of all-in-one liquid coolers that air coolers began to see some changes. So, what should you keep in mind when selecting a tower fan? To make an informed decision, it’s essential to first understand the structure and cooling principles of a tower fan.



| The Components of a Tower Fan |

A tower fan typically consists of four main components: heat fins, heat pipes, base, and fan.







Heat Fins

These are usually made of aluminum or copper and are designed to dissipate heat efficiently. They provide a large surface area for the fan to help cool the hot air generated by the processor.



Heat Pipes

Most heat pipes are made of copper, which is hollow and contains a small amount of heat-conducting liquid. As the temperature rises, the liquid in the base of the pipe evaporates, transferring the heat to the top of the heat pipe. The heat fins and fan then assist in cooling down the system. Once the temperature decreases, the vapor condenses back into liquid form and returns to the bottom of the heat pipe.



Base

The base of the tower fan is typically coated with thermal paste, ensuring the fan's base is tightly connected to the processor for optimal heat transfer.



Fan

The fan is mounted on the heat fins via clips or screws, and it uses airflow to carry heat away from the heat fins and heat pipes. The speed and airflow of the fan are key factors in the overall cooling performance.



| The Cooling Principle of a Tower Fan |

The cooling process in a tower fan starts at the base, where heat is transferred to the liquid inside the heat pipes. As the liquid heats up, it evaporates and moves to the top of the heat pipe, where the heat is dispersed by the heat fins and fan. The liquid then condenses back into a liquid state when cooled, continuing the cycle.







| Important Factors to Consider When Choosing a Tower Fan | 

Number of Heat Pipes

Entry-level tower fans typically have 4 heat pipes, while flagship models come with 6 or 7 heat pipes. The more heat pipes a tower fan has, the better its heat dissipation capabilities. More heat pipes mean more effective heat transfer and better cooling performance.







Fan Performance

The fan in a tower cooler is responsible for dissipating the heat from the heat fins. A fan with higher airflow will carry away the heat more quickly, which results in better cooling performance. The more airflow the fan generates, the faster the heat is removed from the system.







Number of Fans

The more fans a tower cooler has, the better the cooling performance. Entry-level tower fans typically use a single fan, while high-end models use two or more fans to enhance cooling efficiency.

Important Note: For dual-fan tower coolers, be sure to check the height of your RAM. There can be compatibility issues if the tower fans interfere with the RAM modules, preventing proper installation.







| Conclusion |

Choosing the right tower fan for your PC build requires understanding the cooling technology behind it. Tower fans have evolved to become an effective solution for cooling processors, offering a straightforward yet efficient cooling mechanism. By considering factors like the number of heat pipes, fan performance, and fan quantity, you can make a more informed decision to ensure optimal cooling for your system.



Now that you understand the key components and how they work, you're ready to choose the perfect tower fan for your PC!

Air cooling solutions have been on the market for a long time, and understanding the components of a cooler and the factors that affect its cooling performance is crucial when selecting a cooler.

How Do Tower Fans Cool? Become a Tower Fan Expert in 5 Minutes

PCIe, short for PCI Express, is a widely used bus standard on computer motherboards. It serves as a high-speed interface for connecting various computer hardware components, providing efficient and stable data transfer. PCIe is primarily used to connect devices like graphics cards, SSDs, network cards, and capture cards, among others.

PCIe uses a point-to-point serial connection, meaning each device connected to a PCIe slot has its own dedicated data transfer channel. This allows for significantly faster data transfer rates compared to older standards. PCIe slots come in different versions (e.g., PCIe 3.0, PCIe 4.0, PCIe 5.0), with each new generation offering almost double the data transfer speed of the previous one.

PCIe slots come in various lengths and lane configurations, including x1, x4, x8, and x16. The number after the "x" indicates the number of data lanes the slot has, which can be thought of as lanes on a highway. For example, an x16 slot offers 16 data lanes, allowing for higher throughput compared to smaller slots like x1, which only has one data lane.

PCIe is backward compatible, meaning a PCIe 4.0 device can be used in a PCIe 3.0 slot, but the device will be limited to the slower transfer speed of PCIe 3.0.

| PCIe Usage and Recommended Slot Types |

| Important Considerations When Using PCIe |

When choosing expansion devices, ensure that the bandwidth of the device matches the slot's bandwidth. Low-bandwidth slots will limit the performance of high-bandwidth devices.

Ensure that the physical size of the PCIe card is compatible with the motherboard slot. For example, an x1 card can be installed in a x16 slot, but an x16 card cannot be installed in a x1 slot.

Most motherboards have a slot priority system, meaning some slots are more suitable for high-priority devices like GPUs. To get the best performance, it is recommended to install critical components in slots closer to the CPU, as these slots often offer the best bandwidth and lowest latency.

PCIe slots are critical for expanding and enhancing the functionality of your computer. By understanding the different types of PCIe slots and their recommended uses, you can optimize your system's performance and expand its capabilities to meet your needs. Whether you're upgrading your graphics card, installing an SSD, or adding a network card, choosing the right PCIe slot is essential for maximizing the potential of your hardware.





| What is PCIe? |

PCIe, short for PCI Express, is a widely used bus standard on computer motherboards. It serves as a high-speed interface for connecting various computer hardware components, providing efficient and stable data transfer. PCIe is primarily used to connect devices like graphics cards, SSDs, network cards, and capture cards, among others.



| Key Features of PCIe |

High-Speed Data Transfer

PCIe uses a point-to-point serial connection, meaning each device connected to a PCIe slot has its own dedicated data transfer channel. This allows for significantly faster data transfer rates compared to older standards. PCIe slots come in different versions (e.g., PCIe 3.0, PCIe 4.0, PCIe 5.0), with each new generation offering almost double the data transfer speed of the previous one.



Different Slot Sizes

PCIe slots come in various lengths and lane configurations, including x1, x4, x8, and x16. The number after the "x" indicates the number of data lanes the slot has, which can be thought of as lanes on a highway. For example, an x16 slot offers 16 data lanes, allowing for higher throughput compared to smaller slots like x1, which only has one data lane.



Backward Compatibility

PCIe is backward compatible, meaning a PCIe 4.0 device can be used in a PCIe 3.0 slot, but the device will be limited to the slower transfer speed of PCIe 3.0.



| PCIe Usage and Recommended Slot Types |



Graphics Card (GPU)





Recommended Slot: PCIe x16



Reason: Graphics cards require the highest bandwidth to handle demanding graphical computations. Therefore, they are typically installed in x16 slots, which provide the best data transfer rates to ensure optimal GPU performance.



Solid-State Drive (SSD)





Recommended Slot: PCIe x4



Reason: SSDs are usually installed in M.2 slots on the motherboard. However, if the motherboard lacks enough M.2 slots, an M.2 PCIe expansion card can be installed in a PCIe x4 slot to fully unleash the SSD's performance.



Network Card (NIC)





Recommended Slot: PCIe x1 or PCIe x4



Reason: While many network cards use USB for hot-swapping, a PCIe network card is typically chosen for more stable and reliable network connections. An x1 slot is sufficient for most network cards, but for higher-speed NICs, a PCIe x4 slot is recommended for improved stability.



Capture Card





Recommended Slot: PCIe x4 or x8



Reason: Capture cards are essential for streamers and content creators, as they handle high-bandwidth video data. To ensure smooth performance, capture cards usually require a PCIe x4 or x8 slot to provide enough bandwidth for high-quality video streaming.



| Important Considerations When Using PCIe |

Bandwidth Compatibility

When choosing expansion devices, ensure that the bandwidth of the device matches the slot's bandwidth. Low-bandwidth slots will limit the performance of high-bandwidth devices.



Physical Compatibility

Ensure that the physical size of the PCIe card is compatible with the motherboard slot. For example, an x1 card can be installed in a x16 slot, but an x16 card cannot be installed in a x1 slot.



Slot Priority

Most motherboards have a slot priority system, meaning some slots are more suitable for high-priority devices like GPUs. To get the best performance, it is recommended to install critical components in slots closer to the CPU, as these slots often offer the best bandwidth and lowest latency.







PCIe slots are critical for expanding and enhancing the functionality of your computer. By understanding the different types of PCIe slots and their recommended uses, you can optimize your system's performance and expand its capabilities to meet your needs. Whether you're upgrading your graphics card, installing an SSD, or adding a network card, choosing the right PCIe slot is essential for maximizing the potential of your hardware.

PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) slots are one of the key expansion slots on a motherboard. Understanding the characteristics of PCIe slots and how to use them effectively can help maximize the performance of your expansion devices.

What is PCIe on a Motherboard?

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.