Hardware Tips                                                   

As processors become more powerful, their heat output has also increased significantly. More and more gamers and creators are opting for liquid coolers to help keep their CPUs cool.

However, many beginners or upgraders often have one common question when choosing a liquid cooler: 

In short, thanks to years of technological improvements, modern 

 have greatly reduced the risk of leaks — but that doesn’t mean there’s 

Why Are Modern Liquid Coolers Less Prone to Leaks?

The technology behind liquid coolers has matured considerably. The tubing, fittings, and radiator joints now use more durable composite materials that resist high temperatures and repeated bending.

To ensure product quality, most brands conduct 

 before shipping, making sure the cooler leaves the factory without defects.

Modern coolants use non-conductive, corrosion-resistant special formulas, which help prevent evaporation and crystallization. This keeps internal pressure stable and minimizes the risk of leaks.

, delivering reliable cooling performance with a stylish and stable design.

Looking for a high-performance liquid cooler that also looks great? Look no further than the 

, offering a high resolution of 480×480 pixels. 





As processors become more powerful, their heat output has also increased significantly. More and more gamers and creators are opting for liquid coolers to help keep their CPUs cool.
However, many beginners or upgraders often have one common question when choosing a liquid cooler: Do liquid coolers still leak?



In short, thanks to years of technological improvements, modern All-In-One (AIO) liquid coolers have greatly reduced the risk of leaks — but that doesn’t mean there’s zero risk. In rare cases, leaks can still occur.



Why Are Modern Liquid Coolers Less Prone to Leaks?



Advanced Manufacturing Techniques

The technology behind liquid coolers has matured considerably. The tubing, fittings, and radiator joints now use more durable composite materials that resist high temperatures and repeated bending.



Rigorous Factory Testing

To ensure product quality, most brands conduct pressure tests and leak tests before shipping, making sure the cooler leaves the factory without defects.



Improved Coolant Formulations

Modern coolants use non-conductive, corrosion-resistant special formulas, which help prevent evaporation and crystallization. This keeps internal pressure stable and minimizes the risk of leaks.







What Can Cause a Liquid Cooler to Leak?





Severe impacts during shipping that damage the cooler



Abnormal use, such as excessive pulling or bending of the tubing



Long-term use exceeding 8 years



How to Minimize the Risk of Leaks





Avoid bending the tubes excessively during installation



Keep the inside of your case dry and tidy



Choose a reputable brand (such as darkFlash)



Consider replacing your liquid cooler if it’s beyond its warranty period





Recommended Liquid Coolers: DN360S



(DV360S Liquid CPU Cooler)



DV360S liquid cooler combines a 320×320 IPS LCD display, ARGB lighting integration, and a copper base water block, delivering reliable cooling performance with a stylish and stable design.



Recommended Liquid Coolers: DN360S





(DN360S Liquid CPU Cooler)



Looking for a high-performance liquid cooler that also looks great? Look no further than the darkFlash DN series liquid coolers! The DN360S comes equipped with a 2.1-inch IPS display, offering a high resolution of 480×480 pixels. 

With improved engineering and quality control, leaks have become uncommon.

Do Liquid Coolers Still Leak?

Ever notice your PC slowing down when things get hot?

Your game suddenly drops frames, video exports take longer, and your fans sound like a jet engine, yet performance keeps dropping. This isn’t just your PC “getting old”—it’s your system protecting itself from

 heat damage, limiting performance to survive.

Your CPU and GPU generate heat as they work. Normally, your cooling system keeps things in check, but if temperatures climb too high—typically above 90°C—your system will automatically lower its operating speeds to reduce heat.

, a built-in safety feature that prevents permanent damage by sacrificing performance to lower temperatures.

In other words: Your PC slows down to protect itself.

If your environment is warm, or your PC frequently handles heavy tasks like rendering, gaming, or simulations, these slowdowns can happen often.

The Best Fan Installation Direction for Your PC Case

While thermal throttling protects your PC, it can interrupt your workflow and reduce productivity. Here’s how you can help your PC stay cool:

As a hardware brand, we see it all the time: creators, gamers, and engineers invest in high-performance PCs but still face slowdowns under heat. It’s often not the processor or GPU that’s the problem—it’s insufficient thermal management.

By ensuring your system stays cool, you allow your CPU and GPU to maintain high clock speeds without triggering thermal throttling. This means:

If you’re planning to build or upgrade your PC for heavy workloads, 

thermal design should be at the top of your checklist.

High temperatures trigger thermal throttling, which reduces your PC’s performance to prevent damage. While this keeps your hardware safe, it can interrupt your productivity and gaming experience.

By improving airflow, maintaining a clean system, and considering advanced cooling when building your setup, you can keep your PC cool and fast—even during demanding tasks.

If you’re looking to optimize your workstation for stable performance under heavy loads, or need guidance on cooling solutions that match your workflow, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help you keep your PC performing at its best—no matter how hot it gets.





Ever notice your PC slowing down when things get hot?

Your game suddenly drops frames, video exports take longer, and your fans sound like a jet engine, yet performance keeps dropping. This isn’t just your PC “getting old”—it’s your system protecting itself from heat damage, limiting performance to survive.







Why Does Heat Slow Down Your PC?

Your CPU and GPU generate heat as they work. Normally, your cooling system keeps things in check, but if temperatures climb too high—typically above 90°C—your system will automatically lower its operating speeds to reduce heat.

This is known as thermal throttling, a built-in safety feature that prevents permanent damage by sacrificing performance to lower temperatures.

In other words: Your PC slows down to protect itself.



How Overheating Impacts Performance

When your PC overheats, you may notice:





Games drop in frame rates during intense moments.



Video rendering and exporting slow down.



Fans ramp up, becoming loud, but temperatures remain high.



The PC’s outer casing feels warm or hot.



The system feels sluggish, especially during demanding workloads.

If your environment is warm, or your PC frequently handles heavy tasks like rendering, gaming, or simulations, these slowdowns can happen often.





(The Best Fan Installation Direction for Your PC Case)



How to Prevent Heat-Related Slowdowns

While thermal throttling protects your PC, it can interrupt your workflow and reduce productivity. Here’s how you can help your PC stay cool:





Keep your workspace well-ventilated and ensure airflow around your system.



Regularly clean out dust from fans and heatsinks to maintain clear airflow.



Avoid blocking air vents with cables or clutter near your PC.



Consider using high-quality thermal paste to improve heat transfer.



If you run demanding workloads regularly, consider investing in advanced cooling solutions or a system designed for sustained performance.





(DP7 Thermal Paste)



Why Thermal Management Matters

As a hardware brand, we see it all the time: creators, gamers, and engineers invest in high-performance PCs but still face slowdowns under heat. It’s often not the processor or GPU that’s the problem—it’s insufficient thermal management.

By ensuring your system stays cool, you allow your CPU and GPU to maintain high clock speeds without triggering thermal throttling. This means:





Consistent frame rates in games



Faster render and simulation times



Quieter operation under load



Longer hardware lifespan

If you’re planning to build or upgrade your PC for heavy workloads, thermal design should be at the top of your checklist.





(DN360S Liquid CPU Cooler)



Key Takeaway

High temperatures trigger thermal throttling, which reduces your PC’s performance to prevent damage. While this keeps your hardware safe, it can interrupt your productivity and gaming experience.

By improving airflow, maintaining a clean system, and considering advanced cooling when building your setup, you can keep your PC cool and fast—even during demanding tasks.



If you’re looking to optimize your workstation for stable performance under heavy loads, or need guidance on cooling solutions that match your workflow, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help you keep your PC performing at its best—no matter how hot it gets.





Understanding Thermal Throttling and How It Affects Performance.

Why Does My PC Slow Down When It Gets Hot?

Build Guides                                                    

 liquid coolers are types of liquid cooling systems for computers. The main differences between them lie in cooling performance, ease of installation, and budget considerations. Understanding the distinctions between these two systems is crucial for choosing the right one for your needs.

pre-assembled, closed-loop liquid cooling system

 that includes a water block, pump, tubing, and radiator. It is designed to offer better cooling performance than traditional air coolers, helping CPUs maintain low temperatures under heavy workloads.

AIO coolers are low-maintenance and easy to install, making them very popular among DIY PC builders.

A typical AIO liquid cooler consists of the following components:

 that users build from individual components. Unlike AIO coolers, each part—such as the CPU block, reservoir, radiator, pump, tubing, and fittings—must be purchased and assembled separately.

Custom loops deliver top-tier cooling performance and maximum customization, but they are more complex to build, time-consuming, and costly to maintain.

A typical custom loop includes the following:





Both AIO (All-In-One) and custom loop liquid coolers are types of liquid cooling systems for computers. The main differences between them lie in cooling performance, ease of installation, and budget considerations. Understanding the distinctions between these two systems is crucial for choosing the right one for your needs.



AIO (All-In-One) Liquid Coolers







What is an AIO Liquid Cooler?

An All-In-One (AIO) Liquid Cooler is a pre-assembled, closed-loop liquid cooling system that includes a water block, pump, tubing, and radiator. It is designed to offer better cooling performance than traditional air coolers, helping CPUs maintain low temperatures under heavy workloads.



AIO coolers are low-maintenance and easy to install, making them very popular among DIY PC builders.







Components of an AIO Cooler

A typical AIO liquid cooler consists of the following components:





Water Block: Mounted on the CPU, it contains a copper base and an integrated pump, responsible for transferring heat from the CPU to the coolant.



Pump: Usually integrated into the water block (though some models have it on the tubing), it circulates the coolant through the loop.



Radiator: Transfers heat from the coolant to the air, typically using fans to aid the process.



Fans: Mounted on the radiator to help dissipate heat from the warm coolant.



Pros





Easy to install: Comes pre-assembled, so even beginners can install it with ease.



Maintenance-free: Sealed loop system that requires no refilling or cleaning during its lifespan.



Stable performance: Offers better cooling than most air coolers, especially for high-performance CPUs.



Clean aesthetics: Often features RGB lighting and stylish water block designs for visual appeal.



Cons





Limited lifespan: Pumps usually last 3–5 years; over time, coolant may evaporate and reduce cooling performance.



Non-serviceable: If any internal component fails, you must return it to the manufacturer for repair or replacement.



Custom Loop Liquid Cooling







What is a Custom Loop?

A custom loop liquid cooling system is an open-loop system that users build from individual components. Unlike AIO coolers, each part—such as the CPU block, reservoir, radiator, pump, tubing, and fittings—must be purchased and assembled separately.

Custom loops deliver top-tier cooling performance and maximum customization, but they are more complex to build, time-consuming, and costly to maintain.







Components of a Custom Loop

A typical custom loop includes the following:





CPU Block: Mounted on the CPU to absorb and transfer heat into the coolant.



Pump: Drives coolant through the entire loop.



Reservoir: Stores coolant, allows for easy monitoring of coolant levels, and helps with refilling and air removal.



Tubing: Carries coolant through the loop. Available in soft tubing and hard tubing options.



Coolant: Transfers heat and can be clear or colored for aesthetics.



Fittings: Connect tubing to components; ensure tight seals to prevent leaks.







Pros





Superior cooling performance: Can cool both CPU and GPU, ideal for heavy overclocking or workstation setups.



Highly customizable appearance: Use of hard tubing, distribution plates, colored coolant, and RGB lighting enables fully personalized aesthetics.



Scalability: Supports dual radiators, large reservoirs, multiple loops, and sensor integration.



Cons





High skill requirement: Requires knowledge of liquid cooling and hands-on assembly experience—not beginner-friendly.



Time-consuming installation: Can take hours or even days to complete; includes leak testing and air bleeding.



Expensive: Individual components can be costly—entire setups often cost hundreds of USD.



Higher risk: Improper installation can lead to coolant leaks and potential hardware damage.



Buying Recommendations





AIO Liquid Cooler: Ideal for regular gamers and users who want good cooling with minimal maintenance. Offers a balanced choice between performance and convenience.



Custom Loop Cooling: Best suited for enthusiasts who seek maximum performance and enjoy building PCs from the ground up. Offers unmatched cooling and aesthetics but demands time, skill, and budget.



DY470 Custom Loop Installation Video





Compare AIO and Custom Loop cooling solutions to find the right fit for your PC.

How to Choose a Liquid Cooler: AIO vs. Custom Loop Cooling

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.





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

Top 3 Key Factors That Affect Air Cooler Performance

When your CPU is under heavy load, temperature spikes are inevitable. While traditional air coolers are budget-friendly, they often struggle to keep up with high-performance processors. That’s where liquid coolers come in — the go-to choice for gamers and power users alike.

But have you ever wondered what a liquid cooler actually is, and why it outperforms traditional air cooling systems?

A liquid cooler is a closed-loop system that circulates coolant to absorb and transfer heat away from the CPU. The coolant carries the heat to a radiator, where it's released into the air with the help of fans — all while maintaining high efficiency and low noise levels.

Liquid has a much higher thermal conductivity than air, allowing it to draw heat away from the CPU faster. This is especially beneficial for high-end CPUs or overclocked systems that generate a lot of heat.

Since liquid cooling is more efficient, fans don’t need to spin at high speeds to keep temperatures low. As a result, the system stays quieter during operation.

Liquid coolers often have a cleaner, more compact design compared to bulky air coolers. With modern additions like built-in screens on the water block and RGB fans, they add visual appeal and are perfect for gaming or showcase builds.

Liquid coolers can keep temperatures low even under extended high workloads, reducing the risk of thermal throttling and ensuring better system stability and performance over time.

Who Should Consider Getting a Liquid Cooler?

If you're running a top-tier processor, maintaining stable output and avoiding heat damage is key. A liquid cooler helps efficiently remove excess heat, keeping your CPU at safe operating temperatures.

Enthusiasts with Basic PC Hardware Knowledge

While liquid coolers offer powerful performance, they do come with a limited lifespan (typically 5 to 8 years due to the use of coolant). Once the warranty ends, it's recommended to replace the cooler — making it slightly more maintenance-intensive than air coolers.

Liquid coolers now come in all kinds of designs, from minimalist to flashy. Some even include customizable screens on the water block. They’ve evolved from simple cooling tools into centerpiece components of high-end custom PC builds.





When your CPU is under heavy load, temperature spikes are inevitable. While traditional air coolers are budget-friendly, they often struggle to keep up with high-performance processors. That’s where liquid coolers come in — the go-to choice for gamers and power users alike.

But have you ever wondered what a liquid cooler actually is, and why it outperforms traditional air cooling systems?



What Is a Liquid Cooler?

A liquid cooler is a closed-loop system that circulates coolant to absorb and transfer heat away from the CPU. The coolant carries the heat to a radiator, where it's released into the air with the help of fans — all while maintaining high efficiency and low noise levels.







How Does a Liquid Cooler Work?





Water Block (CPU Block)
Mounted directly on the CPU, the water block has a thermal metal base that makes contact with the CPU and coolant. Thermal paste is applied to enhance heat transfer from the CPU to the block.



Pump
The pump keeps the coolant circulating through the system.



Radiator
The heated coolant flows into the radiator, where large surface-area fins dissipate the heat.



Fans
Attached to the radiator, fans help expel the hot air from the case quickly and efficiently.





(Liquid Cooling, intel)



Advantages of Liquid Coolers

Superior Cooling Performance

Liquid has a much higher thermal conductivity than air, allowing it to draw heat away from the CPU faster. This is especially beneficial for high-end CPUs or overclocked systems that generate a lot of heat.







Quieter Operation

Since liquid cooling is more efficient, fans don’t need to spin at high speeds to keep temperatures low. As a result, the system stays quieter during operation.







Sleek and Stylish Aesthetics

Liquid coolers often have a cleaner, more compact design compared to bulky air coolers. With modern additions like built-in screens on the water block and RGB fans, they add visual appeal and are perfect for gaming or showcase builds.







Stable Long-Term Performance

Liquid coolers can keep temperatures low even under extended high workloads, reducing the risk of thermal throttling and ensuring better system stability and performance over time.



Who Should Consider Getting a Liquid Cooler?

Users with High-End CPUs

If you're running a top-tier processor, maintaining stable output and avoiding heat damage is key. A liquid cooler helps efficiently remove excess heat, keeping your CPU at safe operating temperatures.







Enthusiasts with Basic PC Hardware Knowledge

While liquid coolers offer powerful performance, they do come with a limited lifespan (typically 5 to 8 years due to the use of coolant). Once the warranty ends, it's recommended to replace the cooler — making it slightly more maintenance-intensive than air coolers.



Users Who Value Aesthetic Builds

Liquid coolers now come in all kinds of designs, from minimalist to flashy. Some even include customizable screens on the water block. They’ve evolved from simple cooling tools into centerpiece components of high-end custom PC builds.





Understand how liquid coolers work — and find out if they're right for you!

Everything You Need to Know About How Liquid Coolers Work

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.