In a liquid cooling setup, what absorbs heat from the CPU?

In a liquid cooling setup, the component responsible for absorbing heat from the CPU is the water block. The water block is a device that is directly mounted onto the CPU. It typically features a series of channels designed to allow the coolant—usually a water-based liquid—to flow through and absorb heat generated by the CPU during operation. The construction often includes materials with high thermal conductivity, which enhance the heat transfer process from the CPU to the liquid within the block.

As the coolant circulates through the system, it carries away the absorbed heat from the CPU to other components, like the radiator, where the heat is dissipated into the air. This efficient transfer of heat is crucial for maintaining optimal CPU temperatures and ensuring system stability during intensive tasks.

The other components, while integral to the cooling system, serve different purposes: the radiator is where heat is expelled from the liquid, the pump circulates the coolant throughout the system, and the liquid reservoir stores excess coolant and helps in system maintenance. Each plays a vital role in overall cooling performance, but the water block is specifically tasked with the direct absorption of heat from the CPU.