What component begins cooling down liquid as it leaves the CPU?

The component that begins cooling down liquid as it leaves the CPU is the radiator. After the liquid has absorbed heat from the CPU through the water block, it flows to the radiator. The radiator is specifically designed to dissipate heat effectively. It has a series of fins and tubes that increase the surface area for heat exchange. As air is blown over the radiator by attached fans, the heat from the liquid is transferred to the air, allowing the liquid to cool down before it returns to the CPU to repeat the cooling cycle. This process is essential in maintaining optimal CPU temperatures during operation, particularly in high-performance scenarios where cooling demands are greater.

In contrast, while the water block is critical for transferring heat from the CPU to the liquid, it does not cool the liquid but rather heats it up. The liquid reservoir contains the coolant and ensures there is a sufficient volume for circulation but does not engage in cooling. The cooling fan aids in moving air across the radiator, but it is the radiator itself that is responsible for cooling the liquid as it exits the CPU.