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?

How-to Guides                                                   

Case fans play a critical role in keeping your PC running cool and stable. When they malfunction—whether it’s strange noises, erratic spinning, or not spinning at all—it can lead to overheating, performance drops, or even hardware failure.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through common case fan problems and how to fix them step by step, ensuring your system runs smoothly and quietly.

If the fan still doesn’t spin, the fan itself may be defective and should be replaced.

2. The Fan Is Noisy or Makes Strange Sounds

3. The Fan’s RGB Lighting Isn’t Working

Keep in mind that fans often spin slowly at low system temperatures—that’s completely normal for smart fan profiles.

If the fan still spins abnormally, the fan itself may be defective and should be replaced.

A malfunctioning case fan doesn’t just make noise—it can compromise your whole system’s cooling efficiency. Thankfully, most fan issues are easy to identify and fix with a little inspection and testing.

To prevent problems down the line, invest in quality fans, clean them regularly, and keep your wiring neat and secure.

PC case fans aren’t built to last forever.

 Over time, wear and tear from dust, heat, and mechanical stress will eventually take a toll. Even the best-quality fans have a lifespan, so if one stops working after years of use, it’s not unusual—it’s just time for a replacement.

Looking for reliable, high-performance case fans? Explore the full lineup of darkFlash fans—built for silent operation, vibrant RGB lighting, and long-lasting durability.





Case fans play a critical role in keeping your PC running cool and stable. When they malfunction—whether it’s strange noises, erratic spinning, or not spinning at all—it can lead to overheating, performance drops, or even hardware failure.



In this guide, we’ll walk you through common case fan problems and how to fix them step by step, ensuring your system runs smoothly and quietly.







Common Reasons for PC fans not spinning





Dust buildup: Over time, dust and debris can accumulate on fan blades and bearings, leading to reduced performance or complete failure.



Power issues: Loose cables, faulty connections, or inadequate power supply can prevent fans from operating properly.



Physical Interference: Inadequate cable management might cause the fan blades hitting the cables and lead to slow downs or immobilization.



Faulty motors: Fan motors can degrade with use, eventually failing to spin at all.



BIOS misconfiguration: Incorrect settings in the BIOS may disable the fan or restrict its speed.



Software issues: Malfunctions in fan control software can cause the fan to behave erratically or stop working.



Identifying and Resolving Fan Issues

1. The Fan Isn’t Spinning





⚠️ Common Causes:





Insufficient power due to daisy-chain wiring



Improper cable splicing or loose connections



Malfunctioning fan hub or controller



Fan blades hitting loose cables

👉 How to Fix:





Power down your PC and unplug it from the wall



Open your case and check the fan connections—ensure the fan cable is securely plugged into the correct motherboard header or fan hub.



Try connecting the 4-pin fan directly to another motherboard header to isolate the issue.



You can also test the fan individually by unplugging it from the hub or series connection and powering it separately.

If the fan still doesn’t spin, the fan itself may be defective and should be replaced.



2. The Fan Is Noisy or Makes Strange Sounds





⚠️ Common Causes:





Dust buildup in the bearings or blades



Fan blades hitting loose cables



Vibration-induced resonance between the fan and case

👉 How to Fix:





Turn off your PC and inspect the fan closely.



Clean the blades and bearings using compressed air, a soft brush or alcohol wipes to remove any dust.



Ensure no cables are interfering with the blades.



Check for any physical damage like bent blades or worn mounts.



Test the fan in another system or on an open bench to rule out case vibration as the cause.



If the fan still makes strange noises, the fan itself may be defective and should be replaced



3. The Fan’s RGB Lighting Isn’t Working





⚠️ Common Causes:





Outdated or missing RGB firmware/software



Inadequate power supply



Improper RGB header connection

👉 How to Fix:





Connect the fan’s RGB (3-pin or proprietary) cable to a different RGB header on your motherboard or controller.



Ensure your motherboard lighting software is installed and updated (e.g., ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Center, GIGABYTE RGB Fusion).



If the issue persists, consider using a powered RGB hub to supply sufficient power to the lighting.



As a last check, test the fan’s lighting functionality outside your current build to confirm if it’s a hardware issue.



4. The Fan Spins Too Slowly





⚠️ Common Causes:





Fan speed settings configured to low via BIOS or software



Fan blades hitting loose cables causing slow downs



Internal temperature not high enough to trigger higher fan speed

👉 How to Fix:





Check if the cable is interfering with the fan blades.



Boot into BIOS or open your motherboard’s fan control software.



Adjust the fan curve to increase speeds earlier or set a custom performance profile.

Keep in mind that fans often spin slowly at low system temperatures—that’s completely normal for smart fan profiles.

If the fan still spins abnormally, the fan itself may be defective and should be replaced.



Final Thoughts

A malfunctioning case fan doesn’t just make noise—it can compromise your whole system’s cooling efficiency. Thankfully, most fan issues are easy to identify and fix with a little inspection and testing.





(Gauss G24 ARGB Fan)



To prevent problems down the line, invest in quality fans, clean them regularly, and keep your wiring neat and secure.



It’s also important to remember: PC case fans aren’t built to last forever. Over time, wear and tear from dust, heat, and mechanical stress will eventually take a toll. Even the best-quality fans have a lifespan, so if one stops working after years of use, it’s not unusual—it’s just time for a replacement.



Looking for reliable, high-performance case fans? Explore the full lineup of darkFlash fans—built for silent operation, vibrant RGB lighting, and long-lasting durability.





(INF34 ARGB Cooling Fan)

The go-to guide for identifying and resolving common fan issues with ease

How to Troubleshoot PC Case Fan Issues Like a Pro

generative AI and AI PCs continue to gain traction

, many gamers and creators have integrated ChatGPT into their daily workflows. Recently, 

, enabling local AI to run directly on your RTX GPU.

But how are these tools different? Do you need to install ChatRTX if you’re already using ChatGPT? What is the 

real-world impact on gaming and creative workflows

 developed by NVIDIA for RTX GPU users. Key features include:

It’s not a text generator but rather a 

 designed to help gamers and creators find files and get answers without digging through folders.

All computation happens in the cloud, requiring no local resources, making it perfect for 

content generation and cross-device workflows

ChatRTX isn’t a replacement for ChatGPT; it’s a 

In the AI PC era, leveraging the right AI tools alongside 

 ensures your gaming and creative workflows remain fast, stable, and efficient.





As generative AI and AI PCs continue to gain traction, many gamers and creators have integrated ChatGPT into their daily workflows. Recently, NVIDIA launched ChatRTX, enabling local AI to run directly on your RTX GPU.

But how are these tools different? Do you need to install ChatRTX if you’re already using ChatGPT? What is the real-world impact on gaming and creative workflows?



What is ChatRTX?

ChatRTX is a locally run generative AI assistant developed by NVIDIA for RTX GPU users. Key features include:





Fully offline operation, ensuring data privacy



Ability to quickly index and query local files (PDF, Word, TXT)



Utilizes RTX GPU acceleration for fast inference and low latency

It’s not a text generator but rather a “local AI search assistant” designed to help gamers and creators find files and get answers without digging through folders.







What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is OpenAI’s cloud-based generative AI assistant, capable of:





Generating articles, scripts, and social posts



Translating, rewriting, and summarizing content



Providing script ideas and brainstorming game or content plans

All computation happens in the cloud, requiring no local resources, making it perfect for content generation and cross-device workflows.







Feature Comparison Table





How Does ChatRTX Impact Your Hardware?

Running ChatRTX uses GPU compute power, which:





Consumes GPU VRAM (8GB recommended for stability)



Increases GPU temperature during sustained use



May affect gaming or editing performance if running concurrently





(ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, 16GB VRAM)



We recommend





Using darkFlash high-airflow cases (e.g., DY470 ATX PC Case / DS900 ATX PC Case)



Adding high-performance (Up to 2,000 RPM) fans (e.g., INF34 / Gauss G24)

to keep your GPU cool during extended AI workloads and prevent thermal throttling or noise issues.





(darkFlash DY470 ATX PC Case w/ INF34 ARGB Cooling Fans)



Which One Should You Use?

Use ChatRTX if you:





Need to search and manage large local file libraries



Require offline operation and privacy



Have an RTX GPU and want to enhance local productivity



Use ChatGPT if you:





Need to generate content or brainstorm ideas



Prefer cloud access across multiple devices (PC, tablet, phone)



Have limited hardware resources







Conclusion: Best Used Together

ChatRTX isn’t a replacement for ChatGPT; it’s a complementary tool.





Use ChatGPT for content generation and creative ideation



Use ChatRTX for fast, offline local data retrieval

In the AI PC era, leveraging the right AI tools alongside darkFlash thermal solutions ensures your gaming and creative workflows remain fast, stable, and efficient.

Which AI should you trust on your rig for speed, privacy, and productivity?

ChatRTX vs. ChatGPT: Should Users Use Local AI or Cloud AI?

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?

When building a gaming PC on a tight budget, many players tend to maximize their GPU spending while opting for an entry-level CPU. Is this combination really worth it? Is a GPU the only critical component for a gaming rig? 

 conducted real-world testing using a low-end CPU paired with a high-end GPU, utilizing the i3-12100F and i9-12900KS with an RTX 3080 as their testing platform.

 compared to the i3-12100F, representing nearly a 

. This clearly shows that a high-end CPU is necessary to fully unleash the potential of a high-end GPU.

↑ Rainbow Six: Siege 1080P FPS Performance (Source: 

, the performance gap starts to narrow, but there is still an average FPS difference of 17, translating to nearly a 

↑ Rainbow Six: Siege 2K FPS Performance (Source: 

, the performance difference between the high-end and low-end CPUs becomes negligible, primarily because the GPU becomes the bottleneck, limiting further FPS gains.

↑ Rainbow Six: Siege 4K FPS Performance (Source: 

, even in Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, the minimum FPS sees a 

↑ Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla 1080P FPS Performance (Source: 

↑ Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla 2K FPS Performance (Source: 

Similar to Rainbow Six: Siege, as the resolution increases to 

, the performance differences continue to shrink due to GPU limitations.

↑ Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla 4K FPS Performance (Source: 

Is It Worth Using a Low-End CPU with a High-End GPU?

, then pairing a low-end CPU with a high-end GPU is 

, as the GPU will be the main performance limiter. 

However, if your PC is also used for other tasks like streaming, content creation, or multitasking, a 

For first-time DIY builders, here are commonly recommended CPU and GPU pairings:

highly recommended to balance the performance of both components

 to avoid a low CPU, high GPU situation that can prevent your components from reaching their full potential. Balanced pairings will ensure your parts work synergistically rather than bottlenecking each other.





When building a gaming PC on a tight budget, many players tend to maximize their GPU spending while opting for an entry-level CPU. Is this combination really worth it? Is a GPU the only critical component for a gaming rig? 

Japanese media outlet PC Watch conducted real-world testing using a low-end CPU paired with a high-end GPU, utilizing the i3-12100F and i9-12900KS with an RTX 3080 as their testing platform.



Test Platform





Motherboard: Intel Z690



Memory: DDR5-4800 16GBx2



GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080



SSD: M.2 NVMe (PCIe 4.0x4, 1TB)



CPU Cooler: AIO liquid cooler (360mm)



PSU: ATX 1000W (80 PLUS GOLD)



Gaming Benchmark Results





Rainbow Six: Siege

In Rainbow Six: Siege at 1080P with maximum settings, the i9-12900KS delivered 171 FPS higher on average compared to the i3-12100F, representing nearly a 47% increase. This clearly shows that a high-end CPU is necessary to fully unleash the potential of a high-end GPU.





Note: Since the test result images are in Japanese, we have provided a simple English translation for them.





↑ Rainbow Six: Siege 1080P FPS Performance (Source: PC Watch)



At 2K resolution, the performance gap starts to narrow, but there is still an average FPS difference of 17, translating to nearly a 10% performance increase compared to the lower-end CPU.





↑ Rainbow Six: Siege 2K FPS Performance (Source: PC Watch)



When the resolution is increased to 4K, the performance difference between the high-end and low-end CPUs becomes negligible, primarily because the GPU becomes the bottleneck, limiting further FPS gains.





↑ Rainbow Six: Siege 4K FPS Performance (Source: PC Watch)





Note: The test results are from 2022, and Rainbow Six: Siege has now been updated to Rainbow Six: Siege X.







Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla

What about open-world games?

At 1080P, even in Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, the minimum FPS sees a performance increase of over 30% with the high-end CPU.





↑ Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla 1080P FPS Performance (Source: PC Watch)





↑ Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla 2K FPS Performance (Source: PC Watch)



Similar to Rainbow Six: Siege, as the resolution increases to 2K and 4K, the performance differences continue to shrink due to GPU limitations.





↑ Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla 4K FPS Performance (Source: PC Watch)



Is It Worth Using a Low-End CPU with a High-End GPU?

If your PC is solely for gaming at 4K resolution, then pairing a low-end CPU with a high-end GPU is feasible, as the GPU will be the main performance limiter. 

However, if your PC is also used for other tasks like streaming, content creation, or multitasking, a balanced CPU and GPU pairing is recommended for better overall system performance.



Recommended Pairings

For first-time DIY builders, here are commonly recommended CPU and GPU pairings:



Entry-Level:





Intel: Ultra 5 series CPU + RTX 5060 / 5060 Ti



AMD: Ryzen 5 series CPU + RX 7650 GRE

Mid-Range:





Intel: Ultra 7 series CPU + RTX 5070 / 5070 Ti



AMD: Ryzen 7 series CPU + RX 9060 XT

High-End:





Intel: Ultra 9 series CPU + RTX 5080 / 5090



AMD: Ryzen 9 series CPU + RX 9070 / 9070 XT







Conclusion

When pairing your CPU and GPU, it is highly recommended to balance the performance of both components to avoid a low CPU, high GPU situation that can prevent your components from reaching their full potential. Balanced pairings will ensure your parts work synergistically rather than bottlenecking each other.

Make sure your CPU can fully unleash its performance. As for how it will perform together, let’s break it down for you in one go!

What Happens When You Pair a Low-End CPU with a High-End GPU?

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

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?

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.