How-to Guides                                                   

 starts making a gurgling, bubbling, or sloshing noise, don’t panic. This is usually caused by trapped air in the loop, which can reduce cooling performance and increase noise.

In this guide, we’ll explain what causes bubbling sounds in a liquid CPU cooler and how to fix them step by step—so your PC stays cool and quiet.

Why Does My AIO Cooler Make a Bubbling or Gurgling Noise?

How to Fix Bubbling Noise in an AIO Liquid CPU Cooler

not positioned at the highest point of the loop

. Ideally, the radiator should be mounted higher than the pump so that any air collects in the radiator and doesn’t damage the pump.

Slowly tilt your PC case left and right to help dislodge air bubbles stuck in the tubing. This encourages the bubbles to move to the radiator, where they won’t interfere with the pump.

Use your cooler’s software to set the pump speed to 100% and let it run for 30–60 minutes. This increases fluid pressure in the loop and helps push out trapped air.

Step 4: Rotate the Case to Different Angles

If the bubbling noise persists, try rotating your case about 45 degrees in various directions. This can help release stubborn bubbles that haven’t yet settled.

⚠️ Pro Tip: Since these steps involve moving the PC, it’s a good idea to remove heavy components like the GPU and mechanical hard drives to avoid damage during handling.

What If the Bubbling Noise Doesn’t Stop?

If the noise continues even after these steps, your AIO cooler may have shipped with excess air or developed a leak. Contact the manufacturer’s support for further assistance or to request a replacement.





If your AIO liquid cooler starts making a gurgling, bubbling, or sloshing noise, don’t panic. This is usually caused by trapped air in the loop, which can reduce cooling performance and increase noise.

In this guide, we’ll explain what causes bubbling sounds in a liquid CPU cooler and how to fix them step by step—so your PC stays cool and quiet.



Why Does My AIO Cooler Make a Bubbling or Gurgling Noise?





Designed air pockets: AIO (all-in-one) liquid coolers are shipped with a small amount of air in the system to allow for thermal expansion and prevent hose damage.



Coolant evaporation over time: As you use your PC, a small amount of coolant can evaporate, increasing the amount of air in the loop and causing the familiar gurgling or sloshing sound when the pump runs.



How to Fix Bubbling Noise in an AIO Liquid CPU Cooler

Step 1: Check the Pump Installation

Ensure that the pump is not positioned at the highest point of the loop. Ideally, the radiator should be mounted higher than the pump so that any air collects in the radiator and doesn’t damage the pump.







Related Guide:





Step 2: Gently Tilt the PC Case

Slowly tilt your PC case left and right to help dislodge air bubbles stuck in the tubing. This encourages the bubbles to move to the radiator, where they won’t interfere with the pump.







Step 3: Run the Pump at Maximum RPM

Use your cooler’s software to set the pump speed to 100% and let it run for 30–60 minutes. This increases fluid pressure in the loop and helps push out trapped air.







Step 4: Rotate the Case to Different Angles

If the bubbling noise persists, try rotating your case about 45 degrees in various directions. This can help release stubborn bubbles that haven’t yet settled.



⚠️ Pro Tip: Since these steps involve moving the PC, it’s a good idea to remove heavy components like the GPU and mechanical hard drives to avoid damage during handling.



What If the Bubbling Noise Doesn’t Stop?

If the noise continues even after these steps, your AIO cooler may have shipped with excess air or developed a leak. Contact the manufacturer’s support for further assistance or to request a replacement.





(Video guide courtesy of CORSAIR LAB)

How to fix AIO cooler bubbling noise and keep your PC cool and quiet.

How to Fix AIO Liquid Cooler Bubbling or Gurgling Noise

Panduan Cara Melakukan Sesuatu

Cara memperbaiki suara gelembung pada pendingin AIO dan menjaga PC Anda tetap dingin dan senyap.

Cara Memperbaiki Suara Gelembung atau Gemericik pada Pendingin Cair AIO

Hardware Tips                                                   

"24 Cores," "32 Threads"—CPU marketing is confusing. Do you really need a server-grade processor just to play 

? Or is a mid-range chip enough? In this guide, we strip away the jargon to explain the difference between 

, and reveal the one hidden factor that actually determines your FPS: 

What is the Difference Between Cores and Threads? 

To understand your computer, imagine your CPU is a 

Logical Threads = The Hands (Hyper-Threading)

Single-Core vs. Multi-Core Performance: Gaming vs. Streaming

Should you prioritize frequency (speed) or core count? It depends entirely on how you use your PC.

AMD RYZEN 7 9800X3D PROCESSOR REVIEW, Vmodtech

For Pure Gaming: Priority on Single-Core Speed

Most modern games still rely heavily on one "Main Thread." They prefer 

For Streaming & Content Creation: Priority on Thread Count

If you stream on Twitch via OBS, edit 4K videos, or have 50 Chrome tabs open while gaming, your "Kitchen" is crowded.

The Hidden Problem: Why High Core Counts Cause Overheating

Here is the fine print that spec sheets don't tell you: 

Modern CPUs use "Thermal Velocity Boost." They will automatically run faster, but only if they are cool enough. If you buy a high-end i9 or Ryzen 9 but pair it with a weak cooler, the CPU will hit 90°C instantly and Thermal Throttle (slow down). You paid for a Ferrari, but you're driving it in traffic.

darkFlash EXPLORE DE360 CPU Liquid Cooler

How to Prevent Thermal Throttling with darkFlash

Don't let heat waste your money. You must match your cooling solution to your core count:

 It absorbs the sudden heat spikes from multi-core workloads instantly, keeping your CPU boosting at max frequency for longer gaming sessions.





"24 Cores," "32 Threads"—CPU marketing is confusing. Do you really need a server-grade processor just to play Call of Duty? Or is a mid-range chip enough? In this guide, we strip away the jargon to explain the difference between Physical Cores and Logical Threads, and reveal the one hidden factor that actually determines your FPS: Cooling.



What is the Difference Between Cores and Threads? 

To understand your computer, imagine your CPU is a Restaurant Kitchen.







Physical Cores = The Chefs





A physical core is like a Chef. If you have 6 cores, you have 6 chefs. They can each handle a completely separate order independently.



Logical Threads = The Hands (Hyper-Threading)





Thanks to technology like Hyper-Threading (Intel) or SMT (AMD), each Chef can use both hands effectively. A thread isn't a new chef; it's just the ability to multitask better. It helps organize background tasks so the Chef never stops working.





Simple Rule: Cores do the heavy lifting (Gaming); Threads handle the background chaos (Discord, Chrome, Windows updates).



Single-Core vs. Multi-Core Performance: Gaming vs. Streaming

Should you prioritize frequency (speed) or core count? It depends entirely on how you use your PC.





(AMD RYZEN 7 9800X3D PROCESSOR REVIEW, Vmodtech)



For Pure Gaming: Priority on Single-Core Speed

Most modern games still rely heavily on one "Main Thread." They prefer Fast Cores over Many Cores.





The Sweet Spot: A high-speed 6-core or 8-core CPU is usually the perfect configuration for gaming.



The Reality: A 6-core chip running at 5.0GHz will often beat a 20-core chip running at 3.0GHz in pure FPS.



For Streaming & Content Creation: Priority on Thread Count

If you stream on Twitch via OBS, edit 4K videos, or have 50 Chrome tabs open while gaming, your "Kitchen" is crowded.





Here, extra cores and threads are vital. They handle the video encoding in the background so your game doesn't stutter.



The Hidden Problem: Why High Core Counts Cause Overheating

Here is the fine print that spec sheets don't tell you: High core counts generate massive heat.

Modern CPUs use "Thermal Velocity Boost." They will automatically run faster, but only if they are cool enough. If you buy a high-end i9 or Ryzen 9 but pair it with a weak cooler, the CPU will hit 90°C instantly and Thermal Throttle (slow down). You paid for a Ferrari, but you're driving it in traffic.





(darkFlash EXPLORE DE360 CPU Liquid Cooler)



How to Prevent Thermal Throttling with darkFlash

Don't let heat waste your money. You must match your cooling solution to your core count:





6 Cores (i5 / Ryzen 5): A high-quality Air Cooler is sufficient.



8+ Cores (i7 / i9 / Ryzen 7/9): You are entering the "Heat Zone." We strongly recommend a 360mm AIO Liquid Cooler, like the darkFlash EXPLORE DE360 CPU Liquid Cooler.



Why Liquid Cooling? It absorbs the sudden heat spikes from multi-core workloads instantly, keeping your CPU boosting at max frequency for longer gaming sessions.

More cores ≠ More FPS. Discover the one hidden factor that actually controls your gaming performance.

CPU Cores vs. Threads: What Do You Actually Need for Gaming?

Tips Perangkat Keras

Lebih banyak core ≠ Lebih banyak FPS. Temukan satu faktor tersembunyi yang sebenarnya mengontrol performa gaming Anda.

Core CPU vs. Thread: Apa yang Sebenarnya Anda Butuhkan untuk Bermain Game?

Build Guides                                                    

Your PC is running louder than usual, and your frame rates are dropping. You’ve cleaned the dust filters, checked your fans, but the temperatures are still creeping up. The culprit might be the most overlooked component in your build: 

Many users install their CPU cooler once and forget about it for years. However, thermal compound is not permanent. It degrades, dries out, and loses its effectiveness over time.

The Golden Rule: How Long Does Thermal Paste Actually Last?

There is no single expiration date for thermal paste, but there is a general consensus among hardware experts and manufacturers.

Cheaper silicon-based compounds tend to dry out ("cure") faster, leading to cracks and air gaps. Premium compounds often use higher-quality suspensions that stay liquid longer.

However, if you are a heavy user who pushes your PC to its limits (video editing, 4K gaming, AI rendering) daily, the heat cycles will degrade the paste faster than a PC used only for web browsing.

5 Signs Your PC Needs New Thermal Paste Immediately

Your PC will tell you when it’s suffering. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to grab a tube of paste:

If your CPU sits at 50°C+ while doing nothing (and it used to be 35°C), the heat transfer is failing.

Are your fans ramping up to 100% speed just by opening a web browser? This suggests the cooler is struggling to pull heat away from the chip.

If your game suddenly lags or stutters after 30 minutes of play, your CPU/GPU might be slowing itself down to prevent damage.

Sudden shutdowns during intensive tasks are a major red flag.

If you remove your cooler for any reason, 

 replace the paste. Never reuse old paste.

CPU vs. GPU: Why Repasting a Graphics Card is Different

 is a standard maintenance task. It's low risk and easy to do.

In many regions, unscrewing your graphics card backplate may void the manufacturer's warranty.

GPUs often require dealing with delicate thermal pads for VRAM and VRMs in addition to the paste for the core.

Unlike CPUs, which have an Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS), GPU dies are exposed. One mistake in mounting pressure can crack the chip.

Repaste your CPU as regular maintenance. Only repaste your GPU if temperatures are critically high and the warranty has expired.

Why Does Thermal Paste Degrade? (The Pump-Out Effect)

Why doesn't it last forever? Two main reasons:

The solvents in the paste evaporate over time, turning the smooth liquid into a chalky, cracked solid that cannot transfer heat efficiently.

As your CPU/GPU heats up, it expands. When it cools down, it contracts. Over thousands of these heating/cooling cycles, the thermal paste is physically "pumped out" from the center of the chip towards the edges, leaving the hottest part of the processor with little coverage.

(Dried out thermal paste on CPU. Resource: 

Quick Guide: How to Remove and Apply Thermal Paste Correctly

Ready to refresh your PC? Follow these simple steps for the best results:

Use 99% Isopropyl Alcohol and a lint-free cloth (or coffee filter) to completely wipe away the old, crusty paste from both the CPU and the cooler cold plate.

 in the center of the CPU is the most foolproof method for most standard processors.

Tighten your cooler screws in a cross pattern (X pattern) to ensure the paste spreads evenly.

Thermal paste is cheap, but it plays a critical role in the longevity of your expensive hardware. By replacing it every 

, you ensure your PC runs quieter, cooler, and faster. Don't let a $5 dried-up paste ruin your $500 CPU!





Your PC is running louder than usual, and your frame rates are dropping. You’ve cleaned the dust filters, checked your fans, but the temperatures are still creeping up. The culprit might be the most overlooked component in your build: Thermal Paste. 



Many users install their CPU cooler once and forget about it for years. However, thermal compound is not permanent. It degrades, dries out, and loses its effectiveness over time.



The Golden Rule: How Long Does Thermal Paste Actually Last?

There is no single expiration date for thermal paste, but there is a general consensus among hardware experts and manufacturers.





Standard Thermal Paste: Every 2 to 3 years.



High-Performance / Premium Paste: Every 3 to 5 years.



Factory-Applied Paste (Pre-built PCs/Laptops): Often lower quality, recommended to replace after 2 years.

Why the difference? 

Cheaper silicon-based compounds tend to dry out ("cure") faster, leading to cracks and air gaps. Premium compounds often use higher-quality suspensions that stay liquid longer.

However, if you are a heavy user who pushes your PC to its limits (video editing, 4K gaming, AI rendering) daily, the heat cycles will degrade the paste faster than a PC used only for web browsing.







5 Signs Your PC Needs New Thermal Paste Immediately

Your PC will tell you when it’s suffering. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to grab a tube of paste:



Rising Idle Temperatures

If your CPU sits at 50°C+ while doing nothing (and it used to be 35°C), the heat transfer is failing.



Sudden Fan Noise

Are your fans ramping up to 100% speed just by opening a web browser? This suggests the cooler is struggling to pull heat away from the chip.



Thermal Throttling

If your game suddenly lags or stutters after 30 minutes of play, your CPU/GPU might be slowing itself down to prevent damage.



System Crashes

Sudden shutdowns during intensive tasks are a major red flag.



Visual Inspection

If you remove your cooler for any reason, always replace the paste. Never reuse old paste.







CPU vs. GPU: Why Repasting a Graphics Card is Different

Replacing thermal paste on a CPU is a standard maintenance task. It's low risk and easy to do.

However, repasting a GPU is a different beast:



Warranty Risks

In many regions, unscrewing your graphics card backplate may void the manufacturer's warranty.



Complexity

GPUs often require dealing with delicate thermal pads for VRAM and VRMs in addition to the paste for the core.



Direct Die Contact

Unlike CPUs, which have an Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS), GPU dies are exposed. One mistake in mounting pressure can crack the chip.



Our Advice

Repaste your CPU as regular maintenance. Only repaste your GPU if temperatures are critically high and the warranty has expired.







Why Does Thermal Paste Degrade? (The Pump-Out Effect)

Why doesn't it last forever? Two main reasons:



Drying Out

The solvents in the paste evaporate over time, turning the smooth liquid into a chalky, cracked solid that cannot transfer heat efficiently.



The Pump-Out Effect

As your CPU/GPU heats up, it expands. When it cools down, it contracts. Over thousands of these heating/cooling cycles, the thermal paste is physically "pumped out" from the center of the chip towards the edges, leaving the hottest part of the processor with little coverage.





(Dried out thermal paste on CPU. Resource: CPU Ninja)



Quick Guide: How to Remove and Apply Thermal Paste Correctly

Ready to refresh your PC? Follow these simple steps for the best results:



Clean the Old Paste

Use 99% Isopropyl Alcohol and a lint-free cloth (or coffee filter) to completely wipe away the old, crusty paste from both the CPU and the cooler cold plate.







Apply the Right Amount

You don't need much. A pea-sized dot in the center of the CPU is the most foolproof method for most standard processors.







Mount Pressure

Tighten your cooler screws in a cross pattern (X pattern) to ensure the paste spreads evenly.





(darkFlash DN360D Liquid CPU Cooler)



Pro Tip: 

Even the best CPU Cooler or AIO Liquid Cooler cannot perform well if the thermal paste is dry.



Conclusion

Thermal paste is cheap, but it plays a critical role in the longevity of your expensive hardware. By replacing it every 2 to 3 years, you ensure your PC runs quieter, cooler, and faster. Don't let a $5 dried-up paste ruin your $500 CPU!





(darkFlash DN360D Liquid CPU Cooler)

If your PC is running hotter or louder than usual, it might be time to replace your thermal paste.

How Often Should You Replace Thermal Paste? The Ultimate Guide for CPUs and GPUs

Panduan Pembuatan

Jika PC Anda lebih panas atau lebih berisik dari biasanya, mungkin sudah saatnya mengganti pasta termal Anda.

Seberapa Sering Anda Harus Mengganti Pasta Termal? Panduan Lengkap untuk CPU dan GPU

Choosing a monitor can feel overwhelming — there are so many specs, sizes, and prices. But don't worry: once you understand a few basics, picking the right monitor becomes surprisingly easy.

Below is a simple breakdown of the most important things to know: resolution, panel type, refresh rate, and use-case recommendations.

Resolution is the number of pixels on your screen. More pixels = clearer images.

Panel Types — How the Colors & Viewing Angles Look

Refresh Rate — How Smooth the Motion Feels

[Slow motion] 240Hz vs 144Hz vs 120Hz vs 60Hz - Monitor refresh rates

Screen Size & Ratio — How Much Space You See

Ultrawide monitors provide extra productivity space and a cinematic feel but cost more.

Color Accuracy & HDR — Optional But Nice to Have

If HDR is important, look for at least HDR400 (entry) or HDR600+ (better).

A good monitor depends on what you do. But if you want a simple, no-brainer recommendation:

It offers sharp resolution, smooth gaming, great colors, and excellent value.





Choosing a monitor can feel overwhelming — there are so many specs, sizes, and prices. But don't worry: once you understand a few basics, picking the right monitor becomes surprisingly easy.



Below is a simple breakdown of the most important things to know: resolution, panel type, refresh rate, and use-case recommendations.



Resolution — How Sharp the Image Looks

Resolution is the number of pixels on your screen. More pixels = clearer images.





(Image Credit: LogicalIncrements)


Common monitor resolutions:









Quick Tip: For most people, 1440p provides the best balance between price, performance, and clarity.



Panel Types — How the Colors & Viewing Angles Look

Monitors mainly use IPS, VA, or TN panels. Each has pros and cons.





(Image Credit: BENQ)



IPS (Most Recommended for Most Users)





Best color accuracy



Wide viewing angles



Good for work, gaming, content creation



Downside: Slightly more expensive



VA (Great Contrast, Good for Movies)





Deep blacks and high contrast



Good all-around performance



Downside: Slightly slower response times



TN (Fast & Cheap, but Lower Quality)





Very fast for esports



Cheapest panel type



Downside: Poor color accuracy and viewing angles



Quick Tip: If you don’t know what to choose, IPS is the safest and best choice.



Refresh Rate — How Smooth the Motion Feels

Measured in Hz (Hertz). Higher = smoother.





(Image Credit: [Slow motion] 240Hz vs 144Hz vs 120Hz vs 60Hz - Monitor refresh rates)









Quick Tip: For gaming, always aim for 144Hz or above.



Screen Size & Ratio — How Much Space You See





24"–27" = most common



32" = great for 4K or large desks



21:9 ultrawide = perfect for multitasking and immersive gaming

Ultrawide monitors provide extra productivity space and a cinematic feel but cost more.



Color Accuracy & HDR — Optional But Nice to Have





sRGB coverage matters for normal use



DCI-P3 is better for creative work



HDR (High Dynamic Range) makes colors pop — but only useful on high-brightness panels

If HDR is important, look for at least HDR400 (entry) or HDR600+ (better).



Which Monitor Should You Choose?





For Gaming





1440p + 144Hz



IPS or fast VA



Adaptive Sync (G-Sync / FreeSync)



For Office / Light Use





1080p or 1440p



IPS for comfort



24" or 27"



For Creative Work (Photo / Video)





4K IPS



90–100% DCI-P3



Good color calibration + HDR



For Multitaskers





34" ultrawide (3440×1440)



IPS or VA



Great for productivity



Conclusion

A good monitor depends on what you do. But if you want a simple, no-brainer recommendation:



27" IPS, 1440p, 144Hz is the perfect all-rounder for most users.

It offers sharp resolution, smooth gaming, great colors, and excellent value.





New to PC monitors? This beginner-friendly guide explains everything you need to know.

PC Monitor Buying Guide 2025: Specs, Panels & Refresh Rates Explained

Baru mengenal monitor PC? Panduan ramah pemula ini menjelaskan semua yang perlu Anda ketahui.

Panduan Membeli Monitor PC 2025: Spesifikasi, Panel & Refresh Rate Dijelaskan

Sebagai penggemar game dan DIY komputer di era ini, kami, darkFlash, merasa bangga dan bersyukur karena terus memikirkan cara mengembangkan produk yang mengesankan dan luar biasa dengan fasilitas kelas atas dengan merakit dan menggunakan casing PC, pendingin CPU, kipas casing, dan bahkan kursi dan meja gaming secara langsung.

Tujuan kami adalah menciptakan produk yang dapat memberikan dampak luar biasa bagi setiap pengguna.

darkFlash

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.

Cara Memperbaiki Suara Gelembung atau Gemericik pada Pendingin Cair AIO

Mengapa pendingin AIO saya mengeluarkan suara bergelembung atau berdesir?

Cara Memperbaiki Suara Gelembung pada Pendingin CPU Cair AIO

Langkah 1: Periksa Pemasangan Pompa

Langkah 2: Miringkan Casing PC dengan Perlahan

Langkah 3: Jalankan Pompa pada RPM Maksimum

Langkah 4: Putar Casing ke Sudut yang Berbeda

Bagaimana Jika Suara Gemericik Itu Tidak Berhenti?