As desktop processors and graphics chips grew more powerful, air coolers struggled to keep them quiet and cool. Liquid cooling, which pumps fluid through a block on the chip to carry heat to a radiator, has become common in enthusiast and high-performance home computers.
Liquid moves heat more effectively than air for the same noise, letting powerful parts run at full speed without loud fans. Sealed, ready-made units have made it reliable and easier to fit than older custom loops. It adds cost and some complexity, so it is aimed at demanding users rather than everyday machines that air cooling handles fine.