What type of cooling system is characterized by circulating coolant through a computer?

The type of cooling system that is characterized by circulating coolant through a computer is liquid cooling. This system typically involves the use of a liquid, often water mixed with coolant additives, which is circulated through tubes and cooling blocks in order to absorb heat from key components such as the CPU and GPU. The heat absorbed by the liquid is then dissipated through a radiator, often with the assistance of fans to enhance heat removal.

Liquid cooling is known for its efficiency in heat transfer compared to air cooling systems. By directly transferring heat away from components using a liquid medium, it can maintain lower temperatures, which is especially beneficial for high-performance systems or overclocked setups. This method is not only effective but also helps to reduce noise levels compared to traditional air cooling solutions, which rely on fans that can produce noise when running at high speeds.

In contrast, passive cooling relies on heat sinks and natural convection, active cooling typically refers to systems that use fans or other mechanical means without necessarily involving liquid, and radiant cooling utilizes surfaces to emit heat rather than circulating a liquid coolant.