In liquid-cooled systems, the liquid is circulated through the system and the heat absorption block, where the heat is transferred to the liquid.

The heated liquid is passed through a radiator where fans blow air over the radiator to remove the heat.

Liquid cooling systems are divided into two categories: open-loop and closed-loop. In open-loop systems, the components are installed individually.
The cooling system is a pre-assembled unit in a closed-loop system, also called all-in-one (AIO).