Which of the following CPU cooling types is BEST in a dusty environment?

Liquid cooling systems utilize sealed loops to transfer heat away from the CPU, making them significantly less prone to performance degradation due to dust buildup compared to traditional air coolers. This design reduces the need for frequent cleaning and helps maintain optimal cooling efficiency in dusty conditions.

An open case exposes internal components directly to dust, making it the worst option for a dusty environment as it offers no protection.

Case fans draw air, and consequently dust, into the system, which can accumulate on components and obstruct airflow over time, requiring regular cleaning.

A heat sink fan is an air-cooling solution that relies on airflow over numerous fins, which can quickly become clogged with dust, severely reducing its cooling efficiency.