Why Watercool?
Custom loop watercooling is the pinnacle of PC cooling. While not necessary for most builds, it offers:
- Lower Temperatures: 10-20°C cooler than air cooling
- Quieter Operation: Large radiators at low fan speeds
- Aesthetics: Nothing looks better than a custom loop
- Overclocking Headroom: Push your hardware further
Understanding the Basics
The Water Cooling Loop
A custom loop consists of:
- Pump: Circulates the coolant
- Reservoir: Holds extra coolant, helps with air bubbles
- Radiators: Dissipate heat to the air
- Water Blocks: Transfer heat from components to coolant
- Tubing: Connects everything together
- Fittings: Secure the tubing to components
- Coolant: The liquid that carries heat
Soft Tubing vs Hard Tubing
Soft Tubing (Recommended for Beginners)
- Easier to work with
- More forgiving of mistakes
- Cheaper fittings
- Slightly worse aesthetics
Hard Tubing (PETG or Acrylic)
- Stunning appearance
- Requires bending tools and practice
- More expensive
- Harder to maintain and modify
Planning Your Loop
What to Cool
Start with just your CPU. GPU cooling adds complexity and cost:
- CPU Only: Simpler, cheaper, still huge benefits
- CPU + GPU: Maximum cooling, significant investment
Radiator Sizing
Rule of thumb: 120mm of radiator per component, plus 120mm extra.
- CPU Only: 240mm minimum, 360mm ideal
- CPU + GPU: 360mm minimum, 480mm+ ideal
Component Selection
Pumps
- D5: Powerful, quiet, industry standard
- DDC: Compact, strong pressure, louder
Reservoirs
- Tube reservoirs: Classic look
- Pump/res combos: Space-saving
Fittings
- Compression fittings for soft tubing
- Rotary fittings for flexibility
- Angled adapters for clean routing
Building Your Loop
Step 1: Plan Your Layout
Sketch your loop on paper. Consider:
- Tubing runs
- Drain port location (essential!)
- Fill port accessibility
Step 2: Mount Radiators
Install radiators before other components. Consider push, pull, or push-pull fan configurations.
Step 3: Install Water Blocks
Follow manufacturer instructions. Apply thermal paste appropriately.
Step 4: Mount Pump and Reservoir
Position for easy filling and maintenance.
Step 5: Cut and Connect Tubing
Measure twice, cut once. Leave slight extra length.
Step 6: Install Drain Port
A drain valve is not optional. You will thank yourself later.
Step 7: Leak Testing
CRITICAL: Test with paper towels everywhere for 24 hours before powering on.
Step 8: Fill and Bleed
Fill the loop, run the pump, tilt the case to remove air bubbles.
Maintenance
Monthly
- Check coolant levels
- Inspect for leaks
Yearly
- Drain and flush the loop
- Replace coolant
- Clean blocks if needed
Every 2-3 Years
- Replace tubing (soft tubing can degrade)
- Deep clean all components
Budget Breakdown
A basic CPU-only soft tubing loop:
| Component | Price Range |
|---|---|
| CPU Block | £50-100 |
| Pump/Res | £100-150 |
| Radiator | £40-80 |
| Fittings | £50-100 |
| Tubing | £10-20 |
| Coolant | £15-25 |
| Total | £265-475 |
Common Mistakes
- Skipping the drain port: You will regret this
- Insufficient radiator space: More is always better
- Cheap fittings: Quality matters for preventing leaks
- No leak testing: Never skip this step
- Mixed metals: Avoid mixing copper and aluminum
Conclusion
Custom watercooling is a rewarding hobby that combines engineering, aesthetics, and performance. Start simple, take your time, and enjoy the process.
Share your build with the community at ASCII.