Have your custom water cooling kit long been on your wishlist? Well, you can finally get it! Here are 6 of the best custom water cooling kits in 2021. The kits are created by top manufacturers in the business.

If you’re looking to build the best water cooling loops in the world, you can’t go wrong with our list of the best custom water cooling kits. If you’re looking to build the best water cooling loops in the world, you can’t go wrong with our list of the best custom water cooling kits. If you want to build the best custom water cooling loop for your rig, you can purchase our entire list of the best custom water cooling kits, which are graded by an independent testing team.

Your computer is using the highest performance components and you’re getting the maximum performance out of your PC, but you’re still not getting the best performance out of your motherboard. That’s where water cooling kits come in. Water cooling kits dissipate heat from your motherboard and other components and make them more stable, cooler and quieter.

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Today, we’ll take a deeper look at the six finest custom water cooling kits now on the market, as well as those that will be available in 2021.

For many people, installing a bespoke-loop water cooling system on a gaming machine is the pinnacle of custom PCs. Water cooling has been practiced for a long time, but it’s always thrilling to connect up your gaming system with a new custom-loop.

This article will help you select the appropriate water cooling system for your requirements, whether it’s your first custom kit or you’ve been in the game for a while.

Roundup of the Best Custom Water Cooling Kits in 2021

The table below will provide you a brief overview of our top picks for the best custom water cooling kits on the market right now. Simply click on ‘review>>’ in the appropriate row to read the entire review.

       

1. D-RGB P360 EK-Quantum Power Kit “Outstanding water cooling kit”

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“Best value option”: Corsair Hydro X Series iCUE XH303i RGB

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3. EKWB EK-KIT P240 EKWB EK-KIT P240 “Best starter kit”

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“Most popular custom water cooling kit”: Corsair Hydro X Series iCUE XH305i RGB

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“Best kit for RGB enthusiasts,” says Thermaltake Pacific CL360 Max D5.

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6. “Honorable mention” Thermaltake Pacific M240 D5

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1. EK-Quantum Power Kit D-RGB P360

Intel LGA-1200, 115x, 2011(-3), 2066 / AMD AM4 | Port Thread: G1/4 | Lighting: Digital RGB | Guarantee: 2-year limited worldwide warranty

REASONS TO PURCHASE

  • Every component is of excellent quality.
  • Even with high-end overclocking, the cooling performance is excellent.
  • It’s very simple to put together.
  • Aesthetics are appealing, and the RGB lighting is bright.
  • Versatile

REASONS TO STAY AWAY

Our score is 9.8 out of ten.

Quantum Power by EKWB is one of the finest kits available. It has superior craftsmanship, stunning looks, and, most importantly, outstanding performance. That is, however, to be expected from a product with such a high price tag.

The EK-Quantum Power kit is very stunning, with a nickel-plated plexiglass CPU water block and a huge copper radiator. This kit is also extremely flexible, since it works with Asus AURA, GIGABYTE RGB Fusion, MSI Mystic Light, and ASRock Polychrome Sync, while many other water-cooling kits only operate with particular software.

Let’s take a look at what’s included in the kit and go through the highlights.

The EK-Quantum Power Kit includes the following items:

  • x1 EK-Velocity D-RGB Universal CPU Water Block
  • EK Radiator x1 -CoolStream PE 360 (CoolStream PE 360) (CoolStream PE 360
  • x3 EK-Vardar EVO 120ER D-RGB radiator fans (500-2200rpm)
  • EK-Quantum Kinetic TBE 200 D5 PWM D-RGB x1 Water pump-reservoir combination
  • EK-DuraClear 9,5/15,9mm (3/8” – 5/8”) Soft Tubing, 2m
  • x6 EK-Torque STC-10/16 – Black compression fittings
  • EK-Torque Angled 90° – Black x2 Angled Adapters
  • x1 EK-CryoFuel Clear Concentrate coolant concentrate (100mL; for 1L of coolant)
  • EK-Cable Y-Splitter 3-Fan PWM x1 Y-cable splitter (10cm)
  • x1 AMD mounting bracket and backplate for AMD AM4
  • EK-D-RGB 6-Way Splitter Cable (x1) D-RGB accessories
  • 120mm x1 EK-Loop Uni Pump Reservoir Bracket
  • x1 EK-RES X3 – 60mm Holder
  • x1 ATX bridging connector
  • x1 Multi Allen Key EK-Loop EK-Loop EK-Loop EK-Loop EK-
  • x1 Soft Tube Cutter EK-Loop
  • x1 Filling Bottle (Foldable)
  • EK-CryoFuel Dye Pack (x1)

EK-Quantum Power Kit D-RGB P360

The EK-Velocity water block is made of some of the finest copper available and has been nickel plated and polished to a mirror finish. This provides it with excellent thermal conductivity and contact with the CPU, allowing heat to be readily transported from your CPU to your cooling system.

This radiator is large, black, and performs a great job of dispersing heat from your system, much like the others. This radiator is a bit hefty, even for a 360mm, with a double stack of copper fins for maximum surface area. While there may be some clearance problems in more packed cases, the additional beefiness simply equals higher performance, so it’s a trade-off.

EKWB designed the EK-Vardar EVO 120ER D-RGB fans with quiet in mind. These fans have been developed especially for use with high-density fin radiators. They have a high static pressure and controllable RGB lighting, so they’ll effectively push air into your radiator while looking beautiful.

It’s always nice to see a decent pump and reservoir combination, and the EK-Quantum Kinetic TBE 200 D5 delivers. Made of high-quality acrylic and equipped with brackets and anti-vibration mounts, it can be placed almost anywhere in your case. The ARGBs are installed in the base and illuminate your cooling system from underneath. Furthermore, at maximum speed, the EK-Quantum Kinetic TBE 200 D5 operates virtually silently, never interfering with your work or play.

The EK-DuraClear soft tubing is flexible and simple to cut and snake through your machine thanks to its two-meter length. Because it’s translucent, you’ll be able to use whatever coolant dye you choose. There are even a handful on EKWB for you to select from.

The quality of each component is what truly shines out about this kit. It’s all quality, from the glossy brass fittings to the high-performance pump/res combination. However, excellent premium-ability comes at a high price. This kit is pricey, but the performance, design, and craftsmanship are excellent and well worth the money. The EK-Quantum Power kit is a great choice if you’re planning to equip your system with a water cooling kit.

Visit Amazon for more information.



RELATED READING: The Best Water Cooling PC Cases

2. Corsair iCUE XH303i RGB Hydro X Series

396 x 120 x 30mm radiator | CPU Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA-115x, 1200 / AMD AM4 | Port Thread: G1/4” BSPP | Lighting: RGB | Warranty: 2 years

REASONS TO PURCHASE

  • The design is intriguing.
  • For overclocking, great cooling performance is essential.
  • Overall, it was a really calm environment.
  • RGB lighting that is vibrant and brilliant
  • Expandability – a graphics card water block, on the other hand, is offered separately.

REASONS TO STAY AWAY

  • RGB connectors and a proprietary fan (must use included controller)

Our score is 9.7 out of ten.

The iCUE XH303i RGB custom water cooling kit has a low-profile pump/res combination, which is uncommon in ready-to-build kits. It stands out not just because of the pump and reservoir, but also because of the ARGB LEDs in the fans, water block, and reservoir, which light up your rig and can be modified to suit your taste.

The following items are included in the kit:

  • x1 Universal CPU Water Block XC7 RGB
  • x1 360mm XR5 Radiator
  • Pump/Reservoir Combo x1 XD3
  • SP 120 RGB PRO Fans, x3
  • 10/14mm x6 XT Hardline (2m)
  • x3 14mm hardline fittings (BLACK)
  • x1 XL5 CRYSTALLINE COOLANT (1000mL)
  • x2 Rotary Adapters, 90° (BLACK)
  • x1 Filling Bottle (250 mL)
  • XT Hardline Bending Kit (one)
  • 1 iCUE Commander PRO from CORSAIR
  • x1 RGB LED Fan Hub

Corsair Hydro X Series iCUE XH303i RGB

First and foremost, the XC7 water block is fantastic. It appears considerably cleaner than many other water blocks you’ve seen, thanks to its angled corners and beveling. The XC7 has 16 addressable RGB LEDs that operate in unison with the rest of your project utilizing the iCUE software, in addition to its elegant look. This water block is robust in construction, performance, and look, and it fits most Intel and AMD sockets.

Moving on, the XR5 360mm Radiator is just 30mm thick, which allows it to fit into small areas, which is useful for compact constructions. Furthermore, the fins are thick but not so dense as to impede airflow, enabling heat to be dispersed rapidly while the fans operate quietly.

It’s refreshing to see a kit with such an unusual pump/reservoir combination. The XD3 reservoir has a low profile and can be placed nearly anyplace. The reservoir contains 150mL of coolant, while the pump delivers 800L/ph and may accommodate an extra GPU water block if desired.

The two bundled SP 120 RGB PRO fans are dual-purpose and may be used as both a case fan and a radiator fan, despite not being designed especially for radiators. These fans, which have eight RGB LEDs surrounding the hub, will provide a splash of color and assist hide the already hidden radiator.

When putting this kit together, Corsair thought about expansion, so they included two more compression fittings, two 90° angle adapters, and extra tubing. So the water block is all you need to keep your GPU cool. Regrettably, it is available for purchase individually.

The iCUE XH303i, like all of these kits, does not include a heat gun. However, it does include a bending kit and cutting tools. This is excellent because you’ll be able to bend your tubes in beautiful clean curves and not have to worry about leaks because you cut them with whatever you had on hand.

Finally, the Corsair iCUE XH303i RGB custom-loop water cooling kit is an excellent introduction to hardline water cooling for intermediate users. With this water cooling system, you’ll be able to improve the performance and appearance of your rig without breaking the bank.

Visit Amazon for more information.



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3. EKWB EK-KIT P240

CPU Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA-1200, 115x, 2011(-3), 2066 / AMD AM4 | Port Thread: G1/4 | Lighting: None | Guarantee: 2-year limited worldwide warranty

REASONS TO PURCHASE

  • Components of excellent grade
  • Soft tubing is ideal for beginners. 
  • Excellent fans — quiet and efficient.
  • Overall, the cooling performance is excellent.
  • a reasonable price

REASONS TO STAY AWAY

  • There is no distilled water supplied, so you’ll have to buy it individually.
  • Metals that are mixed
  • There is no RGB lighting at all.

Our score is 9.6 out of ten.

EKWB has put together a great kit that eliminates the guessing that comes with purchasing these parts separately. Soft tubing is included in this kit, which, in my view, does not have the same pristine appearance as hardline but instead gives your setup an organic appearance.

Additionally, this kit includes a 240mm radiator that fits a broad variety of chassis, particularly mini-ATX boxes where mounting a 360mm fan would be difficult, if not impossible.

The EKWB EK-KIT P240 includes the following items, all of which are still in their original packaging.

  • x1 water block EK-Supremacy EVO
  • Radiator EK-CoolStream PE 240
  • Radiator Fans EK-Vardar F3-120
  • Pump/Reservoir combination EK-XRES 140 Revo D5 PWM
  • EK-DuraClear 9.5/12.7mm (3/8” – 1/2”) 2m Tubing
  • x6 EK-ACF Compression Fittings 10/13mm – G1/4 Nickel
  • x1 EK-CryoFuel Clear Coolant Concentrate EK-CryoFuel Clear Coolant Concentrate EK-CryoFuel
  • 2-Fan PWM x1 EK-Cable Y-Splitter (10cm)
  • x1 ATX bridging connector

EKWB EK-KIT P240

The EK-Supremacy EVO water block has gone through many revisions to achieve optimal performance. Although both the Original EK Supremacy and the EK-Supremacy EVO water blocks are acrylic with a copper backing, the EVO features a more complex interior construction.

The base’s machined copper channels are similar to the original, but the mechanism that pushes water through the jet plate has been improved to guarantee even water distribution across the plate and hence the machined channels. This leads in improved water flow via the heatsink channels, resulting in a more efficient system.

The EK-CoolStream PE 240 Radiator is a high-density, dual-fin 240mm radiator by EK. Because of its low profile design, this radiator will be simple to install in most instances without interfering with other components. Its high-density aluminum dual-fin design provides outstanding cooling characteristics, ensuring that your CPU remains cool even while under heavy load.

Every kit requires fans, and the two EK-Vardar F3-120 fans supplied are standard High-static pressure radiator fans with no frills. They’re made for radiators and prioritize quiet above looks. The fans are well-made and quiet on the radiator, and they perform an excellent job overall.

The EK-XRES 140 Revo D5 PWM pump and reservoir combination was provided by EKWB. Even when running at full power, the pump is very quiet and delivers enough of water flow to keep your CPU cool. The EK-XRES 140 Revo D5 has less complaints regarding leakage and early death in customer reviews than many other pumps included in kits. That’s a positive sign that this pump/res combination is of excellent quality and will last a long time.

Moving on, this package also contains two meters of EK-DuraClear Soft tubing with a 1/2” outer diameter and a 3/8th” exterior diameter. Using soft tubing is just a personal preference. All you have to do with soft tubing is cut it to length and install it. With hardline tubing, you don’t have to worry about bending at exact angles or all the additional work. The EK-DuraClear is flexible and translucent, allowing the liquid within to be seen.

EKWB’s EK-KIT P240 bespoke water cooling kit is almost flawless. Everything is of excellent quality and simple to put together. The one disadvantage is that EKWB does not provide distilled water, but they do include a coolant concentrate that can be mixed in with a bottle of distilled water that can be bought nearly anyplace. This coolant concentrate has antibacterial qualities and improves thermal conductivity in your water.

Finally, the EKWB EK-KIT P240 is one of the finest custom cooling kits on the market, and it’s well worth the money. This kit is ideal for novices just starting into water cooling, thanks to its top-of-the-line components and simple to build configuration.

Visit Amazon for more information.



READ ALSO: The Best AIO CPU Coolers on a Budget

4. Corsair iCUE XH305i RGB Hydro X Series

396 x 120 x 30mm radiator | CPU Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA-115x, 1200 / AMD AM4 | Port Thread: G1/4” BSPP | Lighting: RGB | Warranty: 2 years

REASONS TO PURCHASE

  • Even with high-end overclocking, the performance is excellent.
  • RGB lighting that is bright
  • Low-profile radiator means less clearance problems.
  • Easy to assemble

REASONS TO STAY AWAY

  • A little pricey.
  • DOA, leaks, and early pump death have all been reported.

Our score is 9.5 out of ten.

The Corsair Hydro X Series iCUE XH305i has everything you’ll need to create your own bespoke loop. This device has a 360mm radiator and is compatible with bigger cases that have three exhaust fans.

Corsair’s XH305i was developed in cooperation with a number of other well-known companies, including Mayhem for the cooling system and BitsPower for the connectors. Corsair was serious about compiling the components and pieces you’ll need for a decent kit, as shown by this.

The XH305i Custom Cooling Kit includes the following items, which are all separately packed and ready to assemble.

  • 1 × CPU Water Block XC7 RGB
  • 1 x XD5 Reservoir Pump Combo
  • 1 × 360mm XR5 Radiator
  • 1 bottle of XL5 Clear Coolant
  • 3 RGB QL120 Fans
  • 1 × RGB Fan LED Hub from CORSAIR
  • 1 × iCUE Commander PRO iCUE Commander PRO iCUE Commander PRO iCUE
  • Four pack of two Hydro X Series XF Hardline 14mm OD Fittings (Black)
  • 1 pair of Hydro X Series 90° Rotary Adapters
  • 3m 14mm Hardline Tubing
  • 30 cm 1 x 10mm Silicone Cord
  • 1 × Tool for Bending
  • Deburring Tool (one)
  • Hacksaw (one)
  • 1 × Cutting Template
  • Information about the user

Corsair Hydro X Series iCUE XH305i RGB

It’s worth noting that although this kit comes with a bending jig and everything you’ll need to cut the tubing, it doesn’t come with a heat gun. A heat gun is required to sufficiently warm the tubing so that it bends.

The radiator is 30mm thick and constructed of copper with medium density fins, making it very effective at both heat dissipation and noise reduction. There are two mounting holes on each side of the radiator, as well as an input and output port for your tubes.

Because the hard-line tubes are constructed of acrylic, you’ll need to assemble them using the supplied bending and cutting jig and saw. To avoid having to purchase additional tubing because you cut it too short, remember to measure twice and cut once.

All of the fittings are basic and made of metal. Simply slip the locking ring over the tube, insert it into its intended location, and tighten it. If this is your first time, watch these instructional films for additional information.

The Commander Pro RGB Controller is required to utilize the RGB CPU water block and three QL120 RGB 120mm fans supplied by Corsair. All of the cords are Corsair-exclusive and must be utilized with the iCUE software. All of this means you won’t be able to connect them to your motherboard or use any third-party software to manage them.

Surprising findings emerged from the testing. Despite its modest profile, the XR5 Radiator performs as well as its beefier rivals in terms of temperatures while producing less noise.

With everything taken into account, the Corsair Hydro X Series iCUE XH305i will make a stunning statement in your setup while still providing excellent performance at an affordable price. It has excellent Amazon reviews, however several customers have reported about rusted radiators or dead on arrival (Dead on Arrival). However, when it comes to constructing computers, this isn’t always the case. Corsair has an excellent return and exchange policy, so if there are any problems, they will do all they can to resolve them.

Corsair also provides a three-year guarantee on the block, pump, and radiator, as well as a two-year warranty on the coolant, tubing, and fittings.

This water cooling kit is ideal if you already own a variety of Corsair products and want to completely deck out your system in Corsair without breaking the bank.

Visit Amazon for more information.



BEST 280mm AIO CPU COOLERS RELATED READING

5. Thermaltake Pacific CL360 Max D5 (Thermaltake Pacific CL360 Max D5 (Thermaltake

AMD AM4/FM2/FM1/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2 | Port Thread: G1/4 | Lighting: RGB | Warranty: 2 years | Dimensions: 403 x 129 x 64mm | CPU Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA 2066/2011/1366/1156/1155/1151/1150/775, Intel LGA 2066/2011/1366/1156/1155/1151/1150/775, AMD AM4/FM2/FM1/AM3+/

REASONS TO PURCHASE

  • RGB lighting is included in every component.
  • Fans that are both quiet and efficient
  • Cooling performance that is second to none
  • For effective cooling, use a thick radiator.
  • Overall, it was a really calm environment.

REASONS TO STAY AWAY

  • There is no bending kit included.
  • With a 64mm thick radiator, you may have clearance problems.
  • There have been reports of a faulty pump or reservoir.

Our score is 9.3 out of ten.

Thermaltake has been in the cooling industry for over 20 years and is renowned for its high-quality cooling components. With such a high level of reputation in the industry, you can be sure that this kit will be put together with the finest Thermaltake has to offer.

The Pacific CL360 Max Kit includes nearly everything you’ll need to construct your own water cooling system from the ground up. You’ll need a heat gun and a bending kit, which Thermaltake offers but doesn’t include.

The Pacific CL360 Max, on the other hand, is a good overall choice. It works well and is completely RGB-enabled, with support for Thermaltake’s RGB PLUS software, Razer Chroma, and Amazon Alexa.

The following items are included in this bespoke water cooling kit:

  • x1 CPU Water Block Pacific W5
  • x1 Pacific PR22-D5 Plus Pump/Reservoir Combo Pacific PR22-D5 Plus Pump/Reservoir Combo Pacific PR22-D5 Plus Pump/Re
  • Radiator, Pacific CL360 Plus, x1
  • Compression fittings, x8 Pacific C-Pro G1/4 PETG 16mm OD (Black)
  • 90° Adapter x2 Pacific G1/4 (Black)
  • Riing Duo 12 RGB Radiator Fan x3 Riing Duo 12 RGB Radiator Fan
  • x1 Pure Thermaltake T1000 Coolant (Clear)
  • PETG 16mm OD 500mm Tubing x8 V-Tubler
  • 900mm Tt Premium Edition Silicone Insert x1
  • Universal Backplate and Mounting Kit for Intel and AMD
  • 24pin ATX Bridge Tool (x1)
  • Thermaltake x1 Thermoplastic Grease
  • x1 Bottle of Refill

Thermaltake Pacific CL360 Max D5

One of the great features of this kit is that it includes a copper radiator to complement your copper CPU water block. Copper’s thermal conductivity is double that of aluminum, which implies no galvanic corrosion and greater thermal performance than aluminum.

Furthermore, Thermaltake clearly considered galvanic corrosion, which is unexpected since many businesses would combine metals as long as they are near on the galvanic chart. This does not rule out the possibility of galvanization. It simply implies that it occurs at a much slower rate than if the metals were closer together on the chart. This is a bad habit to get into if you want to live a long time.

The RGB Pacific W5 CPU water block comes with a copper heatsink that connects to your CPU and is made of high-temperature-resistant plastic. Thermaltake also provides a tube of thermal paste to help you connect the block to your CPU.

Your block and CPU will not have adequate surface area in touch if this is not done, and heat will not be effectively transferred into your water loop. Your computer will overheat and shut down as a result of this. So be sure you utilize it and remove any protective stickers or plastic off the heatsink.

Many times, we’ve seen customers complain about excessive temperatures only to find that they neglected to remove the plastic backing from their heatsinks.

Without a reservoir or a pump, any water cooling equipment would be worthless. The Pacific PR22-D5 Plus is the result of combining the two. This is characteristic of pre-assembled kits, such as the Pacific CL360 Max, since it not only makes assembly simpler, but it also lowers the risk of leaks by having fewer tubes and connections than a system with a separate pump and reservoir.

This unit contains 300ml of coolant and comes with an RGB cap to match the rest of the RGB in the kit as well as anything else you may have put in your PC. Important note: There are many complaints about the pump dying after a short period of time in the reviews of this kit on Amazon and other eCommerce sites. As a result, preserve all receipts and warranty information on hand in case you need them.

The Pacific CL360 Plus radiator is made of copper and has a high fin density, which makes it perfect for cooling your computer. Aside from that, it has an RGB strip that faces out of your case when installed. It’s a little excessive in my view, but RGB!

Thermaltake provides three 120mm Riing Duo RGB fans to complement the 360mm radiator. The Riing Duos are high-static pressure radiator fans with two 18 LED rings that make them extremely colorful. They were developed especially for water cooling. Better better, each LED is addressable and can be customized to fit any theme.

Finally, this set includes eight 500mm PETG tubes with a 16mm outside diameter. These must be bent to your exact dimensions, and it’s odd that Thermaltake didn’t include a bending kit, so pick one up while you’re at it.

The Thermaltake Pacific CL360 Max D5 Hard Line Kit is a good choice in general. This kit will make you want to look at your gorgeous computer all day with its bright RGB LEDs and overall excellent cooling capabilities. Just keep an eye on the pump. There have been many complaints of it leaking and/or dying too soon.

Overall, this is a good water cooling system for the money. If you don’t want to chance the pump leaking or dying early, one of the Corsair or EKWB kits is a better option.

Visit Amazon for more information.



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Thermaltake Pacific M240 D5 (No. 6)

CPU Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA 2066/2011/1366/1156/1155/1151/1150/775, AMD AM4/FM2/FM1/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2 | Port Thread: G1/4 | Lighting: RGB | Warranty: 2 years

REASONS TO PURCHASE

  • Cost-effective
  • Overall, great fans (only part of the kit that has RGB lighting)
  • Even when overclocked, the cooling performance is excellent.

REASONS TO STAY AWAY

  • The product does not come with a bending kit.
  • The product does not come with a cutting tool.
  • Metals that are mixed

Our score is 9.1 out of ten.

Thermaltake has done it once more. With the Thermaltake Pacific M240 D5 Hard Tube Water Cooling Kit, you may have the cooling power of a custom-loop without the hassle of designing and researching everything individually. This kit will reduce your temperatures and increase the envy of your buddies when they see your battle station, thanks to high-quality materials and bright RGB LED fans.

The Thermaltake Pacific M240 D5 custom water cooling kit comes with the following components:

  • x1 CPU Water Block Pacific W3
  • Pump/Reservoir Combo x1 Pacific PR15-D5
  • x1 240mm Pacific R Radiator
  • 12 RGB High Static Pressure LED Radiator Fan x2 Riing
  • 500mm PETG Hardline Tubing x4 V-Tubler
  • x1 Pure Clear Coolant C1000
  • Compression fittings, Pacific C-Pro G 14 Brass, x6
  • x2 90 Degree Adapter Pacific G 14
  • Silicone Insert, 12mm ID, x1
  • x1 ATX PSU Jumper Tool (24-pin)
  • 1 tbsp. thermal grease

Thermaltake Pacific M240 D5

It comes with everything you need to make a bespoke loop except a heat gun (which most people don’t have anyhow) and a bending kit. Thermaltake once more? Really? We’re aware that you sell one. Why don’t you include it in your starter kits?

You provide the bending silicone insert but not the jig. If you ask me, that’s simply poor form. If you’re new to bending rigid tube and want beautiful clean 90° angles, a bending kit is a good investment.

The Pacific W3 starts with the water block, which is basic but beautiful. It is constructed of transparent acrylic and has no RGB, so you can see the coolant running through it. You can anticipate optimum performance and contact with your CPU thanks to a machined copper base that has been polished to a mirror shine.

With setups like this, combined water reservoirs and pumps are popular. The Pacific M240 D5 kit includes a Pacific PR15-D5 pump and reservoir combination with a maximum flow rate of 1135L/hr, allowing it to run numerous components and radiators at the same time. Despite the fact that this pump seems to be highly competent, several users have experienced leakage and the pump dying prematurely. So keep your receipt safe in case anything goes wrong.

Radiators are essential for dissipating heat from your system. The Pacific R 240mm aluminum radiator is included in this package. Due to galvanic corrosion, mixing metals in your water cooling loop is usually not a good idea.

While copper and aluminum have similar galvanic properties, it’s unfortunate that Thermaltake would provide you with a copper water block and an aluminum radiator. This won’t create issues straight away, but it may become a problem after a few years of usage. You should clean this kit carefully on a regular basis to prevent corrosion and sediment build-up.

The two Riing 12 RGB High Static Pressure LED Radiator Fans included in this kit are well-made and feature a fan controller for switching between light settings. These fans have a high static pressure, making them ideal for use with radiators. While the RGB choices are limited, they are brilliant and, in my opinion, would look great in a case with a white inside.

Four V-Tublar PETG tubes are also included. PETG is more robust and bendable than acrylic, but it is more prone to discoloration and lacks the clarity of acrylic. While this is mostly a matter of personal taste, I felt compelled to mention it. You’ll need to bring your own hacksaw and other cutting equipment, although there are full bending kits available if you search hard enough.

The Thermaltake Pacific M240 D5 kit is a good place to start for a novice hardline water cooling enthusiast since it is one of the more inexpensive kits on our list. Just remember to purchase a bending kit and a heat gun to make this kit appear exactly how you want it to.

Visit Amazon for more information.



Is Water Cooling Dangerous? What Is Water Cooling?

Water cooling your PC may seem to be a risky concept, but when done correctly, it may reach a considerably lower temperature, resulting in less heat stress on components such as your CPU, GPU, RAM, and other components. Water cooling may be used to cool anything in your computer that produces heat.

The issue is that if there is a leak, water can quickly damage computer components. A bespoke water cooling kit is not something I would suggest to someone who is new to PC construction.

If you’re going to go with water cooling, make sure you’ve done your homework and are well aware of the installation procedure as well as the implications.

If that seems like too much effort, they also offer a variety of AIO (All-In-One) water coolers that work well. They just aren’t adaptable. You may bend your own tubes to creatively alter the appearance of your system using a custom-loop water cooling kit.

I’ve always admired the appearance of a bespoke loop and have had one for many years. However, changing the water and repairing worn-out components became a nuisance in the end, particularly when the third pump failed.

Your computer will not last long if any part of the loop breaks due to wear or gets clogged owing to neglect. Trust me when I say that disassembling a loop can be just as difficult as putting it together. But, my, do they look amazing!

A water cooler typically consists of a reservoir filled with water and a pump connected to the bottom. Water will be pushed via pipes to a water block by the pump. That block is connected to your components, replacing the heatsink and fan combination that would usually be used to cool them.

The heat is wicked away from the source by the block’s complex network of tunnels and surfaces, and the heat is carried to a radiator by the water. Radiators collect and release heat via a labyrinth of tiny channels composed of aluminum, copper, or other non-corrosive metals.

Entropy, the second law of thermodynamics, takes control when the water flows through the radiator. Heat seeks to evaporate and return to a low-temperature condition as soon as feasible. As a result, the heat is absorbed by the metal radiator, which is cooled by high static pressure blowers placed on the wall. The fans dissipate the heat generated by your chassis into the surroundings.

Water cooling is not hazardous, but you must be able to properly set it up. Your computer may be destroyed by a single leak. There are numerous tips and techniques for stress testing your custom loop, and you should be aware of them before turning on your PC and seeing your lovely new water cooling system destroy hundreds of dollars in seconds.

Typically, these systems include a bypass that allows the pump to operate alone. You’ll be able to leak test the loop before turning anything else on this manner. If or when it leaks, having essential components removed or just not powered will save you time and money. So, before jumping in, do some study on how to build a water cooling kit and how to maintain it. Here’s a video that may be of assistance:

 

Keeping a Custom Loop Water Cooler in Working Order

First and foremost, never drink tap water. If you have a city water connection, tap water includes metals, salts, minerals, bacteria, and chemicals from the municipal water department. All of this may be detrimental to your loop. In your rig, always use purified water or specifically marketed cooling solutions.

You WILL have salt or mineral build-up clogging your system, corrosion from metals amalgamating in your heatsinks, and/or algae or bacterial development in your system if you ignore this warning. Even if you use distilled water, an antibacterial and algae agent designed for water cooling systems is required.

Also, be sure to completely clean and dry your radiator before connecting anything. This is to remove any foreign material, such as metal shavings or anything else, that may harm your system.

The joints of your unique loop should be the next item on your thoughts. All connections must be examined, and any grommets or rubber washer seals must be changed on a regular basis. In addition, to remove any built-up residues, your water blocks will need to be examined and dismantled.

Failure to do so will result in ineffective cooling or leaks, which can ultimately destroy your computer. You’d just paid hundreds of dollars to destroy possibly thousands of dollars’ worth of gear at that moment. If you’re careful, you’ll have a beautiful PC for years to come.

Finally, you must ensure that your radiator has excellent high static pressure fans. A regular case fan will not suffice. High static fans are intended to blow more forcefully than airflow fans. This is due to the fact that they must force air through the high-density fins used to cool the water.

The radiator will not be able to cool the water quickly enough without strong fans, and you will be pumping hot water to heated components, causing a snowball effect.

It’s unavoidable that a fan will break down and need to be replaced at some point. While that occurs, keep the phrase “high static pressure” in mind when looking for a new one. Yes, they all arrive with their own fans. However, in my experience, included fans do the job but aren’t of the same high quality as I’d prefer.

Which is Better: Custom Loop or AIO?

An AIO provides with everything you need to get started straight away. There is no need for assembling. Simply connect it to your CPU or GPU, and depending on which one you receive, turn it on and go.

Install your radiator, reservoir, and pump, bend and/or cut your tubes, mount your cooling blocks, connect your tubes, and fill the reservoir with a custom loop. Then, while not letting your reservoir run out of coolant, gently pulse the pump to fill your tubes and water blocks.

After that, you must leak test and burp your reservoir for many days to remove all of the air bubbles. The bubbles harm the pump’s impeller and reduce the system’s efficiency since water absorbs heat far better than air.

All of that seems a little excessive for what an AIO can accomplish, right? Yes, but an AIO will never look as beautiful as a well constructed bespoke loop. These days, custom water cooling is all about aesthetics.

An AIO can be utilized virtually wherever a custom loop can be used, and they perform well. So it all boils down to whether you want a completely customized PC or simply the cooler temps that water cooling may provide. In any case, if you do it correctly, you’ll get a higher performance while still looking stylish.

There is a significant pricing difference between custom-loops and AIOs. A custom-loop kit may cost hundreds of dollars, while an AIO can cost as little as $100. A custom-loop water cooling system isn’t for you if you’re on a budget but still want water cooling. If you want to go that route, there are plenty of affordable AIOs from reputable manufacturers.

So, in 2021, is custom water cooling worth it?

It’s difficult to say. Custom-loops are becoming less and less desired as air coolers and AIO units get more sophisticated. Custom loop kits weren’t available back then, so modders had to make do with anything they could get their hands on. It gradually gained traction, and businesses began producing kits for anyone interested.

When it comes to implementing a bespoke loop, a lot of effort and patience are required. An AIO or air cooler, on the other hand, requires relatively little time and work. Computers are a labor of passion for many people. Like any other fanatic, I love fiddling with my battle station. But, while my custom-loop was lovely, it was a pain to maintain. I ultimately went back to air cooling my components, but the looks of it all are something I miss.

Finally, I don’t believe that a bespoke loop is worth the trouble in 2021. Some may disagree, but given how well AIOs function these days, there’s really no need to have a custom-loop except the fact that it looks amazing and you can modify the tubes to suit any design you want.

This is the main draw of these kits for most people. You see them all the time on Instagram and other social media sites. A stunning PC with RGB lights and flowing veins running through it, giving it that sci-fi appearance we all adore.

We want to buy a piece of gear like that and believe it will be simple to set up: just plug it in and go, but it won’t. It’s a lengthy series of steps to take, and if anything goes wrong, you’re toast. Custom loops aren’t worth it anymore, given the dangers they entail.

If you want a cool project but don’t have a lot of money then you have a couple of choices. You can go the cheap route and get a cheaply made custom water cooling kit, or you can get a custom water cooling kit from a company that doesn’t make a lot of them, but they make a lot of them, and you get a lot of cooling for your buck.. Read more about best custom loop water cooling 2020 and let us know what you think.

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The best custom water cooling kit is the Corsair Hydro H60.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”What is the best water cooling system for PC 2021?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best custom water cooling kit?

The best custom water cooling kit is the Corsair Hydro H60.

What is the best water cooling system for PC 2021?

The best water cooling system for PC 2021 is the Corsair H100i v2.

Is liquid cooling worth it 2021?

Yes, liquid cooling is worth it in 2021.

Author

Holly is the smartest person you will ever know (Or so she tells us lol). She's a gamer by heart, and an author by soul. Writing for the website g15tools is a dream come true for her - she loves being able to share her thoughts and insights with others who love gaming as much as she does. When she's not writing or gaming, Holly can be found spending time with her friends and family.