The best water-cooling loops are expensive, but there are ways to make your own. This tutorial will show you how to build a simple loop for less than $100.
The cheapest custom water cooling kit is a $100 water-cooling loop that will help you keep your PC cool.
All-in-one water coolers are becoming more popular as a result of their simple installation and minimal, if not non-existent, maintenance. Although many people still believe that true enthusiasts utilize bespoke water cooling loops with wacky tubing and bright colors, this is not the case. They’re curious about how to make a low-cost water-cooling loop. So, in this tutorial, I’ll go through all of the components and advise you which ones to prioritize.
Before we get started, I’d want to point out that the entire cost of this water-cooling loop was around $70.
So, let’s get started.
1) 11$ CPU Block
We’ll be utilizing this CPU block from aliexpress.com since it has a copper base plate and is superior than all other generic CPU BLOCKS available on Amazon and eBay because it has a copper base that distributes heat more efficiently than aluminum blocks. Also included are mounting screws and brackets for both Intel and AMD processors. Because of the clear plexi glass top, we can also watch the liquid moving within. Because the connector’s inner and outer diameters are 8mm and 10mm, respectively, we’ll need a G1 /4 D compression fitting, so let’s go over to eBay right now.
2) Fixtures – $12
We’ll utilize compression fittings since we’ll be using soft tubing, and they’ll work well for us. We’ll need a total of six fits. There are two for the CPU BLOCK, two for the radiator, and two for the pump and reservoir combination. So they are 4$ for a set of two with an ID of 8mm and an OD of up to 12mm, and they match our CPU block and other components nicely. It’s now for sale on ebay.com.
These are constructed of aluminum and have a chrome finish. This will give our loop and bling appearance a nice finish.
3) Radiator – $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Next, we’ll choose a radiator. On aliexpress.com, I found this 240mm radiator that I liked and decided to use it for this water cooling loop. Because I needed more cooling, I chose this 240mm radiator over a 140mm radiator.
Because we’re going to overclock our i7 4770k machine, we’ll need those skills. Although there are no fans included, we can’t complain about the pricing. The construction quality is excellent since it contains aluminum tubing within the radiator, which should last at least two years.
The OD is well-fitting and can be attached to the fittings we chose with ease. We’ll add some Corsair Sp 120mm fans to make it more efficient in terms of cooling. This also includes mounting screws as well as shock-absorbing cushions for the screws to prevent vibrations while the fans are spinning at high speeds.
4) 15$ Pump + Reservoir Combo
Because of the pricing, I chose another purchase from aliexpress.com. I absolutely loved it and wanted to get my hands on it right away. Normally, a pump and reservoir combination is expensive, however since this is a Chinese product, the price may be justified. The connection tread is G1/4 D once again, so it goes nicely with the rest of our goods. It features a four-pin power connector that connects to a standard four-pin molex connector.
The product is constructed of plexiglass and has reservoir installation options. As a result, you get a lot of bang for your money. Because of the cost, I chose this over a separate pump and reservoir. You can buy a pump separately and use a pickle jar as a reservoir, but since the pump is generic, it may fail and you will be unable to accomplish anything. Mounting a pickle jar inside a casing is also a pain, and there’s a lot of danger involved with cheap home-made solutions, so we’re better off with the pump and reservoir combination.
5) Tubing costs $8 per 12 feet.
I’m opting for a lot of tubing since we may need extra in the event of a leak or damage. You may be able to find a better deal in your region on eBay. However, for me, this was the cheapest option, and the vendor is reputable, therefore this is the greatest product for the money. It is translucent, allowing us to observe the fluid at action.
We’ll use distilled water for the fluid, although you may use antifreeze if you have some on hand.
So, how do you achieve that bright neon color? That you see in famous YouTube videos but don’t have to spend a fortune for? That is something I will also teach you. I’m sure you have some bright green highlighter on hand. If you do not purchase some. You can get 6-7 for $1 if you open them and take out the cotton refill, which you should then soak in distilled water in a dish. Without purchasing any UV DYE, you will now have luminous liquid to use in the loop. If you want a different color, you may use whatever highlighter color you like, such as pink or orange.
All of the tubes are connected.
- Use the supplied screws and bracket to secure the CPU block. Use Arctic Silver 5 or Cooler Master Value v1 thermal paste. Then, using one set of compression fittings, spin it to tighten both connections correctly.
- The reservoir should then be installed using the supplied support and screws. Then install the radiator, which will be a push-pull arrangement in our instance. As a result, using the radiator at the front will be beneficial.
- Then look for the compression fittings’ out markings on the pump connection and measure a tube from there to the CPU block. Connect a second tube from the CPU block to the radiator, then from the radiator’s other end to the pump in.
- Now is the time to fill up the loop, so open the radiator and put a funnel on top of it, then pour in the liquid we produced previously or any other liquid that works.
- To adequately fill the loop, start the pump a couple of times in between fillings. After that, add some inexpensive LEDs and you’ve got yourself a sick-looking custom overclocked PC.
I hope you liked this tutorial and feel free to ask any questions in the comments section below. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and have a nice day.
The best budget custom water cooling is a guide that will help you build a cheap water-cooling loop under $100.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to custom loop?
Custom looping is a service that we provide for $10.
What do you need for a custom water cooling loop?
Youll need a CPU water block, a reservoir, tubing, fittings, and compression fittings.
Are custom water cooling loops worth it?
This is a difficult question to answer, as there are many different factors that come into play when considering whether or not you should invest in custom water cooling loops. You should consider your budget and the potential benefits of doing so before making this decision.
Tech expert fresh from the Australian Coast. Been in the tech industry more than 9 years, as part of a Business Growth Group. His out of office days are 100% for freestyle surfing and waves chasing.