r/watercooling • • Apr 20 '25

Guide Do NOT use Distilled Water for your Water Cooling Loop

Thumbnail
youtube.com
219 Upvotes

r/watercooling • • Nov 27 '23

Guide How to find compatible blocks for your hardware

256 Upvotes

Sup folks. So, finding compatible blocks has always been a royal pain, especially for newbies. Lots of different manufacturers, many of whom are unfamiliar to folks who aren't already watercooling and they don't all make blocks for every GPU model.

Fear not. iln (one of the Discord mod crew) has been working tirelessly to put together this new tool to help you find what you're looking for and assemble a loop list. You can even import your list from PCPartPicker.


r/watercooling • • 1h ago

Pny rtx 5080 OC

Thumbnail
gallery
7 Upvotes

Hi managed to sell my gigabyte rtx 3090 with Waterblock from gigabyte for a nice price.

Before cpu and gpu both in custom loop with mo Ra 420.

It was a huge hassle to get this rtx3090 sold with Waterblock.

Hesistant to add alphacool epic x Waterblock on this rtx5080 and add to loop.

What would you guys do ? Keep pny stock since seems much easier to sell on aircooling of add Waterblock?


r/watercooling • • 9h ago

De-Lid CPU liquid metal

Thumbnail
gallery
14 Upvotes

Has this been good contact on my de lidded cpu, mycro pro and liquid metal? Has been in a year.

I'm wanting a lower maintenence watercooling setup, do I need to replace liquid metal each year, or would I be better with Duronaut, Phasesheet PTM, or Kryosheet.

Not overclocking, just wanting a very quiet cool system.


r/watercooling • • 12m left

Has anyone tried adapting an Alphacool Apex 1 AM5 for direct die?

• Upvotes

Hey, I'm thinking about delidding my 9800X3D and trying to use my Alphacool Apex 1 for direct die cooling instead of buying another block.

The Apex 1 has an offset cold plate, which is one of the reasons I bought it in the first place. The problem is that it uses solid mounting standoffs, and I couldn't find any direct-die mounting kit or proper technical drawings from Alphacool.

I was wondering if anyone has tried something similar. Would shortening the standoffs on a lathe be a reasonable way to get the right mounting height, or am I overlooking something important?

I'd also love to know if anyone has measured the 9800X3D IHS thickness from the top of the dies to the top of the lid. I haven't been able to find an exact measurement.

One other thing: has anyone tried using a phase-change pad like Honeywell PTM on a bare die? I'd rather avoid liquid metal if the temperature difference isn't too big.

I'm not committed to doing this yet, just trying to figure out if it's practical before I risk an expensive CPU. Any advice or experience would be appreciated!


r/watercooling • • 13h ago

Question What's happening to my GPU block, and how do I fix it?

Post image
10 Upvotes

Hey all, have had my Watercooled PC for around 5 years total. Last time I did a full breakdown and maintenance on it was August of last year.

I'm just noticing this on my GPU block and I'm super nervous - how bad is it, and how do I/how fast do I need to fix it before I'm fucked? Never seen anything like it.

Thanks!


r/watercooling • • 1d ago

It feels like I'm almost there

Thumbnail
gallery
172 Upvotes

As the build stands right now.
AX1000+2x AX200s
7x 480mm rads (swifttech QP, HWlabs Vendetta S480)
28x 120mm/12x 140mm Arctic Bionix ARGB
EK revo dual D5
McMaster Carr 16/10 EDPM
Monsoon Freecenter fittings straight from the bargain bin. They have been really nice to work with actually, fingers still hurt but I've done smaller builds with bitspower and alphacool fittings that where much more frustrating.
Bitspower Multi-Z 400mm+custom bracket and ARGB cap
Alphacool C5 distroplate for components + Koolance QD3s when I get them.
Dedicated FSP1200-50AAG for ARGB/Pump/Fans (has a 30amp 5v rail) This will use a dual PSU board to turn on with the main
2x Nollie 16
2x Arctic fan controllers that will likely get swapped out eventually as the flow sensor needs an Aquacomputer device anyway.
CPU block: Z690 Aqua monoblock
GPU: Bitspower Nebula 4080 FE 

Still to: do
Make bracket for front drain/fill and hook up tubes
Install a temporary filter to catch all the crap that didn't flush. I'm really debating if I could install it permanent like the Alphacool ES filters as they can be cleaned with just a drain, but I don't want more flow restrictions
Fill+drain till I'm satisfied nothing is left and doesn't leak
Actually install a system which will be the easy part as that is the intention.

I posted a screenshot of the nollies just because I doubt many have actually ever came close to the limits of one. I don't actually plan to have it white all the time but it gives me no chance to actually overload them plus room for more. The voltage drop is pretty serious at 10+ amps

One thing I'm really excited about for some reason are the micro rotaries I used on the side panel rads. IDK why I'm just now discovering them, they seem vastly superior to regular rotaries as they can be tightened, locked into place and legitimately work as a form of quick connect if you drain the system.

The Mcmaster EDPM I also want to point out is pretty ugly, not very uniform appearance on the outside. Tried wiping it down with some alcohol which helped a little but might be a reason to pay a little more for watercooling tubing.


r/watercooling • • 15h ago

Build Help yet another fan placement question

Thumbnail
gallery
13 Upvotes

I am trying to decide which of my fans need to be reverse blade. I have 3 options: top and rear exhaust, front and back exhaust, or rear exhaust only... there is also a chance that the front fans don't exist at all, depending on radiator support


r/watercooling • • 7h ago

Troubleshooting Pump noise

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

3 Upvotes

I need help figuring out why my pump is making this noise, it’s not air and the PC is only a few months old.


r/watercooling • • 4h ago

Build Help After plenty of feedback, I think I was able to configure a good liquid cooling set up for my pc

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

0 Upvotes

r/watercooling • • 6h ago

Question VPP Apex pumps (2 units) ordered from 2 different sellers this month (still within return period), but one is really old stock from 2023 according to serial number. Is there any point in returning the old stock Apex pump and get one that are made more recently?

1 Upvotes

Processing img 3evxb227z4yh1...

Hi,

So I just started buying components for my first loop, I ordered 2 VPP Apex pumps this month, from 2 different sellers, one is really old stock from 2023 10, I can tell by the serial number which I believe is the year of manufacturing, the other pump is more recently made with serial number showing 2025 12.

I was just wondering since I'm still within the returning period, is there any point to return the old-stock Apex pump from 2023 and buy one that are more recently made? I'm hoping for serial# begins in 2025 or 2026, perhaps Alphacool has made some improvements in the manufacturing process for these Apex pumps that result in improve performance / reliability, and since I'm buying a new pump might as well get one that are made more recently.

Or this whole thing is just me not knowing any better, they are just the same regardless of the serial years, and not worth the trouble returning the pump.

Thank you everyone!


r/watercooling • • 1d ago

Build Help Title: My Corsair 1000D Project — Dual-System, All-Metal EKWB Water Cooling, and Completely Overkill

Thumbnail
gallery
84 Upvotes

Hey everyone!
I’ve been working on a pretty ambitious Corsair Obsidian 1000D build, and I figured I’d share the project and some of the plans I have for it.
My goal is to build something different from the typical RGB-heavy, hardline tubing setups. I’m going for a more industrial, mechanical aesthetic with black and gunmetal components, exposed metal fittings, and a massive custom water-cooling system.
Current Build & Plans:
Case: Corsair Obsidian 1000D
Main Motherboard: ASRock X870E Taichi series
Main CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D (planned)
Second System: ASRock B850I Mini-ITX
GPU: Currently running an RTX 4070 Ti, with plans to upgrade
CPU Water Blocks: 2× EKWB Velocity²
Pumps: 4× D5 pumps
Fans: Up to 24 Arctic fans
Radiators: Multiple large radiators,
Reservoirs: EKWB Kinetic reservoirs and distribution components
Fittings: EKWB extensions, rotary fittings, and adapters
Power Supplies: 1600W + 1000W for the dual-system configuration
Displays: EKWB Lumen 7-inch screens, with plans to add even more
The Interesting Part:
One of my biggest goals is to eliminate traditional visible tubing as much as possible. Instead, I’m using EKWB metal extensions, rotary fittings, and adapters to create a rigid, mechanical-looking cooling system.
Nearly every fitting in the build is EKWB. The only exceptions would be specialized adapters needed for analog pressure gauges and potentially temperature gauges, assuming I can find ones that fit properly.
I’m also planning to purchase the CPUs soon so I can move forward with installing the EKWB Velocity² water blocks on both systems.
Another part of the project is expanding the number of EKWB Lumen screens throughout the case. I want multiple displays integrated into the build to complement the overall mechanical aesthetic.
The Cooling Setup:
I’m planning a fairly extensive cooling configuration involving four D5 pumps, multiple radiators, EKWB reservoirs, and a large number of metal fittings.
The challenge is making everything fit together cleanly while maintaining proper coolant flow and keeping the layout as symmetrical and organized as possible.
I want the final result to look almost like an industrial machine, with visible metal connections, large cooling components, and very little conventional tubing.
What’s Next:
I’m currently working on finalizing the cooling layout, purchasing the CPUs, preparing the Velocity² blocks, and expanding the Lumen display setup.
This is definitely a long-term project, and I’m taking my time with the components rather than rushing to finish it.
The goal isn’t just performance. I want to create something unique that takes full advantage of the enormous space inside the 1000D.
I’ll be sharing more updates as the build progresses.


r/watercooling • • 1d ago

Asking for adjustments of my loop

Post image
13 Upvotes

It was my first custom water-cooled build, and the double 90-degree bendings shown in the photo were too difficult. It's not bad to look at, but it lacks robustness and sophistication. I want to change the red circled part to a 90-degree rotary fitting. And I want to put a telescopic extender on the radiator to match the height of the distro plate so that I only have to bend once.

I want to hear your thoughts.


r/watercooling • • 1d ago

Build Complete Tubes are soft but I’m BRICKED

Thumbnail
gallery
109 Upvotes

Rock on. Passed the torch on my wet bench. It’s going to be a NAS. Hello again Lian-Li. Your cases are so beautiful and easy to build in. Start to finish about 4 hours.


r/watercooling • • 12h ago

Question Hotspot throttling 5080 in Steel nomad with MORA custom loop

1 Upvotes

I have a custom loop with mora 400. On max pump and max fans on the mora gpu hotspot is hitting 105 degrees with overclocked 5080 while benchmarking in 3d mark

Is this a mounting issue or a flow issue since I only have one d5 pump in the loop. I don’t have a flow meter so can’t measure flow.


r/watercooling • • 1d ago

Discussion PROJECT TRIO: Triple Custom Loop Plans

Post image
5 Upvotes

In the planning phase of rebuilding in my 9000D that I plan on building in the spring, so here’s what I’ve got so far! The build will be of two systems in one (gaming PC + ITX NAS) consisting of 30 fans, 4 radiators, 3 pumps, and 3 loops.

Did a build before in 9000D before with a dual loop, but wanted to go all out crazy this time around with 3 loops and the addition of an internal NAS that’s custom cooled.

Top 2 rads will be for the CPU, left rad will be for the NAS, right rad will be for the GPU (facing the front of the case). Going to run some of the GPU tubing behind the motherboard tray.

How’s it look so far as the layout diagram?


r/watercooling • • 1d ago

Havn HS 420 Custom Watercooling Build

Thumbnail
gallery
168 Upvotes

Hello!
I am sharing my custom watercooling build. I hope you like it just as much as I do! ♥
Below, you have all the components and watercooling hardware.

If you have any questions, ask and I will answer on every question.
You might have niche questions such as: (1)how did I mount the 3 fans behind the HS 420 distroplate from Radikult, (2)how do I manage to get out the bottom rear solo fan on the fly without disassembling the build, (3) how many slots did I drop with the Cooler Master V3 VGPU Bracket and what physical modifications I've done to it in order to be compatible with the Havn HS 420 chassis, (4)how did I change the cable management velcro straps with the "Secret Lab" ones, (5)how do I have the pump on the left and the drain valve on the right on the Radikult "HS-420" distroplate, (6)what screws did I use in order to couple together the Radikult "HS-420" distroplate and the three fans behind, and so on.

The build:

Chassis: Havn HS 420 VGPU Black

Motherboard: Asus ROG Crosshair X870E Hero

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D

GPU: GeForce MSI RTX 5090 Suprim SOC

GPU Monitoring: AMPINEL Type-A

12v-2x6 Cable: Moddiy - Ultra-Soft Embossed Wire

Custom Cables: CableMod

VGPU Bracket: Cooler Master V3 (Gen 5.0 Version)

RAM: G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo 64GB 6000 CL30

NVme M.2 SSD: Crucial T500 (1TB, 2TB, 2TB)

PSU: NZXT C1500 Platinum ATX 3.1

Fans: x8 Phanteks D30 140mm Black D-RGB, x3 Phanteks M25G2 140mm
(Bottom rear and bottom 3 are intake, top rear and top 3 are exhaust, the 3 on the side are intake but are just for show and are spaced 1mm from the distroplate)

Fan Hub/ Controller: TUF Gaming ARGB PWM Fan Hub

Protective Port Covers: Moddiy - All sort of port types (A, C, B, Audio Jack, Male, Female, etc.)

Watercooled with:

Distroplate: Radikult-Custom - HS-420

Pump: Alphacool VPP655PWM - Single Edition

Drain Valve: EK-Quantum Torque Drain Valve - Nickel

Tubes: Hydro X Series XT Hardline 14mm Tubing - Crystal Clear

Coolant: AquaComputer DP Ultra

Fittings: Quantum Torque(EK) & DeltaMate(TG)

Waterblocks: DeltaMate(TG)

GPU Terminal: DeltaMate Terminal

Thermal Pads: Minus Pad Pro 100x100x1, 100x100x2, 120x20x1, 120x20x2

Thermal Compound: Duronaut(TG)

Radiators: Quantum Surface 60mm & 30mm(EK)

Flow Meter & Temperature: High Flow NEXT

♥♥♥


r/watercooling • • 1d ago

Build Complete First hardline build — 9800X3D + 5080 in the O11D EVO XL, side-mounted EK distro

Thumbnail
gallery
28 Upvotes

Specs
- CPU: Ryzen 7 9800X3D
- GPU: ASUS Prime RTX 5080 OC
- Mobo: ASUS TUF Gaming X870E-Plus WiFi 7
- RAM: Corsair Vengeance RGB 32GB DDR5-6000 CL36
- SSD: Samsung 9100 Pro 2TB
- PSU: Lian Li RS 1000W (ATX 3.1)
- Case: Lian Li O11D EVO XL

Loop
- CPU block: EK-Quantum Velocity² D-RGB (AM5)
- GPU block: Alphacool Core RTX 5080 Prime + backplate
- Distro/pump: EK-Quantum Reflection³ Uni Distro Plate 300 D5 (side-mounted)
- Rads: 2x EK-Quantum Surface P360, top and bottom
- Fans: 6x Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 chromax on an NA-FH1 hub
- Fittings: EK Torque HDC-14
- Tubing: 14mm OD Acrylic Tube
- Coolant: XSPC EC6 Opaque UV Blue
- Coolant temp sensor on T_Sensor; fans and pump both follow water temp

Temps (GPU load testing pending)
- CPU all-core load (157W package): 80°C at 25°C coolant
- GPU under load: TBD


r/watercooling • • 1d ago

Build Complete Before and after

Thumbnail
gallery
44 Upvotes

Before I did my first ever loop with gpu only. (1x 360mm rad). A rtx 5080 and 1x rad is doable but water temp was kinda warm. So I decided to take the cpu in the loop and added a second 360mm rad (after). I also think it look better not so heavy on the tube side.
What do you guys think?


r/watercooling • • 1d ago

Discussion Looking for a waterblock for a Rtx pro 2000 balckwell

Thumbnail
gallery
7 Upvotes

Hello all,

I'm looking for a waterblock option to use with my rtx pro 2000 Blackwell. It's a sff low profile card and it's voltage curve is very sensitive to it's temperature. It's only a 70w but for the sake of getting the most out of it I'm looking for an option for it.

I already am aware of N3dware gpu block as I own one to make it 1 slot, but yeah I'm going for a Xikii FF08v2 build which I'll try to make really efficient.

This card is honestly mind blowing for it's TDP and I love it and yeah would like to get the maximum out of it, cheers !

Pictures are the PCB and the N3DWARE cooler


r/watercooling • • 1d ago

Troubleshooting Is this AIO sound normal?

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone. This model is Coolmaster Elite 240mm AIO and its making a Hummmming noise. Is that normal AIO sound or defect and should I refund it before expire. This is my first time using liquid AIO.

Please reply 🙏🏻


r/watercooling • • 22h ago

Thought's

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

0 Upvotes

I was able to get help on how to find research for pc parts and conjured this as my liquid cooling setup


r/watercooling • • 2d ago

Build Complete Living Room PC Upgrade & Waterloop Rebuild

Thumbnail
gallery
63 Upvotes

Decided to upgrade my living room PC with an AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT and Ryzen 7 5800X3D CPU and rebuild the waterloop. I went with an AM4 CPU so that I could re-use my DDR4 RAM considering the price of RAM right now.

Specs:

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D

GPU: Gigabyte Radeon RX 9070 XT Gaming OC

RAM: Corsair Dominator RGB 64GB (4x 16GB) [reused from previous PC]

SSD: Samsung 970 Evo Pro 2TB [reused from previous PC]

Motherboard: Gigabyte B550 Eagle

PSU: Asus ROG 850W [reused from previous PC]

Case: Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO XL [reused from previous PC]

Case Fans: 6x Lian Li Uni Fan CL 120 Wireless

Reservoir/Pump: EKWB Quantum Kinetic TBE 200 with D5 Pump [reused from previous PC]

CPU Block: Alphacool Eisblock XPX Aurora Edge

GPU Block: Alphacool Core RX 9070 XT Aorus Elite

Radiators: 2x Alphacool NexXxoS HPE-30 Full Copper 360mm

Coolant: Corsair Hydro X Series XL8 Performance PC Coolant (Red)

Operating System: CachyOS


r/watercooling • • 1d ago

Question How would i calculate the amount of thermal energy that needs to be displaced to cool anything that produces heat continuously?

2 Upvotes

How would i go about calculating this? i dont know much about thermodynamics, i dont even know if this is a dumb question or not but how would i go about calculating this?

i will use a cpu as an example assuming it generates 500w of heat and i have a system with water that can displace 500w

how would that correlate to the temperature of it and the fluid cooling it? Where would the temperatures level out?


r/watercooling • • 2d ago

Build Complete Carbon stealth

Thumbnail
gallery
279 Upvotes

My second custom loop project is ready 👌🏻

It's collab project with FSP, Alphacool and Gigabyte.

FSP U580 case, FSP MEGA GM 1000W, Gigabyte B850M Aorus Stealth.

All cooling parts from Alphacool.

Even it's big case there is not too much space with mATX motherboard 😁

2x360mm HPE radiator, DDCzero 200 pump+res combo, Core1 carbon Aurora CPU block, carbon fiber hard tubes, custom panels.

Earlier CPU block was Apex 1 but I think that Core1 carbon fits better and even it's smaller than Apex 1 the cooling performance with 9800X3D is almost identical 👌🏻