Cooling - Water

These coolers allow anyone to water-cool their processor. They combine the pump, tubing, radiator and fans into a single, sealed unit that's simple to install and doesn't require maintenance or filling, and they're compatible with modern Intel and AMD sockets. They can cope with high-end, overclocked CPUs too, but larger models with more fans will have lower temperatures and noise levels. You need to make sure your case has the appropriate size and number fan mounts and enough space for the radiator and fans.

Most of the water blocks here can be strapped to almost any CPU, including Intel and AMD processors, but it's important to check the socket you're using is compatible. They vary in their materials and colours, so you can easily match them to your system's aesthetics.

The coolants here are both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. They are designed to prevent corrosion and the growth of algae, both of which would prove problematic and reduce your systems cooling ability. Pre-mixed solutions are available in a wide variety of colours, including UV reactive ones, and you can also purchase liquid, dyes and treatments separately to brew your own.

These blocks are designed to fit AMD's high-end single and dual-GPU graphics cards. Due to the complexity and variability of GPU PCBs, most are only compatible with reference designs or specific third-party models, so it's vital to check that your water block is compatible with your exact graphics card. Also take note of the thread size so you can connect your fittings and tubing properly. Finally, some blocks come with a backplate, while with others you can buy one separately, giving you the option to combine different colours and perfect your look.

Make the most of your GeForce GTX 1080 Ti, 1080, 1070 or Titan X Pascal graphics card, customising it with a waterblock for lower temperatures, lower noise and greater overclocking potential.

These are the smooth-faced chunks of metal that actually make contact with your components in a water-cooled rig. They can be used with processors, graphics cards, hard disks and chipsets, and many are only compatible with specific motherboards or third-party graphics cards, so double-check before you buy.

Pumps generate the motion required to push the water around your system. They come in various forms – some will fit into a spare drive bay, for example, and others have a reservoir attached. Whatever one you buy, you need to ensure it's powerful enough for your system, and that you have space in your chassis as well as a suitable spare power connector.

Tubing is what connects all the various components of your water-cooling system together. It's flexible, and can be cut to the length you require. The tubing in this category is sized 1/2” inner diameter (ID) and 3/4” outer diameter (OD), and is suitable for both barb and compression fittings. It's available in a range of colours and those listed as UV will glow under UV light.

Tubing is what connects all the various components of your water-cooling system together. It's flexible, and can be cut to the length you require. The tubing in this category is sized 3/8” inner diameter (ID) and 1/2” outer diameter (OD), and is suitable for both barb and compression hose fittings. It's available in a range of colours and those listed as UV will glow under UV light.

Tubing is what connects all the various components of your water-cooling system together. It's flexible, and can be cut to the length you require. The tubing in this category is sized 3/8” inner diameter (ID) and 5/8” outer diameter (OD), and is suitable for both barb and compression hose fittings. It's available in a range of colours and those listed as UV will glow under UV light.

The complexity and cost of custom water-cooling systems means it pays to keep an eye on them. The components in this category will allow you to track temperatures and flow rates and control fan speeds too. The 5.25in bay adaptors are useful for bringing these monitoring and control capabilities within easy reach at the front of you PC.

VGA coolers are the best way to cool your Graphics card when overclocking. This prevents damage to your components and can also decrease fan noise on certain graphics cards. Updated