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Starting the process of making your own custom liquid cooling system is not just a job; it’s an experience that will take a lot of time and effort. You need to know a lot about this project and have a lot of special tools in order to carefully measure and adjust the complex network of pipes that make up your cooling loop. Choosing the right parts for custom liquid cooling is very important, and picking the right frame for your PC is one of the most important choices you’ll make.
To get around this area, you need to have a sharp eye and a lot of knowledge. It’s not just about getting parts; you’re also looking for the perfect background to make your liquid cooling concept come to life. As you learn more about case selection, you should think about more than just price. Things like form factor, expandability, and ease of customization are also important. It’s a search for the best balance between usefulness and cost-effectiveness, where the case chosen becomes a helpful tool in the quest for an integrated and effective liquid cooling system.
When I tried custom liquid cooling, I learned that the trip is just as much about the case as it is about the specifics of the cooling loop. Every turn and twist of the process is a story about the search for the best balance between price and efficiency. As I did this personal research, I felt better knowing that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to make a system that not only keeps temperatures down but also shows off your creativity and technical skills.
Best Cases for Water Cooling Comparison Table
As current computer technology and software become capable of providing more seamless experiences, there is an increasing demand for cooling solutions that are both efficient and effective. For a considerable amount of time, the conventional air cooling system has been the preferred option. In spite of this, water cooling cases have become increasingly popular as a result of the increased heat that is produced by high-performance components.
Feature | Form Factor | Material | Color | Drive Bays | Expansion Slots | Fan Mounts | Check Deal |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Corsair Obsidian Series 1000D | ATX | Steel, Aluminum | Black | 8x 3.5″, 4x 2.5″ | 8 | 13x 120mm, 3x 140mm | Check Deal |
GIM ATX Mid-Tower White Gaming | ATX | Steel | White | 3x 3.5″, 2x 2.5″ | 7 | 7x 120mm | Check Deal |
Thermaltake Core P5 Tempered Glass Edition | mini ITX | Tempered Glass, Steel | Black | 2x 3.5″, 2x 2.5″ | 4 | 4x 120mm | Check Deal |
LianLi O11 Dynamic XL | ATX | Aluminum, Tempered Glass | Black, Silver | 8x 3.5″, 6x 2.5″ | 8 | 9x 120mm, 3x 140mm | Check Deal |
Thermaltake Tower 900 | Full Tower | Steel, Plastic | Black | 10x 3.5″, 8x 2.5″ | 8 | 14x 120mm, 5x 140mm | Check Deal |
Best Cases for Water Cooling
Because high-end components and internals typically generate a great deal of heat, it is of the utmost importance to ensure that they are adequately cooled out in the event that you have them installed within your computer. The best performance from your computer will be achieved through the utilisation of water cooling, despite the fact that air cooling is an option for entry-level components.
Corsair Obsidian Series 1000D
![](https://www.compsmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/qw-1245.jpg)
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Case Type | Super-Tower |
Material | Tempered Glass, Steel |
Motherboard Support | E-ATX (up to two systems!) |
Drive Bays | 5x 3.5″ HDD, 6x 2.5″ SSD |
Cooling | Integrated Commander Pro Fan Controller, Supports up to 13x 120mm Fans |
Lighting | Integrated RGB LEDs, iCUE Software Control |
Design | Triple-Chamber layout, French-door rear storage, Dual-purpose Mini-ITX tray |
Check Price |
The Corsair Obsidian Series 1000D is a truly huge case that will help you become a PC master. Personally, my journey with this huge tower has been nothing short of amazing. It changes everything about customising a PC by giving fans an enormous amount of room to make their wildest dreams come true.
With its fine craftsmanship and attention to detail, the Obsidian Series 1000D is a PC case that’s more than just a case—it’s a blank slate for new ideas. Dual-system setups are now possible, advanced cooling solutions can be used, and the exterior, which is finished in sleek brushed aluminum, looks very classy.
The Good
- Huge space for epic builds and dual-system configurations
- Integrated fan and lighting control for a clean and customized look
- Excellent cable management options
- Premium materials and striking design
The Bad
- Massive size might not fit all environments
- Pricey compared to other cases
GIM ATX Mid-Tower White Gaming
![](https://www.compsmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/qw-1246.jpg)
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Case Type | Mid-Tower |
Material | Steel, Tempered Glass (side panel) |
Motherboard Support | ATX |
Drive Bays | 3x 3.5″ HDD, 2x 2.5″ SSD |
Cooling | Supports up to 7x 120mm Fans |
Lighting | Pre-installed RGB Fans, Front Panel LED Strip |
Design | Mesh front panel for airflow, Sleek white finish |
Check Price |
The GIM ATX Mid-Tower in beautiful white is more than just a case for gamers who want to show off their style. When I first started collecting high-performance game setups, this tower was the perfect place for me to start. The trip wasn’t just about getting things done; it was also about making a point.
When you walk inside the GIM Mid-Tower, you’ll find a large, open space that’s ready to be customised. RGB lighting adds a touch of style and can be changed to fit your mood or the theme of your game rig. The airflow design is excellent, which is an important part of any gaming setup because it keeps your hardware cool even during heavy gaming sessions.
The Good
- Affordable option for ATX builds with modern features
- Pre-installed RGB fans and lighting add a touch of style
- Good airflow and cooling potential for mid-range components
- Clean and minimalist white design
The Bad
- Limited drive bays compared to some other options
- Build quality might not match premium cases
- Pre-installed fans might not be the quietest
Thermaltake Core P5 Tempered Glass Edition mini ITX
![](https://www.compsmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/qw-1248.jpg)
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Case Type | Open Air, Wall-Mountable |
Material | Tempered Glass, Aluminum |
Motherboard Support | mini ITX |
Drive Bays | 2x 3.5″ HDD/2.5″ SSD |
Cooling | Requires separate fans or water cooling |
Design | Open frame for maximum airflow, Showcases components, Wall mountable |
Check Price |
It’s more than just a chassis; the Thermaltake Core P5 Tempered Glass Edition mini ITX case is a showcase for new ideas in small game PCs. As I looked around this open-frame paradise, I saw wide views, a modular layout, and the right platform for my mini ITX build.
With the Core P5’s unique panoramic viewing mode, your small game PC becomes a work of art in terms of how it looks. The flexible design lets you add your own touch and makes sure that each part fits perfectly, like a puzzle of technology parts. For people who love tiny ITX, this case is a playground full of options.
The Good
- Unique open-air design for excellent component showcase and cooling
- Compact size ideal for mini ITX builds and wall mounting
- High-quality materials and sturdy construction
- Perfect for minimalist and enthusiast builds
The Bad
- No included fans or dust filters require separate purchase
- Open design exposes components to dust and potential damage
- Limited drive bays and expansion options
LianLi O11 Dynamic XL
![](https://www.compsmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/qw-1247.jpg)
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Case Type | Full Tower |
Material | Tempered Glass, Aluminum |
Motherboard Support | E-ATX, ATX |
Drive Bays | 6x 3.5″ HDD, 8x 2.5″ SSD |
Cooling | Excellent airflow potential with triple radiator support |
Design | Distinctive side panels, Modular interior for customizable layouts |
Check Price |
The LianLi O11 Dynamic XL, which is an extension of the well-known O11 Dynamic, shows how well form and function can work together. When I held this mid-tower chassis, it turned making a PC into a beautiful concert with tempered glass and perfect cable management.
The O11 Dynamic XL’s large interior is a great place for builders and fans to play. With tempered glass panels, you can see right into the heart of your creation, changing your hardware into a work of art. Cable management, which is usually a boring part of making a PC, is turned into an art form by the careful design.
The Good
- Spacious interior for high-end components and water cooling setups
- Excellent airflow and cooling capabilities
- Modular design allows for flexible component placement and configurations
- Premium materials and stylish aesthetics
The Bad
- Large size might not fit all environments
- Pricey compared to some other full-tower options
Thermaltake Tower 900
![](https://www.compsmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/qw-1249.jpg)
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Case Type | Full Tower |
Material | Aluminum |
Motherboard Support | E-ATX, ATX |
Drive Bays | 8x 3.5″ HDD, 5x 2.5″ SSD |
Cooling | Supports up to 10x 120mm Fans |
Design | Stacked dual chimney layout, Excellent airflow and cooling focus |
Check Price |
There’s more to the Thermaltake Tower 900 than meets the eye. It’s a work of art that blurs the line between design and engineering. My experience with this vertical showcase was nothing less than amazing to look at. With its huge size and tempered glass panels on all sides, it turns your game PC into a work of art.
The Tower 900 is unique because it can handle extreme liquid cooling setups and parts that are too big for the case. Not just a case, it’s a blank painting for gamers who want to push the limits of what they can do. The careful engineering and design make sure that every part fits perfectly, and the end result is that your PC looks great.
The Good
- Unique chimney design for efficient airflow and heat dissipation
- Ample space for high-end components and multiple drives
- Excellent cooling potential with numerous fan and radiator mounting options
- Durable aluminum construction
The Bad
- Stacked design might not be for everyone
- Aesthetics might not appeal to all users
- Large size and weight require careful planning and space
Compact Water Cooling Cases for Small Form Factor Builds
When making a small form factor (SFF) PC, choosing a small water cooling case can help you keep the size of the PC small while still keeping it cool. These small water cooling cases are made for small form factor builds:
- The NZXT H1: Inside the NZXT H1 SFF case is a 140mm AIO liquid cooler that is already set up. Because it is laid out vertically, it is a small and stylish choice for mini-ITX builds. A 650W SFX-L power source is also inside the case.
- Cases A4-SFX by Dan: The Dan Cases A4-SFX is a small, high-quality SFF case that works with 92mm AIO liquid coolers. It has a simple design that lets high-performance parts fit in a small area. It’s a popular choice among enthusiasts who are making very small systems.
- Ghost LOUQE S1: It’s a modular SFF case called the LOUQE Ghost S1 that works with custom water cooling loops and small AIO fans. It has a sleek design and can be set up in different ways, which makes it useful for SFF fans.
- Sliger SM570 and SM580: The Sliger SM570 and SM580 are small cases that can work with both liquid and air cooling systems. For example, the SM580 can fit 240mm AIO liquid fans, which offer effective cooling in a small package.
- Node 304 of Fractal Design: It’s a small case, but the Fractal Design Node 304 can hold 240mm AIO liquid coolers. It has a unique layout with a PSU placed on the front, which makes it look clean and small.
- The Silverstone RVZ03: A 120mm AIO liquid cooler can fit in the Silverstone RVZ03, which is a slim SFF case. It looks like a desk and is good for people who want something small and easy to carry.
- TU150 Lian Li: The Lian Li TU150 is a small, portable ITX case that works with 120mm AIO liquid coolers. It’s easy to move around because it has a handle, so it’s a great choice for people who need a small and portable SFF build.
Questions and Answers
You will require a computer case that has a sufficient amount of space in order to support a hardline liquid cooling system that is custom-made. Almost all water cooling cases are constructed according to particular measurements. Additionally, you will be need to acquire all of the liquid cooling tubes, fittings, coolant, and reservoirs before proceeding.
It is water. Water is one of the greatest options for liquid cooling applications because of its high heat capacity and thermal conductivity. Water is one of the best possibilities. In addition to this, it is compatible with copper, which is considered to be one of the most effective heat transfer materials for your fluid circuit.