Introduction
Water has been used to cool electronic components for decades, but it wasn’t until recently that water cooling became cheap enough for average consumers. Before the 21st century, the main issue with using undiluted water to cool components was that water conducts electricity very well – this means if you have a leak in your system you could short out all of your computer’s components quite easily. To fix this problem companies began adding anti-corrosion agents to the water so that even if there were a leak tiny amounts of metal wouldn’t be able to cause any damage. Another issue is that pure water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius which can vary by location at different times of the year. This means ice build-up could freeze the pumps and damage the tubes. To fix this companies added glycol to their anti-corrosion agents which can expand when it freezes and is far less likely to cause any damage to your system. You would also need antifreeze in your CPU since most CPU heat sinks are aluminum which can’t handle extremely cold temperatures.
If you decide to water cool, make sure the components of your system are compatible with each other and that there is no chance for leaks or corrosion to form inside the tubing. Custom Cooling is the best case for water cooling. There are many cases that support water cooling since they have plenty of space. A reservoir, pump, and radiator can take up quite some room inside the case.
Water cooling your graphic card gives you the best results here even if you use a small reservoir for this. The only downside is that all other components might be affected by heat but it’s possible to solve this by adding more fans.
If you own a custom case it’s possible to change the tubing without problems. If you don’t want to do that, there are also some cases for water cooling which are already made with flexible tubes like the Corsair 100R or Fractal Design ARC Mini R2. A lot of people think that you can’t use a high-end graphics card with water cooling. This is wrong, the water doesn’t impact the quality of the video signal in any way.
Since a CPU consists of many components it’s possible to add a small reservoir for this to mix in some distilled water. The advantage is that you have a constant flow to prevent the CPU from getting too hot.
You can’t use any case you wish since there is no space for a large radiator, reservoir, and pump. But if you want to water-cool your whole system this is the best choice without a doubt. It’s also possible to change the tubing of such a case so it fits your needs perfectly.
We have collected the best options of water cool cases before and we have to mention some tips and tricks before buying the Cases for water cooling.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing
Radiator Compatibility:
It’s important that you choose a case that has enough space for your radiator. This not only depends on the size of your radiator, but also on the thickness of the fan (and what fans you’re using). Before buying make sure to check if there are watertight holes in which you can secure your screws properly.
If there isn’t enough room for your radiator, you should aim for a case that has a removable drive bay or that can mount the radiator externally. This way you could place the intake fan on the other side of your case and even find space for two fans since high-end radiators usually use three fans to keep them as cool as possible.
Motherboard Size:
It’s also important that you choose a case that has enough space for your motherboard. Some cases have a really small form factor and it might be difficult to fit a high-end motherboard in them. Try to buy a case with as much width as you can so there is more room inside for cable management easier.
Aesthetics:
Don’t forget that water cooling has a large impact on the aesthetics of your case. The last thing you want is to buy a wonderful-looking case and put all kinds of stuff in it which makes it look bad. Make sure to choose the right color scheme, even when you want to add blue LED lighting or other components like fans or reservoirs.
GPU Clearance:
Custom water cooling might cause problems for your GPU since you need space around the graphics card to fit your tubes. This means that even if you buy a case with enough room it might be difficult to find room for the tubing in this area.
If you’re not experienced in Case Modding or Water Cooling, we recommend that you don’t buy any components and that you actually think carefully about what you want before buying a case.
Connectivity:
It’s important to look out for how many USB ports and audio sockets a case has. Even though it might be possible to fit those components inside your case, you would lose the use of those features. This is especially true for front USB ports which are really useful since you can just plug in any device without problems.
You should also think about where those ports are located. It’s not very practical if you have to feel around behind your case because the ports can’t be seen and that the USB connector is hidden behind a fan for example.
Best Cases For Water Cooling:
- 1. Thermaltake Core P5
- 2. Cougar Conquer ATX Gaming Case
- 3. CORSAIR OBSIDIAN 1000D
- 4. Corsair Crystal 570X RGB
- 5. Thermaltake Core P8
- 6. Corsair Crystal Series 680X RGB
- 7. Cooler Master Cosmos C700M
- 8. Lian Li O11 Dynamic XL
Best Cases For Water Cooling You Can Purchase Today:
Thermaltake Core P5
Best Open-Frame Case For Water Cooling
Specifications
Brand: Thermaltake – Case Form Factor: Mid Tower – Case Material: SPCC – Motherboard Support: ATX / Micro ATX / Mini ITX – Drive Bay: 4 – Expansion Slots: 8 – GPU Clearance: 570mm – CPU Clearance: 180mm – PSU Clearance: 200mm – Radiator Compatibility: 480mm – USB Version: 3.0 – Weight: 26.9 pounds – Dimensions: 25.5 x 26 x 7.2 inches
Thermaltake Core P5 is the top best water cooling case. Thermaltake Core P5 is the latest Thermaltake flagship model, supporting the latest PC hardware and all high-end GPU solutions. It was designed to maximize airflow with its extremely optimized structure. The grand meshed design along with removable intake filters allow for maximum airflow to keep your entire system cool, not to mention style. In addition, it also comes with two preinstalled 140mm Riing Blue fans with removable filters for extra cooling. Its stunning design is perfect for gamers who are looking to build a gaming system that really stands out.
It is an open frame case which means the motherboard is mounted on a tray. Therefore, all cables can be hidden from being seen and have extra room for cable management. This is not only great-looking but also very practical since you need to hide some of your cables so they don’t look ugly or interfere with other components.
The case has a large CPU cutout so you can easily install or remove your CPU cooler without having to take the motherboard out. It also has a rear cable management design and support for up to 8 PCI-E expansion slots so you can equip your machine with high-end graphics cards and other devices.
Thermaltake Core P5 is an excellent case that comes with many features that I personally enjoy and it is a good choice for anyone who wants a beautiful case with the option to add water cooling.
I have been using the Thermaltake Core P5 case for about a month now and I am very happy with it so far because of its nice design, roomy interior, and compatibility with water cooling components. It’s definitely one of the best cases for water cooling.
Cougar Conquer ATX Gaming Case
Best Unique Case For Water Cooling
Specifications
Brand: Cougar gaming – Case Form Factor: Mid-Tower – Case Material: Aluminium Alloy – Motherboard Support: ATX / Micro ATX / Mini ITX – Drive Bay: 0+3+4 – Expansion Slots: 7 – GPU Clearance: 350mm – CPU Clearance: 190mm – PSU Clearance: 220mm – Radiator Compatibility: 360mm – USB Version: 3.0 – Weight: 30.9 pounds – Dimensions: 10 x 27 x 23 inches
Cougar Conquer ATX Gaming Case is a mid-tower steel case with tempered glass panes. This case is compatible with ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini ITX motherboards. It can accommodate up to three 3.5″ drives or four 2.5″ drives which is great for anyone who wants more room for storage devices. This case has seven expansion slots to support graphics cards, sound cards, and other devices.
It’s very spacious inside compared to my previous case with decent cable management, which means you can tuck away all the cables behind the motherboard without having them obstruct components. Of course, it has enough room for water cooling radiators and fans (up to 360mm), including space for reservoirs and high-end graphics cards like the GTX 1080. It has three external 3.5″ drive bays and four internal 2.5″ drive bays, which is enough for me in terms of space.
Cougar Conquer ATX Gaming Case also comes with two preinstalled Cougar 120mm fans (red LED) but I replaced one with a Noctua 140mm fan out of preference. They’re easy to replace and I would advise you to do the same if you need a little more airflow.
The case looks great with its silver and black design, tempered glass window, and red LED fans. In terms of performance, it’s one of the best cases for water cooling because it is compatible with radiators up to 350mm. You can install a radiator in the front or top, and there is room on the rear for another one. I really like this case because of its excellent cooling and it has a clean design.
The tempered glass panels are tinted to prevent glare during night gaming sessions. You can also install up to six 120 or 140mm fans if you want more airflow. This case is great if you want a lot of space to work with and a beautifully finished interior.
All in all, the Cougar Conquer ATX Gaming Case is a great case for people who want a lot of room to work with and it has good airflow. It’s well made and looks great so if you are looking for a new case this one comes highly recommended.
CORSAIR OBSIDIAN 1000D
Best Super-Tower Case For Water Cooling
Specifications
Brand: Corsair – Case Form Factor: Super Tower – Case Material: Tempered Glass + Aluminum – Motherboard Support: E-ATX / ATX / Micro ATX / Mini ITX / SSI-EEB – Drive Bay: 0+3+4 – Expansion Slots: 8 – GPU Clearance: 400mm – CPU Clearance: 180mm – PSU Clearance: 225mm – Radiator Compatibility: 480mm – USB Version: 3.1 – Weight: 65 pounds – Dimensions: 27.3 x 12.1 x 27.4 inches
Corsair Obsidian 1000D is a heavy-duty full tower computer case with room for multiple water cooling radiators and components. This case is made out of tempered glass and brushed aluminum panels, which makes it durable for daily use. Besides being strong, it also looks really nice with a side window to show off your components.
This case comes in two color schemes: black and white. I like the variety because some people prefer darker colors while others look better with white cases. So if you’re looking for a case that is easy to get into and has plenty of room this one definitely fits the bill.
This water cooling computer case can accommodate up to nine fans and three radiators, which will provide excellent airflow. There’s also enough room inside for multiple storage drives and graphics cards. It comes with two front-mounted USB 3.0 connectors to provide fast data transfer speeds. The tempered glass side panel lets you show off your components, and it also has quick-release latches if you need to make changes.
Overall, Corsair Obsidian 1000D is a solid case for the price with excellent airflow and great design. This case will definitely stand up to daily use, but I would recommend getting dust filters for all your intake fans because they can get dirty inside rather quickly after using them for a while.
I’m really impressed with the Corsair Obsidian 1000D for its spacious design and built-in fan controller. It’s a great case overall because of the many features it offers at an affordable price.
Corsair Crystal 570X RGB
Best Overall Case For Water Cooling
Specifications
Brand: Corsair – Case Form Factor: Mid Tower – Case Material: Tempered Glass + Alloy Steel – Motherboard Support: ATX / Micro ATX / Mini ITX – Drive Bay: 0+2+2 – Expansion Slots: 7 – GPU Clearance: 370mm – CPU Clearance: 170mm – PSU Clearance: 225mm – Radiator Compatibility: 360mm – USB Version: 3.0 – Weight: 24 pounds – Dimensions: 18.89 x 20.15 x 921 inches
The second Corsair case is the Crystal 570X RGB, which is available in white or black. This mid-tower has tempered glass panels on both sides with LED fans inside to provide airflow for your motherboard and graphics cards. The cable management system makes it easy to keep all of your components looking clean because you can hide them behind the motherboard tray. The case supports up to two 200mm fans and three 120mm fans if you want more airflow.
There’s also a built-in fan controller with four modes: High Performance, Balanced, Quiet, and Customize. This gives you control over how loud your computer is so you can customize it to be as quiet as possible or as fast as necessary.
This is a very aesthetically pleasing case because it has LED lights that can be set to multiple colors or turned off completely. If you’re into aesthetics then this probably isn’t the best choice for you because this thing is pretty loud with its many fans and white color scheme. However, if you’re looking for a serious budget PC build that looks and performs well then this is an excellent pick.
Corsair put 230mm fans on the front to provide airflow, and there are mounts for two more 120 or 140mm fans to bring even more air in. This case is built with sound dampening materials to reduce vibration, so it’s nice and quiet when you’re using your computer.
This case is made out of aluminum and steel, which makes it very durable. It comes with two USB 3.0 connectors in the front along with three RGB LED light strips to provide brilliant lighting effects for your gaming setup.
The tempered glass side panels come off easily and can be replaced with a solid panel if you prefer that. Overall, the Corsair Crystal 570X RGB is a very nice case for its low price tag. Overall, Corsair Crystal 570X RGB Mid-Tower Gaming Case is a great choice if you want a stylish case that also offers great airflow.
Thermaltake Core P8
Best E-ATX Case For Water Cooling
Specifications
Brand: Thermaltake – Case Form Factor: Full Tower – Case Material: SPCC – Motherboard Support: E-ATX / ATX / Micro ATX / Mini ITX – Drive Bay: 0+3+7 – Expansion Slots: 8 – GPU Clearance: 320mm – CPU Clearance: 180mm – PSU Clearance: 200mm – Radiator Compatibility: 480mm – USB Version: 3.1 – Weight: 54.9 pounds – Dimensions: 29 x 27.5 x 13 inches
Thermaltake Core P8 has a unique open frame design that can be used for different purposes such as an open air test bench, or you can put it on its side and use it as a test bench. It comes with four preinstalled 140mm fans on the top and front panels to provide optimal airflow inside of your case.
You can install up to seven 120mm or 140mm fans in this case, which is great if you want to overclock your processor. You can also install a 480mm radiator if you want to use liquid cooling in the front of the case instead of fans. This is an excellent option for PC gamers who are looking to use liquid cooling.
It has plenty of room for all of your components, including three full-length graphics cards if you want to run multiple GPUs. There aren’t any internal drive bays inside the case, but there’s a ton of space on the motherboard tray if you plan on using a traditional ATX setup. It’s made out of steel and plastic, which is great for durability but not as good as other cases that are made out of aluminum. It comes with two USB ports on the front panel and supports three external 5.25″ devices, four internal 3.5″ HDDs and six 2.5″ SSDs.
Thermaltake Core P8 is a great choice for a budget gaming enthusiast who wants a high-quality case that can be used as an open air test bench for your PC components, or as a traditional tower to hold all of your internal hardware. Thermaltake Core P8 has many options for installing your PC components, which is great because it makes it easier to install new hardware when you upgrade your computer in the future. This case supports up to 10 3.5″ and 2 2.5″ SSDs, which makes it easy to set up a RAID disk array if you want to do that for increased speeds.
Thermaltake Core P8 has cable management options that help you hide all of your cables behind the motherboard tray so they aren’t visible, which is great because it looks much nicer when it’s free of clutter.
Corsair Crystal Series 680X RGB
Best High-Quality Case For Water Cooling
Specifications
Brand: Corsair – Case Form Factor: Mid Tower – Case Material: Tempered Glass + Steel + Plastic – Motherboard Support: E-ATX / ATX / Micro ATX / Mini ITX – Drive Bay: 0+3+4 – Expansion Slots: 8+2 vertical – GPU Clearance: 330mm – CPU Clearance: 180 mm – PSU Clearance: 225mm – Radiator Compatibility: 360mm – USB Version: 3.1 – Weight: 25.5 pounds – Dimensions: 16.65 x 13.54 x 19.88 inches
Corsair Crystal Series 680X RGB is a great choice if you want to install four 360mm radiators or two 480mm liquid cooling systems. You can fit up to seven 120mm or 140mm fans inside of the case as well, which is good if you’re overclocking your gaming system and want more airflow. There are RGB LED strip lights on the front panel that can be used to display lighting effects, and they can also be synced with other Corsair RGB products.
You can choose from a variety of color options that will look great in any room inside your house. The tempered glass panels on the side allow you to show off all of your hardware, which is great because it looks nice when your components are lit up by LED lights and looks really cool when you open up the case and show it to your friends. There’s a ton of space inside the case, so it’s easy to install your motherboard, power supply, graphics cards, and SSDs.
Crystal series 680X RGB has a huge front and top mesh design for optimizing airflow and it also comes with nine total fan mounts that can be installed in different locations. You can install 120mm or 140mm fans on the side, top, and front of the case, which is great if you want to install three 120mm fans for maximum airflow.
It comes with four built-in 140mm fans used for cooling in the front of the case. The case itself is made out of steel and plastic, which isn’t as durable as cases made out of aluminum. It also doesn’t come with any internal drive bays, which could make it difficult to install your computer components because you have to attach them directly to the motherboard tray in this case.
Cooler Master Cosmos C700M
Best Premium Case For Water Cooling
Specifications
Brand: Cooler Master – Case Form Factor: Full Tower – Case Material: Tempered Glass + Aluminum + Steel – Motherboard Support: E-ATX / ATX / Micro ATX / Mini ITX – Drive Bay: 1+5+4 – Expansion Slots: 8 – GPU Clearance: 490mm – CPU Clearance: 198mm – PSU Clearance: No limitation – Radiator Compatibility: 420mm – USB Version: 3.1 – Weight: 52.5 pounds – Dimensions: 25.6 x 12 x 25.6 inches
Cooler Master Cosmos C700M is a great choice if you want a stylish and durable case that comes with all the features of more expensive models. It supports up to six individual SSDs or hard drives, and it can fit graphics cards as long as 490mm inside of the case.
C700M includes LED lights on the front panel that can be customized using the Cooler Master software to display different lighting effects, and they can also be synced with other LED products made by Cooler Master. You can choose from two different color options, black/red or black/blue, which will look great inside of any room in your house.
The tempered glass panels on the side make it easy to show off all of your internal components, which is fun because they look nice when they are lit up by LED lights. The case itself is made out of aluminum and tempered glass, which makes it very durable but also expensive compared to cases made out of plastic or steel.
There’s enough space inside to install 450mm radiators for liquid cooling, which means you can install a dual-loop setup if you want. The case has an aluminum and steel construction that’s both durable and stylish, and it’s also made to be dust-free inside which helps improve airflow.
The inside of the case is covered with black and white noise dampening material that makes it look nice and helps reduce vibrations from fans and other components. On the front panel, there are three mesh filters that are easily removable if you want to clean them, which is good because dirt can help reduce airflow inside of your case.
The tempered glass panels on the side let you show off all the hardware inside, and they also give you easy access to most of your components if you need to make any upgrades or repairs. This case is a great choice if you want a stylish and durable case that comes with all the features of more expensive models, but it doesn’t have an internal SSD bay or fan controller if those are important to you.
Lian Li O11 Dynamic XL
Best All-Rounder Case For Water Cooling
Specifications
Brand: Lian Li – Case Form Factor: Full Tower – Case Material: Tempered Glass + Aluminum Exterior + SPCC Interior – Motherboard Support: E-ATX / ATX / Micro ATX / Mini ITX – Drive Bay: 0+2+2 – Expansion Slots: 8 – GPU Clearance: 446 mm – CPU Clearance: 167mm – PSU Clearance: 280mm – Radiator Compatibility: 360mm – USB Version: 3.1 – Weight: 34.2 pounds – Dimensions: 23.75 x 15 x 23.3 inches
Lian Li O11 Dynamic XL is the best choice if you want a case that offers great airflow and doesn’t cost as much as more expensive models. It comes with three 140mm LED fans installed, plus another three fan mounting points on the top panel, but it doesn’t come with any dust filters which means you’ll have to clean your components frequently if you use this case.
The tempered glass windows on the side of the case show off your hardware, and this is a good choice if you want to show it off often. The case has a windowed side panel and no fan controller, but the three pre-installed fans and six additional fan mounting points give you plenty of options for cooling your components. The top panel has room for mounting two additional fans or a radiator, and the inside of the case is covered with noise dampening material to help reduce fan noise.
This isn’t as sturdy as more expensive models, but it’s sturdier than cases made out of plastic which means you’ll have peace of mind knowing your hardware is safe from bumps and vibrations. Airflow isn’t as good as more expensive models, but it’s better than cases made out of steel or plastic which means you’ll have a harder time overheating your hardware if you use this case.
Conclusion
You may choose the finest of the best with premium dollars. We’re committed to assisting customers in obtaining the greatest bang for their buck. The user’s need is something that he/she determines on his or her own. In each instance, we describe the capabilities and choices that support water cooling systems. The finest cases for water cooling have been identified.
If you have experience with water cooling, you may consider making a custom loop. If you want several kits for various hardware components, make sure the chassis has enough room on each side to install the radiators. Aside from their primary function of cooling, the case should have diverse connectivity. Aesthetic appeal is also important.
The ease of cable management for a more polished appearance also saves time. Every second you miss out on the screen is a waste, whether you’re a streamer or a competitive gamer. The case should be simple to build and made of strong material that will retain its form during transport. We hope you enjoy your new water-cooling case! Before making any purchases, we advise you to read our purchasing suggestions.
