Water cooling accessories are the parts and extras for a liquid cooling loop in a PC, aimed at people who build, repair or extend their own cooling setup. The category includes products from CableMod, Thermaltake, Barrow and Lenovo. The selection is small, so it helps to know exactly which part your loop is missing before you buy.
How to choose water cooling accessories
Thread and tubing size. Most custom loops use G1/4 threads, but a fitting must also match the tubing. Check both the inner and outer diameter: common sizes such as 10/13 mm and 12/16 mm are not interchangeable.
Materials. Cooling parts are usually made from copper or brass, or have a nickel finish. Avoid mixing aluminium and copper in one loop, because the pair tends to corrode in liquid and the deposits can clog the channels in blocks.
Coolant. The coolant has to suit every part of the loop, not just look good. Clear fluid lets you see the flow, while coloured or opaque mixes can leave deposits, so read the manufacturer's guidance on tubing compatibility first.
Space in the case. Measure how much room the case has for the radiator, reservoir and pump before ordering. Leave space for tubing bends as well, since a tight bend restricts flow and can kink the tube.
Leak testing. Run a finished loop for several hours with the graphics card and other components disconnected before you install expensive hardware. Spare O-rings and an extra fitting or two are more useful here than in almost any other part of a build.
Brands we carry
- CableMod: known for custom sleeved cables and power supply cable kits that tidy up the inside of a case.
- Thermaltake: a long-established maker of PC cases, power supplies and liquid cooling products.
- Barrow: a Chinese manufacturer known for custom water cooling fittings, water blocks and other loop parts.
Also in our range: a Lenovo product.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need water cooling accessories to liquid-cool my processor?
It depends on the type of cooler. A custom loop needs fittings, tubing and coolant in addition to a water block, pump and radiator. An all-in-one (AIO) cooler arrives assembled, so it usually needs no extra parts.
What tubing size should I choose?
Choose tubing that matches your fittings exactly, because both the inner and outer diameter matter. Common sizes are 10/13 mm and 12/16 mm. Wider tubing generally looks more substantial but needs more room for bends.
Can I mix fittings and tubing from different brands?
Usually yes, as long as the thread (most often G1/4) and the tubing diameter match. Still check whether a fitting is made for soft or rigid tubing, and keep aluminium and copper out of the same loop.
How often should I change the coolant?
Typically once or a few times a year, but the exact interval comes from the coolant manufacturer. Change it sooner if it turns cloudy, changes colour or leaves deposits in the loop.
