Radiators for liquid cooling are the heat exchangers of a custom water-cooling loop, and this category holds more than 200 of them for processors and graphics cards. They suit enthusiasts building a new loop or adding capacity to an existing one. Brands in our range include Alphacool, EK Water Blocks, Magicool, Barrow and Watercool.
How to choose a liquid-cooling radiator
Size and fan count. Radiator length follows the number of fans it takes: 120 mm, 240 mm, 360 mm and so on. A single 120 mm radiator only copes with a modest processor, while a loop cooling both a processor and a graphics card usually benefits from 360 mm or more.
Thickness and fin density. Slim radiators of around 30 mm fit most cases and work well with quiet fans at low speed. Thicker 45 mm or 60 mm models shed more heat but need more room. If the fins are closely spaced, they also call for fans with higher static pressure.
Material. Copper radiators suit loops with copper water blocks. Aluminium parts mixed with copper in one loop can cause galvanic corrosion, so keep all wetted metals the same or use a coolant with a suitable inhibitor. Check the material before you buy.
Case fit and connections. Measure the space for the radiator together with its fans, and leave clearance from the motherboard, memory and any top-mounted parts. Most fittings use a G1/4 thread, which radiators generally have, but check the number and position of the ports before planning your tubing.
Radiator brands we carry
- Alphacool: a German manufacturer known for a broad range of custom water-cooling parts and its NexXxoS radiator series. Most of this category consists of its products.
- EK Water Blocks: a Slovenian company best known for the EK-Quantum series and its water blocks, with radiators made to complete the loop.
- Watercool: a German maker associated with large external radiators such as the MO-RA3.
- Corsair and Thermaltake: both have their own custom-cooling lines (Hydro X and Pacific), so their radiators pair easily with fans and cases from the same makers.
- Barrow: a Chinese manufacturer known for custom-loop fittings, water blocks and other accessories.
Also in our range: Magicool, Darkflash, Sharkoon, Demciflex, Hardware Labs and Stealkey Customs.
Radiator FAQ
What does a radiator do in a water-cooling loop?
A radiator releases into the air the heat that the coolant collects from the processor or graphics card water blocks. Coolant flows through the radiator channels while fans push air across the fins. The larger the radiator area, the more heat it can dissipate at a lower fan noise level.
What size radiator do I need for a processor and graphics card?
A 240 mm radiator is often enough for a processor alone. If the loop also cools a graphics card, a 360 mm or larger radiator, or several smaller ones, is a sensible choice. The exact size depends on how much heat your components produce and how much room your case has.
Can I mix copper and aluminium in one loop?
It is best to avoid it. Different metals in the same coolant form a galvanic pair, so aluminium can corrode faster and the deposits may clog water block channels. The safest approach is to use parts made of the same material or follow the coolant manufacturer's guidance.
Do radiators come with fans?
Radiators and fans are usually sold separately, so you can choose them to match your preferred noise level and performance. Always check the product page for what a specific model includes. For thick radiators or those with dense fins, fans designed for higher static pressure are a better match.
