Controllers and sensors for liquid-cooled PCs: this category covers temperature and flow sensors, fan and pump control hardware and other accessories for monitoring a water-cooling loop. They suit anyone building a custom loop who wants to see what is happening inside it.
Most of the range comes from ALPHACOOL, AQUA COMPUTER, EK WATER BLOCKS and BITSPOWER, with over 40 models in total.
How to choose a controller or sensor for liquid cooling
What you want to monitor. A temperature sensor shows the coolant temperature in the loop, while a flow sensor tells you whether the pump is actually moving the liquid. If your loop is long or has several water blocks, having both is worthwhile, as a drop in flow often shows up before the temperature rises.
Thread and installation in the loop. Sensors fitted into the loop usually have a G1/4 thread, which is standard on most water-cooling parts. Before buying, check that the thread matches your fittings and that you have a straight section of tubing or space where the sensor can go.
Connection to the PC. Some sensors plug straight into motherboard headers, while others only work with a separate controller. Check how many free headers your board has and whether you need an extra cable or adapter.
Channels and load. When choosing a fan or pump controller, count how many fans and pumps you need to control and compare their power draw with the rated load of each channel. A loop with several pumps and radiators is better served by a controller with more channels than by two separate units.
Compatibility and software. Sensors and controllers from the same maker generally work together without extra effort. If you mix brands, check the connectors and which software the devices support.
Brands we carry
- ALPHACOOL: a German manufacturer known for covering the whole loop, from radiators and pumps to fittings and monitoring accessories.
- AQUA COMPUTER: a German company known for its aquaero fan controllers, flow sensors and Aquasuite software.
- EK WATER BLOCKS: a Slovenian maker best known for its water blocks and EK-Loop components.
- BITSPOWER and XSPC: both make custom-loop parts, especially fittings, water blocks and reservoirs.
Also in our range: OWC, AKASA and INLINE.
Frequently asked questions about liquid cooling controllers and sensors
Do I need a flow sensor in a water-cooling loop?
It is not strictly required, but it is very useful. A flow sensor confirms that the pump is running and the coolant is circulating, so you can spot a blockage, air in the loop or a failing pump in time. It matters most in complex loops.
Where should I fit the temperature sensor?
Most people fit it in the section after the radiator or in the reservoir, as that shows how well the coolant is being cooled. One sensor gives the overall coolant temperature, so more are not usually needed.
What thread do loop sensors use?
Most water-cooling parts, including sensors fitted into the loop, use a G1/4 thread. Still, check the description of the specific model, as some accessories connect differently.
Can I mix controllers and sensors from different brands?
Often you can, provided the mechanical fittings and electrical connectors match, but advanced features such as software monitoring usually work only with hardware from the same maker. Compare connectors and supported features before buying.
