Water cooling accessories are for people building or upgrading a custom liquid cooling loop in a PC. This category currently holds three products from Thermaltake, Barrow and Aquacomputer. The selection is small, so it suits finding a specific part for an existing loop rather than planning a whole system from scratch.
How to choose water cooling accessories
Thread and connections. Most custom cooling components use a G1/4 thread, so first check that the part fits the ports on your water block, pump or radiator. If the thread matches, parts from different manufacturers usually work together.
Tubing diameter. Fittings are chosen to match the inner and outer diameter of the tubing, and 10/13 mm is a common size for soft tubing. Rigid tubing needs different fittings from soft tubing, so decide on the tubing type first.
Materials. Copper, brass, nickel-plated parts and aluminium do not always mix well in one loop. Combining different metals can cause galvanic corrosion, so compare the component materials and the coolant maker's recommendations before buying.
Space in the case. Measure the free room between the water block, the graphics card and the side panel. Angled fittings, longer adapters and reservoirs take up more space than a photo suggests, and a tight bend in the tubing restricts coolant flow.
Brands in our range
- Thermaltake: a well-known maker of PC cases and cooling products, with its own line of water cooling parts.
- Barrow: a Chinese manufacturer specialising in custom water cooling parts such as fittings and water blocks.
- Aquacomputer: a German manufacturer known for water blocks, pumps, and controllers and sensors for liquid cooling.
Frequently asked questions about water cooling accessories
What are water cooling accessories?
They are the extra parts needed to build or modify a custom liquid cooling loop. These usually include fittings, tubing, adapters and other smaller items. Main components such as the pump or radiator are normally treated as a separate group.
Are fittings and parts from different brands compatible?
Usually yes, provided they use the same thread standard, which on most components is G1/4. You should also check the tubing diameter, because the fitting has to suit the tubing you have chosen. If in doubt, compare the technical descriptions before ordering.
Can I mix different metals in one loop?
It is best to avoid it. Different metals in the same liquid can cause galvanic corrosion, which over time damages water blocks and radiators. If you do combine materials, use a coolant with corrosion inhibitors and follow its manufacturer's instructions.
How does a custom water cooling loop differ from a closed AIO cooler?
An AIO cooler arrives assembled and filled, while a custom loop is built by you from separate parts. That lets you choose the tubing type, the layout and which components are cooled, but it takes more time to assemble and maintain. This is why accessories are mostly sought by people who already have or plan such a loop.
