This category covers controllers and sensors for liquid cooling loops: fan and pump controllers, coolant temperature sensors, flow sensors and monitoring units for custom water-cooled PCs. It suits builders who want to measure and manage their loop rather than guess. Leading brands in our range include Aqua Computer, EK Water Blocks, Alphacool and Bitspower.
How to choose a liquid cooling controller or sensor
What you need to measure. Coolant temperature is the most useful reading, because it shows how well the whole loop copes with heat. A flow sensor tells you whether the pump is actually moving liquid, which matters when you suspect an air lock or a failing pump.
Control or monitoring only. A simple sensor just reports a value, while a controller can also change fan and pump speeds based on that value. If you want the fans to follow coolant temperature instead of CPU temperature, choose a controller with inputs for external sensors.
Number of channels and power. Count the fans, pumps and sensors you plan to connect, then check how many outputs the unit offers and how much current each one can supply. Pumps usually draw more than fans, so check this before buying.
Thread and fitting compatibility. Inline sensors normally screw into a G1/4 port in a reservoir, block or fitting. Check that the sensor suits your tubing and fittings, and that you have a free port in the right place.
Connection and software. Many controllers connect by USB and are configured in the manufacturer's software, while others work through a motherboard header. Make sure you have a free internal USB header if the unit needs one, and think about whether you want everything inside one software package.
Brands we carry
- Aqua Computer: a German manufacturer known for its aquaero fan controllers and for flow and temperature sensors that work with its own software.
- EK Water Blocks: a Slovenian maker of custom loop parts, with controllers and sensors designed to match its EK-Loop range of blocks, reservoirs and fittings.
- Alphacool: a German brand with a broad custom loop catalogue, including temperature sensors and small monitoring parts that fit its fittings and reservoirs.
- Bitspower: a Taiwanese manufacturer best known for fittings and acrylic reservoirs, with sensor and plug-type parts that suit those components.
Also in our range: INLINE and AKASA.
Frequently asked questions
What does a liquid cooling controller do?
A liquid cooling controller reads sensors and adjusts fan and pump speeds to match. Some also show temperatures and flow on a display or in software, and many let you set alarms. This keeps the loop quieter at idle and responsive under load.
Do I need a flow sensor in a custom water loop?
A flow sensor is not essential, but it is a useful safety check. It shows whether coolant is moving, so you can spot a stopped pump or an air lock before components overheat. It is especially worth having in loops with several blocks or a tall reservoir.
Where should a coolant temperature sensor go?
A coolant temperature sensor is usually fitted in a free G1/4 port or in an inline adapter. Many builders place it after the radiator, where the liquid has cooled, or just before it, to see the hottest point. The position matters less than keeping it the same when you compare readings.
Can I use a controller without extra software?
Some controllers work without software, using basic settings or a motherboard header, but most advanced models rely on the manufacturer's application. The software is what lets you build fan curves, set alarms and read sensor values. Check the product description to see how each unit is configured.
