Tubing and hoses for liquid cooling loops, used to connect radiators, pumps, reservoirs and water blocks in a custom PC water-cooling build. This category suits anyone planning a new loop or replacing worn tubing, with products from Alphacool, Bitspower, EK Water Blocks and Barrow.
How to choose tubing and hoses for a liquid cooling loop
Soft or rigid tubing. Soft tubing bends by hand and forgives small measuring errors, so it is the easier option for a first loop or a case with tight corners. Rigid tubing, usually acrylic or PETG, needs bending or cutting and careful measuring, but gives straight, tidy runs.
Diameter. The inner and outer diameter must match your compression fittings, otherwise the connection can leak or slip off. Common soft tubing sizes include 10/13 mm, while rigid tubing is normally specified by outer diameter. Check the fitting's stated tube size before you order.
Material and coolant compatibility. Some soft tubing materials, such as cheaper PVC, can release plasticisers that cloud the coolant and may clog the fins of water blocks over time. EPDM and similar rubber-based tubing are generally used to avoid this. Check that the tubing is rated for the coolant you plan to use, especially if it contains dyes or additives.
Kink resistance and bend radius. Soft tubing with a thicker wall holds its shape better around tight bends, which keeps flow steady. If your layout needs sharp turns, use angled fittings or an anti-kink coil instead of forcing the tube round the corner.
Length and colour. Measure the route between components and add some spare length, since each cut and re-seat shortens the tube. Clear tubing shows coolant colour and any air bubbles, while opaque tubing hides stains and the inside of the loop.
Tubing and hose brands we carry
- Alphacool: German water-cooling specialist with the largest presence in this category, offering tubing alongside fittings, radiators and pumps for custom loops.
- Bitspower: Taiwanese manufacturer best known for its high-quality fittings and rigid-tube accessories, which makes its tubing a natural match for its own connectors.
- EK Water Blocks: Slovenian company known for water blocks and complete custom loop components, so its tubing fits directly into a matching EK build.
- Barrow: Chinese water-cooling brand known for a broad line of fittings and loop accessories at accessible price points.
- XSPC: British-founded brand with a long history of custom loop kits and components.
- Aqua Computer: German manufacturer known for pumps, controllers and monitoring hardware for water-cooled systems.
Also in our range: Stealkey Customs.
Frequently asked questions about tubing and hoses
What size tubing do I need for my fittings?
You need tubing whose diameter matches the tube size printed on your fittings. For soft tubing that means both inner and outer diameter, for example 10/13 mm. For rigid tubing only the outer diameter matters, and a mismatch can cause leaks.
Is soft or rigid tubing better for a first loop?
Soft tubing is usually the better choice for a first loop. It bends by hand, needs no heat gun or special tools, and tolerates small errors in measurement. Rigid tubing is mainly chosen for appearance and takes more time and practice.
How often should I replace the tubing in a water-cooled PC?
Replace tubing when it becomes cloudy, stiff, discoloured or cracked, rather than on a fixed date. Many builders inspect it whenever they drain and refill the loop, which is commonly done once a year or so. Tubing that stains or leaves residue in the loop should be changed sooner.
Can I mix tubing and fittings from different brands?
Yes, in most cases you can, as long as the tube size matches the fitting. Standard G1/4 threads on fittings and blocks are shared across many brands. The tubing itself is not threaded, so the diameter and a proper compression seal are what count.
