Liquid coolers and fittings cover all-in-one (AIO) CPU coolers with sealed radiators, plus the parts used to build a custom water-cooling loop: pumps, radiators, water blocks, reservoirs, tubing and fittings. They suit PC builders who want lower processor temperatures or quieter cooling than a standard air cooler can manage.
How to choose a liquid cooler or fittings
Radiator size. AIO radiators usually come in 120, 240, 280, 360 and 420 mm lengths, and a larger radiator generally gives more cooling capacity at lower fan speeds. Check which sizes your case supports at the front, top or rear before you decide, and leave room for memory and the motherboard heatsinks.
Socket compatibility. The cooler must come with a mounting kit for your processor socket, such as Intel LGA1700 or AMD AM5. Many current coolers support several sockets, but older models may need a separate bracket, so read the compatibility list carefully.
Fans, pump and noise. Fan size and speed range, along with pump speed, decide how loud the cooler is under load. Look for PWM fan control, which lets the motherboard adjust speed to temperature, and consider whether you want the pump connected to a dedicated header.
Custom loop parts. Fittings in most PC water-cooling parts use a G1/4 thread, but the tube connection varies. Match the fitting to your tubing type (soft or rigid) and to its inner and outer diameter, and choose water blocks designed for your CPU or graphics card.
AIO or custom loop. An AIO arrives sealed and is simpler to fit, while a custom loop allows more cooling components and a freer layout but needs more planning, coolant and occasional maintenance.
Product types and brands
- All-in-one coolers: sealed units with a pump block, tubes and radiator, sold with fans and mounting hardware for the common Intel and AMD sockets.
- Radiators, pumps and reservoirs: the core parts of a custom loop, chosen by size, thickness and the number of fans they support.
- Fittings and tubing: compression fittings, adapters and soft or rigid tubes that connect the loop, usually on a G1/4 thread.
Brand listings appear on this page as products are added, so check the category for the current selection before comparing models.
Liquid cooler FAQ
Is a liquid cooler better than an air cooler?
Not always. A liquid cooler can handle hotter, high-core-count processors and may be quieter under load, but a good air cooler is simpler and has no pump that can fail. Choose liquid cooling when your processor runs hot or when your case airflow favours a radiator.
What radiator size do I need?
For most mid-range processors a 240 mm radiator is enough, while demanding processors benefit from 280 or 360 mm. The deciding factor is what your case can physically hold. Always check the radiator mounting positions in the case specifications.
Do AIO coolers need maintenance?
AIO coolers are sealed and need very little attention. Clean dust from the radiator and fans from time to time, and check that the pump is running. Custom loops need more care, including coolant changes at intervals the coolant maker recommends.
Are all water-cooling fittings compatible?
Most fittings share the G1/4 thread, so they usually screw into the same ports. The tube end is different: it must match your tubing type and diameter. Mixing metals in one loop can also cause corrosion, so keep the materials consistent.
