Heatsinks and Water Cooling Blocks

Tubing and fittings must agree before anything else

In a custom liquid loop the tubing sets the fittings. Soft tubing is sized by inside and outside diameter, such as 3/8 inch ID by 1/2 inch OD or 7/16 by 5/8; rigid tubing is sized by outside diameter, such as 16 mm OD with 12 mm ID, and each needs compression fittings made for that exact size. Most blocks, radiators and pumps use G1/4 threaded ports. Avoid mixing aluminum with copper or nickel-plated parts in one loop, because the dissimilar metals corrode, and leak-test the loop before powering the system on.

Water blocks and heatsinks: what each one covers

CPU blocks are matched by socket, and the listings name sockets such as AM4, AM5, LGA 1700 and LGA 1851. GPU blocks are cut for particular card models, because the layout of memory and power stages differs, so the card name must be in the title. Radiators are sized by the fans they take, such as 240 mm for two 120 mm fans or 360 mm for three, and by thickness. Small passive heatsinks for chipsets, memory and M.2 drives are copper or aluminum and stick on with thermal pads; check their height against neighboring parts.

Questions about Heatsinks and Water Cooling Blocks

Can I mix aluminum and copper parts in one loop?

It is best avoided. Different metals in the same coolant can cause galvanic corrosion that damages blocks and clogs the loop. Keep to copper and nickel-plated parts, or use an all-aluminum loop with the right inhibitor.

What does 3/8 ID by 1/2 OD tubing mean?

It is tubing with a 3/8 inch inner diameter and a 1/2 inch outer diameter. Fittings are sold for a matching size, so a mismatch leaks or will not seal. Check tubing and fittings together.

Will a water block fit my graphics card?

Only if the listing names your exact card model, since GPU blocks follow the board layout. CPU blocks are matched by socket instead, so check that your socket appears in the compatibility list.