Top 5 Best Water Cooling Kit For Gaming PC Tested [2023]

Written By Farhan Max

Tired of buying separate parts for water cooling your gaming PC? How about buying a whole cooling kit to save some extra cash?

In a Hurry? Check out my #1 Recommended Water Cooling Kit.

thermaltake-cl360

A water-cooling kit comes with everything you need to set your PC water-cooling loop up, reducing the effort to buy separate parts.

In this post, I am also going to review some of the coolest water cooling kits for overclocking a gaming PC.

Also, check out our expert-recommended best Aura Sync CPU Cooler for your chassis.

Best Custom Water Cooling Kit Reviewed

Water Cooling KitRadiator SizeSocket type
Thermaltake Pacific M360 Plus360mmLGA 2066, 2011, 1366, 115x, 775, AM4, FM2, FM1, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2
EKWB EK-KIT P280280mmLGA 115x, 2011(-3), 2066, AM4
Corsair Hydro X Series360mmIntel LGA 1200 and AMD AM4 sockets
EKWB EK-KIT RGB 240240mmLGA 115x, 2011(-3), 2066, AM4
Thermaltake Pacific CL360360mmIntel LGA 2066/2011/1366/1156/1155/1151/1150/775, AMD AM4/FM2/FM1/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2

A water-cooling kit is a must if you want to get all water cooling components at a reasonable budget.

As a gaming PC enthusiast, I have researched using over twenty water-cooling kits and found that a few are worth spending the money.

Also check out the Best Water Cooling Pump Reservoir Combo.

And so, in this post, I have reviewed the best cooling kits depending on the size of the radiator, size of the reservoir, type of tubing, and also that is a bang for the buck.

Here are the best water cooling kits:

1. Thermaltake Pacific M360 Plus

Thermaltake Pacific M360 Plus is the best budget-friendly cooling kit you can ever get.

thermaltake-pacific-m360-plus

Check Today's Price of Thermaltake Pacific M360 Plus ➜➜

This cooling kit comes with-

  • A W4 Plus CPU RGB Water Block
  • PR22 D5 Plus 300 mL Reservoir-Pump Combo
  • RL360 Plus 360mm Radiator
  • 4 PETG Hard Tubes
  • Riing Plus 12 LED RGB Fans, AI Voice Controller
  • C Pro G ¼ Compression Fittings, G ¼ 90 Degree Adapter
  • Mounting Brackets
  • C 1000 Pure Clear Coolant (Water cooling Liquid), Thermal Paste

The Thermaltake Pacific M360 kit is an efficient liquid cooling kit compatible with all water-cooled gaming systems. This kit is mainly compatible with Intel LGA 2066/2011/1366/1156/1155/1151/1150/775,AMD AM4/FM2/FM1/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2 (CPU Socket).

The Pacific W4 CPU RGB Water Block is manufactured with a full copper base, anti-corrosive nickel plating with no-tools installation, and heat transfer and cooling performance.

The kit also has a 300 mL Reservoir and a pump that can sustain a pressure head of 99 PSI and can discharge fluid up to 1135 L/hr. This reservoir-pump combo is the best for proper water cooling circulation and capacity.

The RGB illuminated 360 mm Radiator has a high-density fin design made of anti-corrosive materials. Its power to accommodate high airflow and high air pressure provides superior cooling performance to all components. You can turn the RGB lights on and off with the AI Voice controller synchronizing it with the Hello TT app.

In this kit, you will also get the 500mm long V-Tubler PETG hard Tube that runs exactly to the user’s heart content. You will also get compression fittings and some 90-degree adapters as well for easier tube routing.

Not but the least, The Thermaltake Pacific M360 cooling kit gives you a pure Clear Coolant. You will have much coolant as leftovers.

So, overall, this kit is exactly the best cooling kit every user wants. This kit is efficient, zero noise kit, and also bang for the buck. You will get everything you need in this kit.

Also, see our top 5 picks for best water cooling pumps.

2. EKWB EK-KIT P280

EKWB EK-KIT P280 is designed for users who seek the best performing, quality built, and also efficient liquid cooling solutions.

The best part about this kit is that:

You don’t have to stress about finding the correct tube size or correct fittings. This Ek Kit 280 has everything you need.

EKWB EK-KIT P280 is compatible with the following CPU sockets: Intel LGA-1150/1151/1155/1156, Intel LGA-2011(-3), Intel LGA-2066, AMD Socket AM4.

ekwb-ek-kit-p280

Check Today's Price of EKWB EK-KIT P280 ➜➜

This kit comes with a:

  • Universal CPU water block
  • A pump-reservoir combo
  • A Radiator
  • Enough Soft tubing
  • And, Compression Fittings

The Ek-280 Cooling kit is a solid kit when it comes to water cooling your PC. The great fact is that the parts are all RGB. Not only are the fans RGB, but also the CPU block and the Reservoir itself.

Well, the only dropdown of this kit is that there is no GPU block and no mounting brackets. As GPU is easier to upgrade and I personally upgrade my GPU constantly for hardcore gaming, I had to buy a separate GPU block in order to water cool the entire system.

However, I think it’s not a bad deal after all. Because cooling the CPU is more important for overclocking.

EKWB EK-KIT P280 is a high-end liquid cooling loop that is fully expandable and upgradable. Adding a GPU water block or a second radiator down the loop is easy and possible at any time.

This kit is especially known for best thermal performance and durability. Besides, this kit brings silence to the environment. The Pump and RGB fans are PWM controlled.

Check out our experts tested and reviewed the Deepcool Gammaxx 400 CPU Cooler.

3. Corsair Hydro X Series

If you are a hardcore gamer and want a water-cooling kit for maximum overclocking then, the Corsair Hydro X series should be your first choice.

You can make your PC a stunning masterpiece with this complete premium Hydro X Series RGB hardline custom cooling kit.

This kit contains 10 items:

  • RGB Illuminated XC7 CPU Water Block
  • RGB GPU Water Block
  • RGB illuminated XD5 Reservoir-Pump Combo
  • XL5 Performance coolant
  • Hard Tubes
  • Radiator
  • QL120 RGB cooling fans
  • 90-degree rotatory adapter
  • Corsair Hydro X Series Xf Compression 10/13mm (3/8″/ 1/2″) ID/OD Fittings
  • Saw, bending mandrel, and tube holder.

corsair-hydro-series-xh305i

Check Today's Price of Corsair Hydro X Series ➜➜

The Xc7’s CPU Water Block is nickel-plated copper cold plate and more than 70 highly efficient micro cooling fins draw heat away from your CPU lowering the temperature. This monoblock has 16 individually addressable RGB LED’s that delivers a 360 degree stunning customizable RGB lighting effects when combined with Commander Pro or Corsair Lighting Node PRO.

You can also add a powerful Corsair iCUE software to instantly Sync RGB lightings across all your Corsair RGB products. The monoblock is easy to install on Intel LGA 1200 and AMD AM4 sockets.

The automated software will control your fan and pump speeds to their lowest possible noise level!!!

Here’s a complete guide on how to fix CPU fan not spinning.

One exceptional thing about this kit is that:

This kit provides a GPU block. Not all water cooling kits provide a GPU block which makes this kit a pure exception.

The XG7 RGB GPU Water Block includes a full-length aluminum backplate to completely cover your graphics card’s PCB and protect sensitive components. Its 16 RGB LED”s integrated directly into the GPU Block provides a vibrant customizable RGB lighting when combined with Corsair Lighting Node Pro.

You will also get to create stunning loops with the XT Hardline Tubing which is easily bendable and cuttable.

A high-performance XD5 PWM pump to deliver the perfect flow balance for your cooling loop. The 330mL Reservoir puts up your custom cooling systems coolant on display. The Reservoir has a stunning angular design and also has an integrated fillport that makes filling, flushing, and topping-off coolant easy.

The Reservoir-pump combo has a rubberized mounting system that reduces pump vibrations making your cooling loop seen, not heard.

So, overall for maximum overclocking, Corsair hydro X series cooling kit is the best.

On a side note, see our recommended best coolant for water cooling pc.

4. EKWB EK-KIT RGB 240 

If you want a very easy installation cooling kit within budget then, Ek RGB 240 kit is the best.

This kit is the ultimate fully RGB customizable liquid cooling kit that has socket compatibility for Intel LGA-1150/1151/1155/1156/2011(-3)/2066, AMD AM4.

One thing that is very much useful for this kit is that majority of the components are pre-assembled.

This kit comes with:

  • An RGB reservoir-pump combo
  • RGB fans
  • RGB CPU Water Block
  • Soft tubing
  • Compression Fittings

This water cooling kit is very much satisfactory and mainly aimed at demanding players. The components and the material types will surely meet up your expectations.

ekwb-ek-kit-p280

Check Today's Price of EKWB EK-KIT RGB 240 ➜➜

The only drawbacks are there is no GPU water block and the size of the reservoir is less than the Ek X360 kit. So, you have to add one.

If you think that you cannot afford the Ek 360 series, you can buy this kit. It’s both efficient and well thermally balanced. You won’t have any problems to build your water cooling system using this kit. Connect the components with RGB software to turn lights on and off.

The Ek 240 is a bang for the buck for low budget holders.

Check out the easiest way to fix CPU cooler not lighting up.

5. Thermaltake Pacific CL360

Thermaltake Pacific CL360 is an efficient premium quality cooling kit whose components can be controlled by TT RGB Plus software, Razer Chroma, and also Alexa’s voice service.

The kit contains a combo of:

  • Riing RGB Radiator fans
  • ARGB CPU Water Block
  • D5 300 mL Reservoir-Pump Combo
  • CL360 Radiator 360mm
  • T1000 Pure Clear Coolant
  • C Pro OD Compressions
  • V-Tubler PETG Tubes
  • ARGB LED Controller
  • 90 Degree Adapter
  • Mounting Brackets
  • COMPATIBILITY: Intel LGA 2066/2011/1366/1156/1155/1151/1150/775, AMD AM4/FM2/FM1/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2

This cooling kit contains all the components you need to complete a water cooling loop.

thermaltake-pacific-cl360

Check Today's Price of Thermaltake Pacific CL360 ➜➜

You can experience synchronized gaming and RGB lighting effects on cooling systems and gaming gear.

The best features included in this cooling kit is:

You can control fan speed and lights easily with one click, tap, or voice command by pairing with Alexa, Razer Chroma, and TT RGB Plus Software.

You can also fit all modern CPU sockets with a universal mounting mechanism. A 300 mL Reservoir with a D5 combo is the best you can get in this cooling kit.

You can give a second thought about buying this kit after you surf through Thermaltake pacific M360 Plus.

There was enough tubing (soft or hard choice depends on your own) and coolant in the kit to fill the entire loop with some to spare. The only dropdown to this kit is there is no GPU water block.

I think that this cooling kit is the second-best for water cooling your gaming PC.

Follow our guide to fix CPU cooler clicking noise without any hassle.

Water Cooling Kit Buyer’s Guide

A good water-cooling kit is needed for water cooling your gaming PC.

You need to consider certain aspects before buying a water cooling kit.

And I am going to discuss those factors in this Water Cooling kit buyer’s guide.

The water cooling kit is not cheap and so it would be a wise choice to buy the best one which is budget best and also worth the money.

80-90% of the times most kit doesn’t provide you with all the cooling components.

That’s why you need to buy the best kit which will provide you all for your gaming PC.

So, here are things you should consider before buying a water cooling kit:

Budget

The cooling kits are more of a fancy product. That’s why they are high-priced.

If you have enough budget, I prefer buying the Thermaltake pacific M360 plus.

Trust me. This kit is worth every single penny.

However, if you are low on budget, then you can buy the EKWB EK-KIT RGB 240 Watercooling Kit.

Cooling Component Availability

Not all kits give you exactly everything. Even the best liquid cooling kits lack a few components.

In this case, you have no choice but to add those cooling components to finish the entire loop.

Thermaltake Pacific M360 plus and Thermaltake Pacific CL360 are the best because it provides you with almost everything you need except the GPU water block.

Here’s a complete guide on why is my CPU cooler so loud.

Size of Radiator And Size of Reservoir

Sizes of reservoir and radiators matter to your build. If the size of the reservoir or the radiator doesn’t match your demands then, you can always add an extra.

In this case, I prefer using the Thermaltake M360 Plus. trust me, It’s worth the take.

Also, check out our separate post on is it safe to run a CPU air cooler without a fan.

FAQ

Question: Is Liquid Cooling better than air cooling?

Answer: Yes, Liquid cooling is better than air cooling. Your PC won’t overheat and will be free from dust if you use a water-cooling loop.

Question: Which liquid cooling kit is the best within low budget?

Answer: Within a low budget, Ek kit 240 is the best and most efficient. But, you won’t get all the materials within a low range.

Final Thoughts

Water cooling is a dream for many gamers. Why not? It looks cool anyway.

But the cooling kit should always be a good bargain.

All of the enlisted products in this post will be a favorable deal for you.

Though I would still say:

Thermaltake M360 Plus is more of a luxury.

About The Author
Farhan Max is a tech geek with a particular interest in computer hardware. He's been fascinated by gaming since childhood and is now completing his undergraduate studies while researching and testing the latest tech innovations. Alongside his love for all things geeky, Farhan is also a skilled photographer.

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