Best CPU Water Block Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
Building a custom PC is no joke. There are many things that you must keep in mind in order to create the best possible PC. The biggest issue with these setups is the lack of a good heat management system.
Every computer setup requires an adaptable and effective cooling system. For the most part, people tend to opt for the AIO coolers or the classic Air coolers.
They are sufficient for average users, but if you plan to overclock your CPU with those coolers, well, things might not turn out well. For heavy users and professionals, it is recommended that they go with a CPU water block. The CPU water block is perhaps the most efficient way of maximizing your performance by providing the most effective way of cooling the system down.
With that said, if you are reading this article, you probably know all about that and care only about the topic. I understand that. So, let me get right to the point and present you with a list of the best CPU water block.
Table of Contents
- LIST OF BEST CPU WATER BLOCK
- BEST CPU WATER BLOCK REVIEW
- Corsair Hydro X Series - BEST RGB CPU WATER BLOCK
- THERMALTAKE - BEST ULTRA COMPACT CPU WATER BLOCK
- EKWB EK-QUANTUM - BEST CPU WATER BLOCK FOR INTEL
- PHANTEKS PH-C350A - bEST CPU WATER BLOCK FOR amd
- ALPHACOOL EISBLOCK - BEST BUDGET CPU WATER BLOCK
- EKWB EK-QUANTUM VELOCITY CPU WATER BLOCK
- ALPHACOOL LIGHT - BRASS BLACK CHROME WATER COOLING CPU WATER BLOCKS
- EKWB EK-QUANTUM VELOCITY WATER BLOCK
- CRITERIA TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING THE CPU WATER BLOCK
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- CONCLUSION
LIST OF BEST CPU WATER BLOCK
BEST CPU WATER BLOCK REVIEW
1
Corsair Hydro X Series - BEST RGB CPU WATER BLOCK
Features
The Corsair Hydro X Series XC7 CPU Water Block is contender that is worthy of being considered the “best CPU water block”. The thing that caught my eye with this one is the fact that it looks absolutely gorgeous.
The 16 Individually addressable RGB LEDs provide you with a 360° light show of customizable RGB lights. Combine it with the separately sold corsair iCUE RGB lighting controller, and it can get quite vivid. However, looks are subjective and shouldn’t matter too much here.
The premium construction of this CPU water block is quite impressive, especially considering its rather competitive pricing. It has a transparent flow chamber that gloriously displays the coolants, while the trim is solid sandblasted aluminum.
Looks aside, the performance on the XC7 is fantastic as well. Equipped with 70 high-efficiency micro-cooling fins and a nickel-plated copper cold plate, do an efficient job of reducing the temperature of your CPU, thus allowing better performance and overclocking ability.
You get the CORSAIR iCUE software upon purchase which is a powerful software using which you can instantly sync and customize RGB lighting across all the CORSAIR products you own, including the water blocks, fans, keyboard, etc.
This is quite an attractive choice for the gamers out there as it offers optimal performance along with always-in-demand RGB lights that will sit right into anyone’s setup. Definitely worth a look!
Pros
Cons
2
THERMALTAKE - BEST ULTRA COMPACT CPU WATER BLOCK
Features
The Thermaltake Pacific W4 is easily one of the best CPU water block that I have tested. This is an excellent choice for custom PC builders for a variety of reasons.
Let us first talk about the LED lights here. Gamers are notorious for being in love with RGB lighting. Aesthetics matter a lot, especially if you already have a setup going on. This CPU water block with its own 16.8 million colors LED ring, 12 single addressable LEDs, 11 LED lighting modes will fit in just fine.
The installation process is extremely easy. For the most part, you will have no trouble with it. The RGB wires and cabling can be a bit of an effort, but it is worth it; truly DIY thanks to a universal mounting mechanism. Now, coming to the main points.
When it comes to performance, the Thermaltake Pacific W4 is no slouch in this department either. It is highly effective. It easily cools down your CPU and works without making a noise. It truly is surprisingly quiet. Also, it has a copper base with anti-corrosive nickel plating, which helps remove the heat from the system as it increases thermal conductivity.
This CPU water block features a 0.15mm micro-channel fin construction, a compact form factor that offers better heat dissipation and clearance. To monitor or adjust information like fan speed or customize the lights onboard, you can use the mobile app or the patented Riing Plus RGB Software.
Overall, I am quite impressed by the performance and durable yet universal design of the Thermaltake Pacific DIY W4.
Pros
Cons
3
EKWB EK-QUANTUM - BEST CPU WATER BLOCK FOR INTEL
Features
EKWB has managed to get quite a reputation amongst PC enthusiasts. Deservingly so, they have produced the best CPU water block that I have ever tested. Water cooling components are kind of their thing.
EKWB is one of those companies that have diverted their focus on AMD processors as not many manufacturers make that development or care much for AMD processors. With that said, the product we are talking about today is the EKWB EK=Quantum Velocity which is their high-performance, flag water block made for modern Intel CPUs.
In terms of pure looks, it is admittedly a bit on the plainer side. Now, depending upon whom you are asking, that may be a good or bad thing. I will leave that to your own discretion. Though it does have RGB, so if that is your only priority, it checks that box.
Focusing on the performance and hardware parts is my job. The top of this water block is CNC Machined Acrylic, with the base being Mirror Finish Nickel-plated Copper. It performed quite well in my tests and was able to easily keep the system cool and running. Give this a look!
Pros
Cons
4
PHANTEKS PH-C350A - bEST CPU WATER BLOCK FOR amd
FEATURES
The Phanteks PH C350I is one impressive piece of tech. It truly deserves being on a list that is about the “best cpu water block,” as this is definitely one. I am yet to meet someone who was disappointed with this purchase, and I am not surprised; this water block checks all the right boxes.
The build quality is quite rugged. The base is finished in a smooth mirror finish, while the block itself is covered in a velvet surround. This smooth finish gives it quite a classy look. Add RGB components to it, and you have got on your hands one of the best-looking water blocks.
You will find Military-Grade Viton O-rings on this water block that is capable of handling aggressive fluids and increased temperatures. The Viton rubber prevents any leaks even after long periods of usage and helps avoid any damage, so seals and components are resistant to any sort of damage during the installation period.
Talking about the Phanteks PH C350I water block’s cooling capabilities, it meets all the expectations. Even under heavy stress, the thermal performance is optimal, and there is no resistance in terms of flow thanks to a connection terminal.
Gamers should have no issue overclocking with this unit as it will keep everything cool and calm. If you own the RGB connector for the Phanteks case, you can use that here as the C350I can synchronize with the case. Being so feature-rich, high-quality, and excellent value for money, it had to be on the list.
Pros
Cons
5
ALPHACOOL EISBLOCK - BEST BUDGET CPU WATER BLOCK
FEATURES
The Alphacool Eisblock XPX is another best cpu water block in this list that I have gotten my hands on. I have been familiar with this company before, and I have tried this model’s predecessor, the NexXxoS XP3.
The Alphacool Eisblock XPX cooler is leagues ahead of its older brother in terms of performance as it has been completely redesigned. It has a fin structure of 0.2mm, and the fin count has been raised to 81 fins. This allows for much more water to flow as the cooling surface is larger.
To tackle the issue of uneven water distribution, Alphacool came up with their patented “Ramp,” which ensures that water evenly flows through the cooling fins without any turbulence when paired with the double distributor that they used to decrease resistance.
The Alphacool Eisblock XPX is a bit on the larger side, so smaller PC setups might not be suitable for it. However, this larger size means that it can handle even the large 10 core CPUs out there. The bracket used on this unit is very simple and basic. I mean that in the sense that new brackets can easily be built for different types of sockets.
In terms of looks, I love the way the XPX cpu water block looks. It looks like an ice cube. The aluminum frame comes in the same color as the cooler. There are also customized designs developed by Alphacool for those interested. The aluminum frame that covers the entire cooler can be switched out with other models if you wish to mix things up a bit. Sweet ability.
Pros
Cons
6
EKWB EK-QUANTUM VELOCITY CPU WATER BLOCK
FEATURES
In the previous entry, I spoke highly of EKWB. Informing you guys about how EKWB is one of the few companies that makes water blocks for AMD CPUs. The previous entry was a water block made for intel, though. Oops. Oh well, this one is all about AMD, though.
This block is with high-quality materials, namely Copper/Plexi. For modern processors, EKWB has gone all out and used its flagship performance grade water clock to satisfy the needs and desires of the modern PC enthusiast.
They have equipped this water block with their award-winning water block cooling engine, which has been modified a little bit to aid better flow and performance. The coolant will flow smoothly despite the quality of your pump. It has pure copper, so the performance is solid, and the operation is whisper-quiet.
The top surface of the Velocity Water Block by EKWB is made from a glass-like material called Plexi. The contact surface is polished, so it makes better contact with the CPU. It doesn’t come with RGB lights, unfortunately, but, with that said, it still has such a unique and cool look.
You can enhance it further with colored coolant, but the combination of copper and plexiglass by itself looks fantastic. I faced no issues with this water block, and it performs as well as you would expect. Unless RGB is a top priority, I recommend going for this!
Pros
Cons
7
ALPHACOOL LIGHT - BRASS BLACK CHROME WATER COOLING CPU WATER BLOCKS
FEATURES
It seems like a trend with Alphacool wherein they take their old product and make it better instead of introducing a new one; that is how it should be. The NexXxoS XP3 water block takes the original design of the NexXxoS XP and modifies it.
Adding even finer fin and channel structure, the thermal performance on this newer model is noticeably better. The other pins are 0.5x0.5mm wide and have a height of 2.5mm.
This cross-slotted structure allows the NexXxoS XP3 to transfer a larger amount of thermal energy from the cooling plate to the coolant real fast. The NexXxoS XP3 has optimized its coolant recirculation. It is equipped with a rather large collection reservoir along with the pin structure, because of which the coolant flows in all directions.
Pros
Cons
8
EKWB EK-QUANTUM VELOCITY WATER BLOCK
FEATURES
Some processors aren’t well equipped for handling gaming despite being rather beastly. The usual processors that we use for gaming can be cooled down with most water blocks. However, some special, powerhouse processors like the AMD Threadripper are in need of something more.
Well, the EKWB EK-Quantum Velocity CPU water block is that something more. With 32 core processors, you cannot use Air or AIO coolers as they won’t be able to manage the heat fast enough, and you might damage your system.
The EK Velocity water block is more than capable of cooling down your CPU. It has a fantastic build quality, and it is better at this price point. Despite not being “gaming orientated,” it does come equipped with LED lights, so you make no compromises in terms of aesthetics.
This water block is going to provide optimal cooling performance to your thread ripper processors, so it is worth checking out!
Pros
Cons
CRITERIA TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING THE CPU WATER BLOCK
While you're ready to buy a CPU water bank, there are a few basic requirements. Some guidance tips can be beneficial when purchasing an item. So here are some of those guidelines you need to know.
1. Build quality
The processor water block should have a sturdy and rugged design. Its base plate must be durable so that the water block can last longer. Also, be sure to check the outside cover of the block. If the build quality of these two components to be strong enough and durable, only then you should buy the CPU water block.
2. Compatibility
When you go for a CPU water block, you can't be random and choose the one you like. Instead, you need to know what type of processor you have and what water block is appropriate.
Only when they are compatibility, you can understand how water blocks work. Besides, the compatible type saves you any hassle during installation.
3. Mounting material
Of course, the best option is to choose a CPU water block that has mounting hardware. This will save you time before finding the equipment. And also makes the whole assembly process much easier.
Once you have the right material, it's only a matter of time. So always, opt for water blocks that come with hardware mounting equipment.
4. Ease of installation
The last tip for all of you is to have a little know-how on the installation beforehand. It would be appropriate if the CPU water block you chose came with an instruction manual.
This manual will help you assemble the water block without any hassle. In addition, the chances of error or improper installation are greatly reduced.
5. Budget
The budget also places its impact on what you end up buying. Rather than going too far or being too sophisticated, pick something you need the most. A major mistake people make is going out of budget and ending up buying garbage.
You can get a reliable and affordable CPU water bank here. With the products we have mentioned above, you will be able to find the best one for your CPU.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is a CPU waterblock?
For those who are not quite familiar with the term CPU water block. These are kinds of heatsinks specially designed to remove all heat from the CPU. And this is achieved with the help of a complete water cooling system. In return, the system cools down, continues to operate without delay or overheating.
2. Is water cooling worth it?
You may have heard of the debate over whether water cooling is better than air cooling. To everyone's surprise, water cooling is a much better option for processors. Water appears to transfer a lot more heat than air, which makes it reliable. Plus, water cooling helps make your PC quieter. Therefore, the fans will not have to constantly run at high speed. These aspects make it an effective choice, but there is a slight worry on the side. If the water block leaks, it can cause real damage and danger to the equipment.
3. Do Intel Water Blocks Works With AMD Processors?
Water blocks that are designed for Intel processors will not work for AMD because their socket compatibility. But there are few Intel water blocks that works with AMD because they are designed to work with both LGA and AMD AMx sockets. So it is important to check whether the water block socket is compatible with your Intel/AMD processor.
CONCLUSION
With that, I end this list of the “best CPU water block” out there. There are different types of processors out there and as many types of water blocks. People are still afraid of water blocks, and I do not blame them.
Admittedly, liquid coolants have had a pretty rocky start with all the leaking and all that. However, everything has a “beta” period, when it is still in the testing stages. We have come a long way from that time, and nowadays, most heavy users rely on water blocks as an Air Cooler just won’t do anymore. So, I hope you were able to find your first or new best CPU water block here. Thank you for reading!
