The Best Water Block That Works Best On Your PC

Key components in a custom loop include a reservoir, a pump, fans, a radiator, and tubing. However, you can have all the high-end devices in the world, but if you ignore the CPU water block, you are missing out. If the block can't cool the processor properly, then what's the point? This is especially highly important in today's age where CPU overclocking is a big deal for enthusiasts who like to install elaborate custom water-cooling loops.

If you are spending a considerable amount of money into a loop, a great CPU block will go with it. With that in mind, choosing among dozens of options is quite difficult. Luckily, we've done the research for you. Custom water cooling, however, is a chore, so you have to be prepared to pay attention to it in the long run. For starters, choosing the best case for water cooling can be a good start. Below are some of the best CPU water block picks you should consider in 2022.

• Best overall CPU water block: Corsair Hydro X Series XC7 RGB Water Block. Check Amazon

• Best CPU water block for style: Alphacool Eisblock XPX Aurora Digital RGB Water Block. Check Amazon

• Best AMD CPU water block: EKWB EK-Velocity CPU Waterblock. Check Amazon.

• Best RGB CPU Water Block: Thermaltake Pacific DIY RGB CPU Block. Check Amazon

• Best Cost-saving CPU Water Block: BQINLENX Professional Water Cooling Block. View Amazon

1. Corsair Hydro X Series XC7 RGB Water Block

Corsair has long been known for their gaming PC components and exterior peripherals. The majority of their Hydro series comprise closed-loop AIOs. Nevertheless, Corsair isn’t reluctant to produce components for custom loops. Regarding this, the Hydro X Series XC7 RGB Water Block seems like a major success and is probably considered the best water block overall from our list.  

With more than sixty micro cooling fins, this water block utilizes a copper plate made of nickel. These allow them to remove heat from the CPU efficiently. This CPU block is suited to both AMD and Intel and it fits the LGA 1151, LGA 1200, and AMD AM4 sockets. The same applies to the XC9 water block but it can only work with the 2066 and TR4 sockets.

RGB lighting isn’t so much of a surprise to see in Corsair products. A lot of people aim for aesthetic characteristics when building custom loops, so it is certainly helpful to have RGB as an option. It utilizes 16 separate addressable LEDs that produce a 360-degree effect. There’ll be a need for connection with Corsair’s Lighting Node or Commander Pro RGB controller interface.

Regarding their appearance, this water block is one of the most stunning ones on the market. The transparency of its flow chamber that exposes the coolant combined with fabulous lighting creates a marvelous look for the system. If you have already used the Corsair ecosystem, the iCUE software can even be used to control the water block.

Thankfully, installing this device is a piece of cake. It includes thermal paste that has been previously applied and mounting screws. Additionally, the water block delivers excellent performance and stays on-par with existing larger water block manufacturers. The only drawback is that you might need a Corsair lighting controller to get the most out of the RGB. 

In summary:

Pros

• Easy installation

• Beautiful design

• Diverse compatibility

• 16 RGB LEDs that are addressable

• Outstanding performance

Cons

• RGB needs Corsair Lighting Controller

• iCUE software could be improved

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2. Alphacool Eisblock XPX Aurora Digital RGB Water Block

AlphaCool is well known for its product lines dedicated to custom loops. So far, Eisblock XPX Aurora Plexi Digital is one of the most successful CPU blocks for them. Recently, the RGB version has been improved. This has resulted in one of the best looking CPU water blocks that have ever existed and is also the best looking CPU water block on our list. It also works brilliantly like a true champion.

The latest improved version of Eisblock looks much better than the original version. The transparent compartment reveals the interior in a clever and beautiful way. It has a smooth transparent finish, along with black accents for extra embellishment. The performance it provides is quite effective thanks to the design of the ramp system.

The juice passes through the diffuser plate and evenly coats the cooling base. In addition, the channels are designed to be larger to better accommodate larger CPUs. A multi-core processor would make this quite efficient. There are 81 fins in the cooling pad, providing maximum heat diffusion. It creates a large surface area for better dissipation. 

It comes with all AMD and Intel socket compatible accessories. A 5V digital RGB converter needs to be connected to the device for RGB control. The 5V 3pin addressable RGB header on the motherboard needs to be plugged in with the other end of this cable. The Alphacool Digital RGB controller is sold separately if the motherboard is out of capacity.

All in all, this is a quality CPU water block from a very respectable brand. The value proposition isn't too poor either. The only thing that can be annoying for some people in the long run is that the fluid flow is a bit restricted, although it doesn't hinder performance much and the thermal performance is still excellent.

In summary:

Pros

• Eye-catching and unique design

• Excellent performance

• Transparent and smooth finish

• All-inclusive accessories

• Addressable RGB

Cons

• Slightly limited flow

• Moderately expensive

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3. EKWB EK-Velocity CPU Waterblock.

EKWB is a pioneer in the field of water-cooled components. They are highly regarded for their quality CPU and GPU blocks. Their Velocity product lineup has been quite successful. So it is only natural that they have started focusing on high-quality CPU blocks for AMD processors.

There are many CPU water blocks on the market that are compatible with both Intel and AMD. However, not many companies focus entirely on AMD. EKWB itself had to acknowledge this and solved it with the EK-Velocity Water Block. It is a copper/plexi block and is made of high quality material. For modern microprocessors, this is the right product that delivers high performance.

The award-winning cooling engine is still used in this water block. It has also been tweaked for better performance and optimized flow. Whether your pump is expensive or cheap, this water block can do the job with ease. It's made of pure copper, so even though the operation is quite silent, its performance isn't affected at all.

The surface is in good contact with the CPU because it has been polished. The top surface is made of Plexiglass. Installation is easy and accessories are included, such as mounting screws, mounting springs, AM4 brackets, rubber backing pads, and even a small tube of Hydronaut thermal paste.

Additionally, this CPU block is pretty well designed. Although there isn't any RGB, copper and glass make a stunning combination. The mixture is mixed with some light or white color coolant, which makes this water block look very unique. However, this is a high-end water block, so the price is a bit high. Even so, it might be the best AMD water block out there right now.

In summary:

Pros

• Top-notch performance

• Minimal and smooth design

• 100% copper

• Included with thermal paste

Cons

• Expensive

• No RGB Lighting

• Only AMD exclusive

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4. Thermaltake Pacific DIY RGB CPU Block

Thermaltake is also a standout brand when it comes to water-cooled components. Since they also manufacture fans, cases, and other parts, this is the brand for the public. However, Thermaltake Pacific DIY RGB CPU Block offers more than it's worth.

Thermaltake’s design theme probably applies to all of their current products. This water block has an RGB-surrounded black top plate. The Ring RGB effects create a unique look for this water block, making it the most special one on our list. 

If you connect the RGB to the header on your motherboard, it is totally identifiable. It can also be plugged into an RGB controller and works with all modern AMD and Intel sockets, or even some older-generation sockets. It utilizes a copper base with 0.15mm inner fin construction. On top of that, it features a corrosion-resistant nickel finish and an easy mounting mechanism.

This water block makes great thermal performance. Even the 3950X can easily be overclocked with this CPU block. It also operates rather quietly, which is a great thing if you wish for a silent build. In general, this offers great value thanks for its aesthetic design and performance level.

Unfortunately, RGB wires are made at low costs and several people have reported the LEDs’ quality problems. Moreover, Thermaltake's software takes a lot of work, so this will be slightly a disappointment if you want RGB control.

In summary:

Pros

• Eye-catching design

• Solid build

• Smooth water flows

• Diverse compatibility

• Beautiful RGB

Cons

• RGB cables are weak

• Dissatisfying software

• Only AMD exclusive

• LED hotspots can be seen occasionally 

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5. BQINLENX Professional Water Cooling Block

BXQINLENX is a brand that is less well-known to gaming newbies, because they are not as strongly marketed as the other higher-quality brands. However, don’t let this trick you as this is still a great value water block that is suitable for those looking at entry-level blocks. 

This water block is only compatible with Intel CPUs. Its high-performance base is made of 100% copper and is able to remove heat from the processor. It uses standard G 1/4″ threads without accessories but that’s reasonable for the price offered.

Most compression fittings are compatible with this water block, which is a great thing if you want to use it with rigid tubing. A noticeable feature of this block is that it is small and delicate with an all-around matte black design, which creates a stunning look. This CPU block isn’t built like a tank but still has solid build quality and leaking is not a problem to be worried about. 

With such a low price, the performance of this water block is quite good. Heavy overclocking is not recommended, especially if a voltage spike occurs. It's fine to overclock lightly on a low to mid-range processor. Another minor downside is that there are no clear input/output indicators. But overall, for this budget, this is a great CPU water block.

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1. Who is the best CPU water block manufacturer? 

Although it is hard to decide the winner in the field of custom liquid cooling, there are standout brands that make excellent products. A product, in general, should be evaluated based on its strengths and weaknesses rather than the brand name behind it. With that in mind, when it comes to custom CPU water blocks, EK, Alphacool, and Corsair are notable manufacturers that win the hearts of consumers. 

2. What is a CPU water block? 

A water block for CPU monitors the dissipation of the coolant or water or other liquid to the CPU in order to cool it down effectively. It’s also equipped with very small fins that expand the surface area of the metal that comes in contact with the CPU directly, which increases the effectiveness of the heat transfer from the CPU to the coolant. Therefore, a CPU water block plays an important role in the appropriate performance of a custom liquid cooling loop. 

3. Water cooling or air cooling, which one is better?

Both water cooling and air cooling have their pros and cons. Air coolers are generally slightly less expensive and also more convenient. There is also no liquid so the risk of leaking is zero. On the other hand, water coolers or AiOs deliver slightly higher cooling performance and have a nicer look. AiOs are generally more quiet but of course, that comes with a higher price. Custom liquid cooling is even more costly but offers better thermal performance than both other forms.

4. How hard is it to preserve custom water cooling? 

It can be a little difficult for those with little experience to preserve and maintain the custom loop in the long run. Currently there are many available products that serve the purpose of cleaning the loop, whether it is debris or gunk or bacteria. However, careful attention and personal care are always more recommended because even a liquid cooling loop that is perfectly prepared requires some maintenance at times. In general, the level of difficulty is decided by a person’s experience, but the more you do it, the easier it becomes.