Gamers need powerful computers to support their abilities. Each additional frame that your computer can churn out provides you with an advantage in obtaining the top rank.
Competitive games such as PUBG, Call of Duty, Warzone, Apex Legends, and Overwatch may help you earn money. Investing in a high-end gaming PC is not just amusing; it also offers good rewards, provided you possess the necessary skill set.
To keep your CPU cool while running at full speed, you’ll need a clever system constructed with the best water cooling cases, and aesthetics may be a significant deciding element in case choosing.
If you are not a streamer and want a high-end system, choose water cooling cases that are functionally geared for performance over bling-laden designs.
A custom cooling with the best case for watercooling kit with transparent tubes and color dye can make your rig look like a vicious animal with blood flowing through its veins and organs. We have compiled a list of cases with the top features and few unique features that manufacturers offer to ensure diversity. You will need a 420mm radiator water cooling kit so that you can run it with lower noise levels under high performance or a smaller radiator that tends to have higher noise under processor-intensive conditions but run smoothly under low load; deciding on which water cooling kit you desire is the first step. If you plan to build a moderate-performing rig that can sometimes push numbers, then a smaller radiator-based kit would be suitable. The maximum commercially available radiator size is 480mm. Our list of water cool cases has all the options, but we would like to give you a small guide before investing your money:
Quick Shopping Tips:
Radiator Compatibility: Radiators come in different sizes, from 120mm to 480mm. User picks the right size as per their heat loads but having enough space in your chassis is equally important. So be sure to buy the chassis that supports your radiator size.
Motherboard Size: Chassis come in different form factors. Depending on that form, motherboard fitting is provided inside the case. Decide your motherboard size first before buying a case.
Aesthetics: Aesthetics might be of prime importance for streamers. For some people having a high-end looking, the equipment gives a dopamine rush. So RGB, color and design can give you the aesthetic pleasure you desire.
GPU Clearance: Obviously, a user looking for the best cases for water cooling will be installing a gaming GPU. So having enough space to accommodate GPU length is important.
Connectivity: Front panel can be used for connecting audio devices and peripherals. Having a USB 3.1 Type-A or a Type-C connection is always a plus point. Make sure your peripherals are compatible with the chassis.
Best Cases For Water Cooling at a glance:
- Thermaltake Core P5
- Cougar Conquer ATX Gaming Case
- CORSAIR OBSIDIAN 1000D
- Corsair Crystal 570X RGB
- Thermaltake Core P8
- Corsair Crystal Series 680X RGB
- Cooler Master Cosmos C700M
- Lian Li O11 Dynamic XL
The Best Cases For Water Cooling You Can Buy Today
Thermaltake Core P5
Best Open-Frame Case For Water Cooling
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Thermaltake | Case Form Factor: Mid Tower | Case Material: SPCC | Motherboard Support: ATX / Micro ATX / Mini ITX | Drive Bay: 4 | Expansion Slots: 8 | GPU Clearance: 570mm | CPU Clearance: 180mm | PSU Clearance: 200mm | Radiator Compatibility: 480mm | USB Version: 3.0 | Weight: 26.9 pounds | Dimensions: 25.5 x 26 x 7.2 inches
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Modular design with multiple orientations
✓ GPU mounting and customizable water loop space
✓ Chamber design and rubber grommets for cable management
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ High noise level
✗ No carry handles
Thermaltake Core P5 is the best option if you’re an experienced PC builder who can handle clean hardware assembly. It features a glass top and an open-air bench-style chassis.
Everything a streamer or gamer might want in terms of visuals is here. The open-frame design provides a stunning panoramic perspective. If you want to free up some room on your tables, consider mounting it on the wall so you can take advantage of the view. You may run wire via the grommets at the rear of the device.
With an open-frame construction, there are a few disadvantages to consider. Because the bench is open, there isn’t anything standing between you and the sounds. For this, you’ll need expensive components with low noise levels.
It’s in the rear chamber where the drives are. Your hard drives may overheat because of the limited amount of room and lack of air. It might be challenging to install an AIO cooler because of the restricted space for the radiator. The Type-C port is, now commonly utilized by peripheral manufacturers, is also absent from the front panel.
To make wall mounting simple, the enclosure is VESA compatible. A sleek front panel has been installed in front of it. A total of four USB ports—two USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 ensures that all of your peripheral requirements are met.
Multi-configuration capabilities make it a playground for custom PC aficionados. You may make your machine appear like a powerhouse by installing a reservoir and routing your pipework.
There are a variety of options for GPU mounting. Horizontally or vertically, you have the option to install your GPU. Water cooling enthusiasts will find this case the best Open-Frame case on the market.
Cougar Conquer ATX Gaming Case
Best Unique Case For Water Cooling
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Cougar gaming | Case Form Factor: Mid-Tower | Case Material: Aluminium Alloy | Motherboard Support: ATX / Micro ATX / Mini ITX | Drive Bay: 0+3+4 | Expansion Slots: 7 | GPU Clearance: 350mm | CPU Clearance: 190mm | PSU Clearance: 220mm | Radiator Compatibility: 360mm | USB Version: 3.0 | Weight: 30.9 pounds | Dimensions: 10 x 27 x 23 inches
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Pleasing aesthetics with quality material
✓ Multi-cooling kit option 240mm + 360mm radiator
✓ Easy assembly for a complicated design structure
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Heavy-weight
✗ No dust filters
Who wouldn’t like a beast-looking gaming PC that can house almost any high-end gaming component available in the market? Cougar is a brand that is known to add vicious aesthetics to its products. It is the ultimate masterpiece that everyone wants to own, making it the best unique case for water cooling. It can house a 240mm radiator on the front and a 360mm radiator on the chassis’ top. There is enough room to install a custom loop. Buy flexible tubes, use your assembly skills, add some dye-colored water, and you are good to go.
The complete chassis structure of the Cougar Conquer ATX gaming case is complicated, and users have reported that it could start to wobble if not handled correctly during transportation. The front panel is the standard USB Type-A connection and HD Audio jacks. The Type-C port on this premium case is still missing. The storage is mounted in the middle, which disturbs the airflow from the front. The assembly is a bit tricky, unlike other box-like cases. The whole assembly is flimsy initially until it is put together. However, it looks gorgeous after the assembly process.
The chassis is semi-open design, so air intake is no problem. 350mm of allowable length for GPU is high enough to install an Nvidia RTX 3090 Ti, top-of-a-line GPU for consumer use. The 5mm thick tempered glass on both sides is a solid built designed to last long and handle the stress caused during assembly and logistics. You will never see a case that uses sheet metal with such eye-catching bends. They used a truss structure with color accents to make the case stand out.
CORSAIR OBSIDIAN 1000D
Best Super-Tower Case For Water Cooling
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Corsair | Case Form Factor: Super Tower | Case Material: Tempered Glass + Aluminum | Motherboard Support: E-ATX / ATX / Micro ATX / Mini ITX / SSI-EEB | Drive Bay: 0+3+4 | Expansion Slots: 8 | GPU Clearance: 400mm | CPU Clearance: 180mm | PSU Clearance: 225mm | Radiator Compatibility: 480mm | USB Version: 3.1 | Weight: 65 pounds | Dimensions: 27.3 x 12.1 x 27.4 inches
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Future proof front panel and filtration system
✓ Supports up to 18 fans and four 480mm radiators
✓ Pre-installed iCUE PRO fan and RGB Commander
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No pre-installed fan
✗ No connectivity options for Mini-ITX on the front panel
Corsair makes high-performance gaming parts, and Corsair Obsidian 1000D is no exception to those words, and it is the best Super-Tower case for water cooling. This is an absolute beast with enough room to fit two complete computer systems under one roof. The separate power buttons are provided from both the motherboards, i.e., the E-ATX and Mini-ITX. It’s the ultimate case for the largest possible liquid cooling radiator sizes. This giant can house 18 fans and up to 4 full-sized 480mm radiators simultaneously. This chassis is not just made to play games; it’s made to make games.
If you are looking to install a best case for watercooling custom loop water cooling kit, you might find some mounting issues for your liquid reservoir. So be sure to buy some mounting rings beforehand. The concept of fan plates is exciting, but users have reported facing difficulty in aligning and screwing in plates. The documentation is not self-explanatory, so be sure to use YouTube for a better understanding of assembly. Due to its size, the case has a lot of weight, so consider this factor before purchasing.
The case comes preinstalled with an iCUE Commander PRO fan and RGB controller, a big plus. You can connect up to six fans with two RGB lighting channels. It controls four temperature sensors and two USB 2.0 headers. The case comes with filters that can easily be taken out to maintain. The tempered glass on two sides makes sure you have an uninterrupted view of the hardware you have assembled. The front panel is comprehensive with four USB 3.0 ports, two Type-C ports, headphone jacks, power, and a reset button.
Corsair Crystal 570X RGB
Best Overall Case For Water Cooling
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Corsair | Case Form Factor: Mid Tower | Case Material: Tempered Glass + Alloy Steel | Motherboard Support: ATX / Micro ATX / Mini ITX | Drive Bay: 0+2+2 | Expansion Slots: 7 | GPU Clearance: 370mm | CPU Clearance: 170mm | PSU Clearance: 225mm | Radiator Compatibility: 360mm | USB Version: 3.0 | Weight: 24 pounds | Dimensions: 18.89 x 20.15 x 921 inches
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Removable fan trays for easy installation
✓ Proper airflow and layout for high-end components
✓ 4-Panel tempered glass with three pre-installed RGB fans
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No 5.25” drive bay
✗ Restart button missing
Corsair’s beauty is that they have a product to offer in each market segment, which is well thought out and designed. Corsair Crystal 570X RGB is a chassis that is designed for users to flaunt their hardware off. The three-tempered glass gives an unrestricted view of each part. The chassis has a 120mm, 240mm, 280mm, and a 360 mm radiator option. The case comes with three SP120 RGB LED fans. There is space to install two 3.5” and two 2.5” drives on the back away from view to keep your rig looking clean.
It is indeed a well-thought-out design, but few things might bother some users. It has no 5.25” drive bay and only 2+2 space for other sizes. The shroud cover is fixed and does not run throughout the bottom, leaving some wires exposed, requiring workarounds. The back is clear and makes cable management difficult, but the tempered glass makes it worthwhile. It’s an expensive case but still deserves to be called the best overall case for water cooling.
The best case for watercooling or cooling kits is not strictly used for performance; a good-looking custom cooling kit can make your computer look aesthetically clean and vicious. The liquid cooling kit that you can install would be clearly visible through 4-panel tempered glass. Everything from RGB to your pump can be showcased in this chassis. The popularity of this chassis is mainly due to its aesthetics. The support for six fans and clean cable management also contribute to the ease of assembly. The case comes with high-quality dust filters that ensure proper intake, and the honeycomb-like structure in the front makes it look unique.
Thermaltake Core P8
Best E-ATX Case For Water Cooling
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Thermaltake | Case Form Factor: Full Tower | Case Material: SPCC | Motherboard Support: E-ATX / ATX / Micro ATX / Mini ITX | Drive Bay: 0+3+7 | Expansion Slots: 8 | GPU Clearance: 320mm | CPU Clearance: 180mm | PSU Clearance: 200mm | Radiator Compatibility: 480mm | USB Version: 3.1 | Weight: 54.9 pounds | Dimensions: 29 x 27.5 x 13 inches
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Can house 5 cooling kits for separate components
✓ Offers fully display and show off internal components
✓ Sturdy Vertical GPU mounting and open frame transformation
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Big footprint on the tabletop
✗ No USB 3.1 Gen 2 connection
Owning an E-ATX chassis with enough space for liquid cooling and huge beast-looking hardware components is every power user’s dream. Thermaltake took those dreams and made them a reality. To put it simply, they made eye candy and called it Thermaltake Core P8. This 29 inches long chassis can make any case look small. The incredible support for a 480mm radiator on the front, a 360mm radiator support on the top, 480mm on the right, and 240mm on the bottom makes all other cases look weak. Your rig wouldn’t miss out on anything; it’s future compatible and remains relevant today.
The case is heavy owing to the high-end material. The case footprint is large because of the enormous space inside the chassis. We wanted to see a USB 3.1 Gen 2 port on the front, considering the customer’s investment in buying this product. Such a big case with no 5.25” drive bay might be a let down for some users, but overall, it’s an excellent decision not to include it since more users are dependent on internet downloads than optical drive-based installations. Considering all the factors, we believe this is the best E-ATX case for water cooling.
You can water cool your primary GPU with a cooling kit and cool your additional GPU with another cooling kit: a separate CPU cooling kit and an overall space for intake fans. The front panel allows connection to two USB 3.0, two USB 2.0, Audio connections, and the most wanted Type-C connection. The 4mm thick tempered glass ensures you have a clear view of your computer diagnostic LEDs and RGB installed for aesthetics. The material is sturdy and makes the whole rig feel like a tank capable of taking a hit. The cable management is also on point.
Corsair Crystal Series 680X RGB
Best High-Quality Case For Water Cooling
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Corsair | Case Form Factor: Mid Tower | Case Material: Tempered Glass + Steel + Plastic | Motherboard Support: E-ATX / ATX / Micro ATX / Mini ITX | Drive Bay: 0+3+4 | Expansion Slots: 8+2 vertical | GPU Clearance: 330mm | CPU Clearance: 180 mm | PSU Clearance: 225mm | Radiator Compatibility: 360mm | USB Version: 3.1 | Weight: 25.5 pounds | Dimensions: 16.65 x 13.54 x 19.88 inches
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Wide compatibility range of coolers
✓ Dual-Chamber design for efficient cable management
✓ Four pre-installed fans with an efficient filtration system
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Low acoustic performance
✗ High price/performance ratio
We have featured this chassis in various articles as it is a combination of all the best features under one roof. It’s an amazing chassis for RGB and an excellent case for cooling kits. The dual-chamber design allows easy cable management and hides all the clutter. It comes with three tempered glass panels and a beautiful set of three 120mm RGB fans. The USB 3.1 Type-C support on the front panel allows all your latest-gen peripheral to connect and perform at their highest capability.
Corsair Crystal Series 680X RGB case sits firmly on a tabletop, but the weight and size are huge. It’s not for people with minimalist design desires. A chassis that can handle three cooling kits would be large. The included exhaust fan at the back is not RGB lit. It’s a bit expensive since Corsair is a big name whose products offer quality with long-lasting performance. The noise suppression is not up to the mark, but the push to open hinged side glass provides the accessibility every hardware enthusiasts require.
The case can hold up to three multi-fan radiators, one on the front, one on the top, and one on the bottom. The layout is designed so that the hot air exits from the top of the case’s backside. Intake is taken from the front of the bottom. The layout inside the chassis allows smooth airflow. The incredible iCUE software allows all your RGB and fans to be controlled using a single application. Corsair is all about quality, and we awarded it as the best high-quality case for water cooling.
Cooler Master Cosmos C700M
Best Premium Case For Water Cooling
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Cooler Master | Case Form Factor: Full Tower | Case Material: Tempered Glass + Aluminum + Steel | Motherboard Support: E-ATX / ATX / Micro ATX / Mini ITX | Drive Bay: 1+5+4 | Expansion Slots: 8 | GPU Clearance: 490mm | CPU Clearance: 198mm | PSU Clearance: No limitation | Radiator Compatibility: 420mm | USB Version: 3.1 | Weight: 52.5 pounds | Dimensions: 25.6 x 12 x 25.6 inches
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Four pre-installed PWM fans
✓ Aluminum handles for easy transport
✓ Enough space for customization and modular design
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Heavy-weight
✗ No PCI-E 4.0 support
Cooler Master has come out with a chassis that looks like something from space. It has a futuristic look with addressable RGB that runs from the top of the case to the front panel and bottom of the chassis, giving it a similar feeling to a neon light under a car. The side glass panel offers a full view of the liquid cooling that you have installed. The flat radiator bracket offers versatility for installing liquid cooling kits. A 420mm radiator can be easily installed on either side of the frame.
It’s an expensive chassis, but there is a reason why we have named this as the best premium case for water cooling. Cooler Master has put in a lot of effort to design and produce a case like Cooler Master Cosmos C700M. The RGB is addressable with the preset routines fed into the chassis control; it cannot be connected to the mobo to allow software-based customization. The mounting method for the storage drive is old school, but the ability to allow the installation of 1+5+4 is high enough for content creators that require high enough storage capacity.
This is an aesthetic masterpiece that has a handle-like structure on the top for portability. The I/O on the front panel allows USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C version, which is the latest tech you can find in the market. It has a 4-pole headset jack, four USB 3.0 ports, an ARGB button, and a PWM fan speed control button. You won’t find many curved panels on most chassis; it is unique and aesthetically stunning. The freedom of layout does not end on the radiator frame; the GPU can be mounted on custom-designed supports.
Lian Li O11 Dynamic XL
Best All-Rounder Case For Water Cooling
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Lian Li | Case Form Factor: Full Tower | Case Material: Tempered Glass + Aluminum Exterior + SPCC Interior | Motherboard Support: E-ATX / ATX / Micro ATX / Mini ITX | Drive Bay: 0+2+2 | Expansion Slots: 8 | GPU Clearance: 446 mm | CPU Clearance: 167mm | PSU Clearance: 280mm | Radiator Compatibility: 360mm | USB Version: 3.1 | Weight: 34.2 pounds | Dimensions: 23.75 x 15 x 23.3 inches
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Wide room for three 360mm radiators
✓ Diverse connectivity and vertical GPU mounting
✓ Diverse connectivity and vertical GPU mounting
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Easy to scratch
✗ Side panel removal requires top panel removal
Lian Li is slowly gaining market due to the high-quality products that they offer. Lian Li O11 Dynamic XL is ROG certified. The chassis has all the space you would need to add to the list of high-end water cool cases. GPU clearance is a staggering 446 mm made for not only gaming but for developing games. This case has a diversely functional front panel with four USB 3.0 ports, with 2 on the upper part of the front and 2 on the feet, making it a perfect selection for your tabletop. It also features a USB 3.1 Type-C connection.
Users have reported that the tempered glass is easily scratchable with a smokey light screen, prone to finger marks. At the price point that this chassis offers, fans’ inclusion is often expected, but this case has no pre-included fans. It requires removing the top cover to remove the side panels, which is hectic for frequent modders and overclock enthusiasts with switches on the motherboard. It’s not for inexperienced builders but great for custom loop cooling kits.
This case has all of the features that make it the best all-rounder case for water cooling. It has one of the easiest cable management, making sure you save time for streaming on twitch rather than cleaning up your hardware. The case is made from sturdy material, and the elegant design is cherry on top. The case has filters at all the intake points. There is room to fit three 360mm radiators for separate CPU and Dual GPUs.
Conclusion
You can spend premium bucks to pick the best of the best. We are dedicated to helping people spend reasonable money to get the best for their money. Their requirement is something that a user decides himself. We describe the capability and options in each case that supports water cooling kits. We have listed the best cases for water cooling.
You can go for a custom water cooling loop if you are experienced. If you require multiple kits for multiple hardware components, then your chassis should have enough room on each side to install the radiators. Besides being great for cooling, the case should have diverse connectivity. Aesthetics also play a major role.
The ease in cable management for a cleaner look also helps in saving time. Being a streamer or a competitive gamer, every second you spend away from the screen is a loss. The case should be easy to assemble and have sturdy material to keep its shape during transportation. We hope you will find the best case for water cooling that you are looking for. Be sure to go through our shopping tips before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is water-cooled better for PC?
Regarding temperature control, liquid cooling is the sexier alternative because of its stunning aesthetic appeal and exceptional performance. Liquids carry heat away from components and are typically better at managing heat than air in these systems.
Is it safe to water cool a PC?
It’s typically safe to use liquid cooling if it’s done correctly. Leaks have caused some problems for specific users, particularly with their GPU, CPU, and motherboard components. The components of the computer that are in direct contact with liquids will be damaged very immediately.
