Water cooling systems have become a game-changer for PC enthusiasts who want better performance and quieter operation. Unlike traditional air cooling, water cooling uses liquid to transfer heat away from computer components more efficiently.
This allows for greater overclocking potential and can significantly reduce system noise.
Finding the right case for a water-cooled setup is crucial for success. The best water cooling PC cases offer ample space for radiators, pumps, and reservoirs. They also provide good airflow and easy access to components for maintenance.
Without proper planning, you might end up with a case that’s too cramped or doesn’t support the cooling hardware you need.
When shopping for a water cooling case, pay attention to radiator support, internal layout, and build quality. Some cases might advertise water cooling support but only accommodate small radiators.
We’ve tested dozens of PC cases specifically for water cooling setups to find options that make installation straightforward while providing excellent cooling performance. The Lian Li O11 Dynamic XL stood out as our top pick for its exceptional radiator support and user-friendly design.
AI:
Water cooling systems have become a game-changer for PC enthusiasts who want better performance and quieter operation. Unlike traditional air cooling, water cooling uses liquid to transfer heat away from computer components more efficiently.
This allows for greater overclocking potential and can significantly reduce system noise.
Finding the right case for a water-cooled setup is crucial for success. The best water cooling PC cases offer ample space for radiators, pumps, and reservoirs. They also provide good airflow and easy access to components for maintenance.
Without proper planning, you might end up with a case that’s too cramped or doesn’t support the cooling hardware you need.
When shopping for a water cooling case, pay attention to radiator support, internal layout, and build quality. Some cases might advertise water cooling support but only accommodate small radiators.
We’ve tested dozens of PC cases specifically for water cooling setups to find options that make installation straightforward while providing excellent cooling performance. The Lian Li O11 Dynamic XL stood out as our top pick for its exceptional radiator support and user-friendly design.
Best Water Cooling PC Cases
We’ve gathered the top water cooling PC cases for your next custom loop build. These cases offer plenty of room for radiators, pumps, and reservoirs while keeping your components cool and your setup looking sharp.
Our picks balance cooling performance, build quality, and visual appeal to help you create the perfect water-cooled system.
NZXT Kraken 240 Liquid Cooler
The NZXT Kraken 240 delivers exceptional cooling performance while adding a stunning customizable LCD display that makes it worth every penny for both performance and aesthetics.
Pros
- Customizable LCD screen displays GIFs, system stats, and more
- Powerful pump runs quietly at up to 2,800 RPM
- Simple installation with a single breakout cable
Cons
- Premium price compared to non-display coolers
- Requires CAM software for full functionality
- LCD visibility depends on case placement
We recently installed the NZXT Kraken 240 in our test rig, and the difference was immediately noticeable. CPU temperatures dropped significantly compared to our stock air cooler, staying below 55°C even during intensive gaming sessions.
The 240mm radiator fits perfectly in most mid-tower cases without space issues.
The star of this cooler is definitely the 1.54-inch LCD display. We’ve been switching between displaying CPU temps while working and fun GIFs while gaming.
The screen is surprisingly bright at 300 cd/m² and the 240×240 resolution makes everything look crisp. Connecting to the NZXT CAM software was straightforward, giving us tons of customization options.
Installation was much easier than we expected for a liquid cooler. The pre-applied thermal paste saved us a step, and the included brackets work with both Intel and AMD sockets.
We particularly appreciated the single breakout cable design that kept our build looking clean without a mess of wires.
The dual F120P Static Pressure fans strike a great balance between performance and noise. During normal use, we barely notice the cooler running.
Even under full load, it stays reasonably quiet with the fans reaching their maximum 1,800 RPM. The fluid dynamic bearings mean these fans should last for years.
Build quality impressed us right out of the box. The braided tubing feels durable yet flexible, making positioning easy during installation.
The pump head has a premium weight to it, and all mounting hardware is sturdy. We’ve seen no signs of leaking or pump issues after several weeks of heavy use.
For best performance, mount the radiator at the top of your case if possible. This allows air bubbles to collect in the radiator rather than the pump, extending the cooler’s lifespan.
Corsair 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower Case
The Corsair 3500X ARGB is the perfect water cooling case for serious PC builders thanks to its exceptional radiator support, stunning panoramic glass design, and thoughtful cooling layout.
Pros
- Supports multiple radiators up to 360mm
- Three pre-installed ARGB fans included
- Compatible with reverse connection motherboards
Cons
- Glass front panel limits some airflow compared to mesh
- Slightly heavy at 20 pounds
- Some BTF motherboard pins may not fit perfectly
We’ve spent weeks testing the Corsair 3500X ARGB case, and it’s genuinely impressive for water cooling builds. The spacious interior easily accommodates custom loops with multiple radiators.
We installed a 360mm radiator on top and a 240mm on the side without any clearance issues.
The removable tempered glass panels make building inside this case surprisingly easy. We particularly liked how the panels pop off without tools, which made routing tubes and making adjustments to our water cooling setup much simpler than in other cases we’ve used.
Cooling performance is excellent despite the glass front panel. The three included RS120 ARGB fans push decent airflow, but we added two more at the bottom to help cool our GPU.
The numerous fan mounting options let us create an optimal airflow path for our water cooling components.
The wraparound glass design shows off our RGB water cooling components beautifully. At night, our custom loop with clear tubing looks amazing through the panoramic glass. Cable management is excellent, especially with the support for ASUS BTF and MSI Project Zero reverse connection motherboards.
Build quality feels premium throughout. The steel frame is sturdy, and all panels align perfectly. The white version we tested stays clean-looking even after weeks of use, though we recommend regular dusting to keep it looking pristine.
Water cooling compatibility is where this case truly shines. We fit a thicker 45mm radiator on top with fans in push-pull configuration. The side mount easily handled our pump/reservoir combo with plenty of room to spare.
DarkFlash DS900 Water Cooling Case
The DarkFlash DS900 delivers exceptional cooling performance and stunning aesthetics for gamers who want to showcase their high-end components through its panoramic glass panels.
Pros
- 270° panoramic tempered glass provides an unmatched view of components
- Comes with four pre-installed PWM ARGB fans for excellent cooling
- Supports up to 360mm radiators for serious water cooling setups
Cons
- No RGB hub controller included
- Limited storage options for multiple drives
- Might be challenging for first-time builders due to dual glass panels
We recently got our hands on the DarkFlash DS900, and it’s a gorgeous case that makes water cooling setups look amazing. The dual tempered glass panels create a showroom effect for your components. When we installed our RGB components, the lighting effects were visible from nearly any angle.
The cooling performance impressed us during testing. Those four pre-installed PWM ARGB fans move a lot of air, and they’re surprisingly quiet even under load. We fitted a 360mm radiator in the front with no issues. The case design clearly prioritizes airflow, with enough space for up to 10 fans total if you really want to max out cooling.
Build quality feels solid for the price point. The metal parts have a nice finish, and the glass panels are thick and secure. Cable management was pretty straightforward thanks to the dedicated space behind the motherboard tray. We appreciate the magnetic dust filters that make maintenance easy.
The I/O panel is modern with USB 3.0 and Type-C ports that worked great for our external devices. Installation was mostly smooth, though the dual glass panels mean you need to be more careful with cable management since everything is visible. The anti-slip bottom kept our build stable on the desk.
MUSETEX K2 Gaming Case
The MUSETEX K2 offers remarkable value with its six pre-installed ARGB fans, dual tempered glass panels, and spacious interior making it an excellent choice for gamers building a water-cooled PC.
Pros
- Six pre-installed PWM ARGB fans with excellent cooling performance
- Dual 270° tempered glass panels for showcasing components
- Supports up to 360mm radiator for water cooling
Cons
- Glass panels can be fingerprint magnets
- Cable management becomes challenging with multiple components
- No built-in fan controller (requires motherboard control)
We recently got our hands on the MUSETEX K2 case, and it’s an impressive option for anyone looking to build a water-cooled gaming PC.
The first thing that caught our eye was the stunning dual tempered glass design. Unlike other cases with partial viewing windows, the K2 gives you a proper 270° view of your components, perfect for showing off your custom water cooling loops.
Setting up our water cooling system was surprisingly straightforward. The case accommodates radiators up to 360mm on top, which gave us plenty of flexibility for our AIO cooler.
There’s an impressive 178mm clearance for CPU coolers and space for GPUs up to 420mm long. When we installed our components, everything fit with room to spare.
The six pre-installed ARGB fans are a major highlight. They move plenty of air through the case, keeping our water-cooled system running cool even during intense gaming sessions.
The fans feature anti-vortex blades and can be controlled via motherboard software. We found the side-mounted fans particularly effective at pulling cool air directly over our components.
Cooling Performance: The K2’s innovative air duct design with side panel apertures significantly enhances airflow compared to standard cases, making it ideal for water cooling setups.
Connectivity options on the K2 are modern and practical. The front I/O panel includes two USB 3.0 ports and a Type-C port, which came in handy for connecting our external devices. We appreciated not having to reach around to the back of our PC for everyday connections.
Build quality feels substantial despite the reasonable price point. The tempered glass panels are thick and secure well to the frame. The magnetic dust filter at the top and removable filter at the bottom help keep the interior clean, which is essential for maintaining a showcase-worthy water cooling build.
| Feature | Specification | Water Cooling Support |
| Radiator Support | Up to 360mm (top) | Excellent |
| Fans Included | 6x 120mm ARGB PWM | Great airflow |
| GPU Clearance | Up to 420mm | Plenty of space |
Cable management is decent though it takes some planning. We found the various cutouts helpful for routing tubes and wires behind the motherboard tray.
The case layout is thoughtfully designed, making our water cooling installation much easier than expected.
For around $90, we’re genuinely impressed with what MUSETEX has delivered. The K2 offers premium features like tempered glass, multiple pre-installed ARGB fans, and excellent water cooling support at a price point that’s hard to beat. This case punches well above its weight class.
MasterBox Q300L
The Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L offers incredible airflow and customization options at a budget-friendly price that’s perfect for first-time builders or compact setups.
Pros
- Magnetic dust filters with unique pattern look great and are easy to clean
- Adjustable I/O panel can be placed in six different positions
- Excellent airflow from all-sides mesh design
Cons
- Cable management can be challenging in the tight space
- Only comes with one exhaust fan pre-installed
- Side panel scratches relatively easily
We recently got our hands on the MasterBox Q300L, and for under $50, we were amazed at the value packed into this micro-ATX case.
The mesh design on all sides makes it a cooling powerhouse. Our components stayed cool even during extended gaming sessions, thanks to the ventilated front, top, and sides.
The adjustable I/O panel is a smart touch we haven’t seen in other budget cases. We moved it to the top position for our desk setup, but it’s nice knowing we can switch it around if our needs change.
The magnetic dust filters are super easy to remove and clean – just pull them off, rinse, and snap back on.
Building in this case was mostly straightforward. We fit a 240mm radiator at the front with no issues.
The transparent side panel shows off all our components nicely, though we had to be extra careful not to scratch it during installation. Cable management is a bit tight with limited tie-down points, but we managed to get everything looking clean with some creativity.
For a compact case, we were surprised by how much we could fit inside. Our GPU (a 300mm model) had plenty of room, and we could even add more storage drives if needed. The support for a standard ATX power supply is a money-saving feature not common in cases this size.
The only real downside is that it only comes with a single exhaust fan, so we added a couple more for optimal cooling. At this price point, though, that’s an acceptable compromise. With its mix of good looks, cooling performance, and customization options, this case is an exceptional value.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right water cooling PC case can be tricky. We’ve put together this guide to help you find the perfect one for your needs.
Case Size
Size matters when it comes to water cooling. Larger cases offer more space for complex cooling setups.
| Case Size | Space for Radiators | Best For |
| Full Tower | Multiple large radiators | Complex custom loops |
| Mid Tower | 1-2 radiators | Balance of space and size |
| Small Form Factor | Limited to small radiators | Compact builds |
Radiator Support
The number and size of radiators a case can fit will determine your cooling potential. Look for cases with multiple mounting points.
We recommend at least 240mm of radiator space for CPU-only loops, and 360mm or more for GPU and CPU cooling.
Component Clearance
Make sure your case has enough room for tall pump/reservoir combos and thick radiators. Some cases look spacious but have limited clearance.
Check the maximum GPU length when radiators are installed! Many builders forget this crucial measurement.
Airflow Considerations
Even water-cooled PCs need good airflow. Look for cases with filtered intake vents and good exhaust options.
Build Quality
Premium materials like aluminum and tempered glass look better and last longer. Plastic components are more likely to break during complex water cooling installations.
Cable Management
Good cable management features make building cleaner and easier.
This is especially important for water-cooled builds with extra tubing and wiring.