Liquid cooling systems have become a popular choice for PC enthusiasts looking to maximize performance while keeping temperatures low.
Unlike traditional air cooling, liquid cooling uses water or specialized coolants to draw heat away from computer components more efficiently. This allows for better overclocking potential and quieter operation, especially during intense gaming or rendering tasks.
Finding the right computer case for a liquid cooling setup is crucial. Not all cases provide enough space for radiators, pumps, and reservoirs that make up a custom loop.
The best liquid cooling cases offer dedicated mounting points for radiators of various sizes, ample room for tube routing, and easy access for maintenance. We’ve found that the Lian Li O11 Dynamic XL leads the pack with its dual-chamber design that makes building complex water-cooling systems much simpler.
When shopping for a liquid cooling case, pay attention to radiator support, interior space, and build quality.
Radiator compatibility is measured in sizes like 120mm, 240mm, or 360mm, and top cases should support multiple radiators simultaneously. You’ll also want easy cable management and good airflow paths to complement your liquid cooling system.
We spent weeks testing dozens of PC cases to find the ones that make liquid cooling installations straightforward and effective.
Best Cases for Liquid Cooling
We’ve tested dozens of PC cases to find the perfect home for your liquid cooling setup. Our top picks offer ample radiator support, excellent airflow, and smart cable management to showcase your custom loop or AIO cooler.
These cases make installation easier while giving your build that showroom-quality look that liquid cooling deserves.
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 PC enthusiasts.
Pros
- Vibrant 1.54″ LCD screen for custom images and performance stats
- Powerful yet quiet 2,800 RPM pump
- Simple installation with single cable design
Cons
- Requires CAM software for display features
- Premium price compared to basic AIOs
- Limited to 240mm radiator size (for larger cases, consider 280/360mm)
We recently installed the NZXT Kraken 240 in our gaming rig, and the difference was immediately noticeable.
The 240mm radiator fits perfectly in most mid-tower cases, and the two static pressure fans create a great balance of cooling power and noise control. During intense gaming sessions, our CPU temps stayed impressively low without sounding like a jet engine.
The star of the show is definitely the bright LCD display. We’ve been cycling between system temps, a team logo, and even animated GIFs. At 300 cd/m² brightness, everything looks crisp and vibrant. The display is viewable from multiple angles, so you can show it off regardless of where your case sits.
Installation was much easier than expected. The pump comes with pre-applied thermal paste, and the single breakout cable design meant we didn’t have to deal with a mess of wires. The included mounting brackets work with both Intel and AMD systems, and we had it up and running in about 20 minutes.
The pump’s performance is what really matters, and NZXT delivers here. Running at up to 2,800 RPM, it circulates coolant efficiently while maintaining a surprisingly quiet operation. We measured noise levels around 30dB during normal use, which is barely noticeable in a typical room.
The CAM software integration adds real value by allowing you to monitor temperatures, adjust fan curves, and customize the display all from one interface.
We found the F120P fans strike a nice balance between static pressure and airflow. They push enough air through the radiator fins to keep temperatures down while maintaining reasonable noise levels. Even during benchmark testing, the fans rarely ramped up to their maximum 1,800 RPM speed.
For builders who prioritize both performance and aesthetics, this cooler hits the sweet spot. The black finish blends well with most builds, and the customizable display adds that personal touch missing from other cooling solutions. While it costs more than basic AIOs, the build quality and features justify the investment.
TRYX Panorama SE 360mm AIO
The TRYX Panorama SE 360mm AIO offers an impressive blend of cooling performance and visual appeal that makes it worth considering for anyone wanting to add unique aesthetics to their build.
Pros
- Stunning 6.5″ rotatable AMOLED curved screen with 3D effects
- Reliable 280W TDP cooling capacity for demanding workloads
- Quiet operation even under heavy loads
Cons
- Software requires manual startup to display animations
- Premium price point compared to standard AIOs
- Limited availability of custom 3D content
We recently installed the TRYX Panorama SE in our test rig, and the visual impact is immediate. The curved 6.5″ AMOLED screen creates a truly eye-catching centerpiece for any PC build. What sets this cooler apart is the rotatable screen design, allowing us to position the display at different angles to best showcase the 3D anamorphic effects.
The cooling performance doesn’t disappoint either. Using Asetek’s new Adela solution, this AIO handled our overclocked CPU with ease. During intensive gaming sessions and video rendering, temperatures stayed well within safe limits. The three 120mm ROTA ARGB fans remain impressively quiet, even when the system was under full load.
Setting up customizations through the KANALI software was straightforward. We loaded several custom animations and system monitoring displays. The split-screen capability lets us show both temperature data and visual effects simultaneously. One thing to note – you’ll need to start the software each time you boot up if you want your custom displays to appear.
Build quality feels premium throughout, with solid mounting hardware that fits securely on both Intel and AMD sockets. The installation process took us about 20 minutes, with clear instructions and all necessary parts included. The tempered glass screen cover provides good protection while maintaining excellent clarity.
For those seeking both performance and a unique aesthetic statement, the TRYX Panorama SE delivers on both fronts. While the price is higher than standard AIOs, the combination of solid cooling and eye-catching display technology makes it a worthwhile upgrade for enthusiasts looking to make their build stand out.
ID-COOLING FROSTFLOW X 240 AIO Cooler
The ID-COOLING FROSTFLOW X 240 delivers excellent cooling performance at a budget-friendly price that makes it a smart choice for most PC builders.
Pros
- Impressive cooling performance for the price
- Easy installation process
- Compatible with both Intel and AMD systems
Cons
- Limited to white LED lighting only
- Pump can be slightly noisy at full speed
- Fan cables could be longer
We tested the ID-COOLING FROSTFLOW X 240 on our test bench with a hot-running CPU, and we were genuinely surprised by its cooling power. This 240mm radiator with dual 120mm PWM fans kept our processor running cool even during intense gaming sessions. The temperature drop compared to our stock cooler was significant – we saw about 20-25°C lower temps under load.
Installation was straightforward and took us about 30 minutes from start to finish. The mounting brackets are well-designed, and the instructions were clear enough that we didn’t need to look up any YouTube videos. We especially liked that it comes with pre-applied thermal paste, which saved us an extra step.
The white LED lighting on the pump head gives a clean, subtle aesthetic without overwhelming your build with RGB. While some might prefer more lighting options, we found the simple white illumination complemented most build themes nicely. The PWM fans are reasonably quiet at normal speeds, though they do become noticeable when ramping up during heavy loads.
For liquid cooling cases, this cooler fits perfectly in most mid-tower and full-tower setups. The flexible tubing allowed us to position the radiator at the top of our case without any strain. We did notice that the fan cables could be a bit longer to make cable management easier in larger cases.
At this price point, we’ve used much worse coolers that cost significantly more. The ID-COOLING FROSTFLOW X 240 strikes an excellent balance between performance and affordability. We’ve been using it for several weeks now, and it’s kept our system running cool and stable through long gaming sessions and productivity tasks.
ID-COOLING FX360 PRO Liquid Cooler
The ID-COOLING FX360 PRO offers exceptional cooling performance at a budget-friendly price point, making it a smart choice for gamers and PC enthusiasts seeking reliable thermal management without fancy extras.
Pros
- Excellent cooling capacity handles high-end CPUs
- Simple, clean all-black design fits most builds
- Daisy-chain fan connections reduce cable clutter
Cons
- Pump can be noisy during startup
- Installation instructions could be clearer
- Limited aesthetic features compared to premium options
We’ve been testing the ID-COOLING FX360 PRO in our gaming rig, and it’s impressive how much cooling power you get for the price. The 360mm radiator with three 120mm fans keeps our CPU temperatures remarkably low, even during intense gaming sessions. Our i7 processor, which used to hit uncomfortable temps with an air cooler, now stays well under 70°C under heavy loads.
The installation process took about 15 minutes. The fans come pre-attached to the radiator, which saved us time. The daisy-chain wiring system is brilliant—it significantly reduced cable clutter in our case, making for a much cleaner build. The included mounting hardware worked fine with our Intel socket, though we found the instructions a bit sparse.
What stands out most is the straightforward design. In a market flooded with RGB and LCD displays, the FX360 PRO’s simple all-black look with the CD pattern on the pump header is refreshing.
The pump runs at about 2900 RPM and moves heat away from the CPU efficiently. The noise level is generally acceptable during normal operation, though we noticed the pump makes a brief whirring sound at startup.
The cooling efficiency is where this AIO really shines. With a TDP rating of 350W, it has plenty of headroom for overclocking. We saw at least a 10-15°C improvement over our previous cooler. The fans deliver good airflow at 82.5 CFM without being excessively loud, finding a nice balance between performance and noise.
For about $60 (when on sale), this cooler delivers performance that rivals much more expensive options. We appreciate that ID-COOLING focused on function over flashy features. The compatibility with both Intel and AMD sockets also means you can carry it forward to future builds.
Cooler Master NR200P V2
The Cooler Master NR200P V2 is the perfect compact case for liquid cooling enthusiasts who want powerful performance without sacrificing desk space.
Pros
- Supports 240mm/280mm radiators on top for excellent cooling
- Tool-free design makes building and upgrades super easy
- Fits massive GPUs (up to 356mm) despite small footprint
Cons
- Limited to Mini-ITX motherboards only
- Higher price than some larger cases
- Cable management can be challenging in the tight space
We got our hands on the NR200P V2 last week, and it’s honestly impressive how much Cooler Master packed into this 18-liter case.
The build quality feels premium right out of the box, with both tempered glass and ventilated steel panels included. This flexibility lets you showcase your components or maximize airflow depending on your needs.
What really stands out is the liquid cooling support.
We installed a 280mm AIO on top with no issues – something rare in compact cases. The top-mount design keeps the radiator away from your GPU, maintaining optimal clearance.
Even with our powerful components, temperatures stayed remarkably low during intense gaming sessions.
Building in this case is surprisingly simple. The tool-free panels pop off easily, and we could access every part of the case without frustration.
The vertical GPU mounting (with included riser cable) is a game-changer, allowing us to fit a massive graphics card that normally wouldn’t work in a small case.
The front I/O includes a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port with 20Gb/s transfer speeds – a thoughtful addition for quick file transfers.
We appreciate how Cooler Master didn’t compromise on practical features despite the compact form factor.
If you’re building a liquid-cooled powerhouse but have limited space, this case delivers without the usual small-case compromises. The NR200P V2 proves you don’t need a massive tower to create an impressive liquid-cooled system.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right case for liquid cooling can seem tricky, but we’ll break it down for you.
Let’s look at what matters most when picking a case that will work well with your cooling setup.
Size Matters
The size of your case determines how much cooling equipment you can fit inside. Bigger is usually better for liquid cooling.
| Case Size | Radiator Support | Best For |
| Full Tower | Multiple large radiators | Complex cooling loops |
| Mid Tower | 1-2 radiators | Balance of space and size |
| Small Form Factor | Single small radiator | Space-limited setups |
Radiator Support
Check how many radiators the case can hold and what sizes. Most liquid cooling setups need at least one 240mm or 280mm radiator spot.
We recommend cases that support radiators in multiple locations. This gives you more options for your cooling layout.
Airflow Design
Good airflow is still important even with liquid cooling. Look for cases with mesh panels and good ventilation paths.
Pro tip: Cases with removable fan/radiator brackets make installation much easier!
Cable Management
Neat cables improve both looks and airflow. Look for cases with good cable routing options and plenty of tie points.
Additional Features
- Pump mounting points – Dedicated spots to mount your pump/reservoir
- Drain ports – Makes maintaining your loop much easier
- Removable filters – Keeps dust out of your system
- PSU shroud – Hides cables for a cleaner look
Remember that a good liquid cooling case should have plenty of clearance for thick radiators and fans in push-pull configurations if needed.