Liquid cooling systems are changing how computers stay cool. Instead of using air, these systems pump special liquids through the computer to take away heat. This creates a quieter and often more effective cooling solution for high-performance computers and gaming rigs.
PC coolants come in many types, from plain distilled water to special pre-mixed solutions with additives. These liquids need to transfer heat well, protect metal parts from corrosion, and prevent algae growth inside your tubes and blocks.
The right coolant can help your computer run cooler and last longer.
When choosing a PC coolant, pay attention to its composition, compatibility with your cooling components, and maintenance requirements.
Some coolants need to be changed frequently, while others can last for years. Color is another factor to consider, especially if you have a clear case where the coolant is visible through transparent tubes.
We spent weeks testing various PC coolants in different cooling setups to find which ones perform best while keeping your expensive components safe. Our tests revealed that EK-CryoFuel Clear stands out as a top performer, but several other options might better suit your specific needs.
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Best Coolants for PC
We’ve put together a comprehensive list of the best PC coolants on the market today. These liquid cooling solutions help keep your computer components at safe temperatures during intense gaming sessions or heavy workloads. Our picks balance performance, compatibility, and value to help you make the right choice for your cooling needs.
Corsair XL8 Clear Coolant
The Corsair Hydro X Series XL8 Clear Coolant delivers exceptional cooling performance with long-lasting protection for custom PC loops.
Pros
- Ready to use straight from the bottle with no mixing needed
- Contains advanced corrosion inhibitors that protect copper, brass, and nickel components
- Crystal clear formula that won’t cloud or stain your cooling system
Cons
- Slightly pricier than some competing coolants
- Requires annual replacement for best results
- Limited to 1L bottles which might not be enough for larger systems
We recently tested this Corsair XL8 coolant in our custom water cooling setup, and the results were impressive.
The clear formula flows smoothly through our system without any issues. We noticed temperature improvements of about 3-4 degrees compared to our previous coolant solution.
The bottle design makes filling your loop super convenient. The premixed formula saved us time since we didn’t need to measure or add additional chemicals.
We particularly appreciate how the coolant stays crystal clear even after several weeks of continuous operation. No cloudiness or particle buildup in our reservoir or tubing!
Maintenance has been straightforward with this coolant. During our recent system cleaning, we found minimal residue or buildup in the waterblocks or radiator. The corrosion inhibitors seem to be doing their job protecting our expensive cooling components.
The clear variant gives a clean, professional look to our build. We can easily see the fluid level and flow through our transparent tubes. If you prefer color, Corsair offers this same formula in various vibrant options.
We’ve found that one bottle is sufficient for most mid-size loops, but larger systems might require a second bottle.
Quick Tip: For best results, we recommend flushing your system with distilled water before adding this coolant to remove any manufacturing residues.
Thermaltake T1000 Clear Coolant
The Thermaltake T1000 Pure Clear coolant delivers exceptional protection and thermal performance for PC water-cooling systems with its anti-corrosive formula and crystal-clear appearance.
Pros
- Excellent anti-corrosion protection for mixed metal loops
- Crystal clear formula allows for custom color mixing
- Maintains flow efficiency with low viscosity
Cons
- Higher price point than basic coolants
- Requires careful handling during installation
- May need periodic replacement for optimal performance
We recently tested the Thermaltake T1000 Pure Clear coolant in our custom water cooling setup. The transparent formula allowed us to see exactly what was flowing through our loop. This visibility helps spot any potential issues before they become problems.
The coolant poured smoothly with low viscosity, making it easy to fill our reservoir without bubbles or splashing. Its anti-corrosive properties gave us peace of mind knowing our copper water blocks and aluminum radiator would be protected from galvanic corrosion.
Over several weeks of testing, we noticed our system temperatures remained consistently low. The T1000 efficiently transferred heat away from components, keeping our overclocked CPU running cool even during intense benchmarking sessions.
What makes this coolant stand out is its versatility. The pure clear base lets us add Thermaltake concentrate drops to create custom colors that match our build theme. We appreciate this flexibility compared to pre-colored options.
During maintenance, we found no signs of buildup or precipitation in the blocks or tubing. This confirms Thermaltake’s claims about their improved formula designed to prevent clogging and ensure consistent flow.
The 1000ml bottle provides enough coolant for most standard loops with some left over for topping off later.
EK CryoFuel Clear
The EK CryoFuel Clear coolant delivers exceptional thermal performance while maintaining loop cleanliness, making it the top choice for PC cooling enthusiasts.
Pros
- Outstanding thermal efficiency with no clogging
- Extremely long-lasting with minimal maintenance needed
- Compatible with most common PC cooling components
Cons
- Higher price point than basic coolants
- Large 1000mL bottle might be more than needed for single loops
- Clear version lacks the visual pop of colored variants
We recently tested the EK CryoFuel in our high-performance gaming rig, and the results were impressive.
The coolant maintained consistent temperatures even during extended gaming sessions. What stood out most was how clean our loop remained after weeks of operation. No gunk, no buildup, just pure cooling performance.
The premix formula saves time since there’s no need to dilute with distilled water. Just drain your old coolant, flush with distilled water, and pour this in.
We noticed our pump ran smoothly with this low-viscosity fluid, which is crucial for maintaining good flow rates and cooling efficiency.
Many coolants claim to be non-toxic and eco-friendly, but EK backs this up with their 90% biodegradable formula. This matters to us because eventually all coolants need replacing.
Temperature deltas were noticeably better than with budget coolants we’ve tried previously.
For loops with transparent tubing, the crystal-clear appearance remains pristine over time. We’ve seen other clear coolants develop a yellowish tint after a few months, but this maintained its clarity. The 1000mL bottle provided enough for multiple refills of our mid-sized loop.
Pro Tip: For best results, thoroughly flush your system with distilled water before adding this coolant to prevent any contamination from previous fluids.
EK CryoFuel PC Coolant
This revolutionary premix coolant delivers exceptional thermal efficiency and vibrant color stability that makes it worth every penny for serious PC builders.
Pros
- Non-toxic formula safe for home use
- Prevents sediment buildup in cooling loops
- Compatible with multiple materials including Acrylic and PeTG
Cons
- Premium price point compared to basic coolants
- Blood red color may not match all build aesthetics
- Requires proper system flushing before use
We’ve tested dozens of PC coolants over the years, and EK’s CryoFuel consistently impresses us with its performance.
The blood red variant in this 2-pack gives your build a striking appearance while maintaining excellent thermal properties. The color stays vivid even after months of use, unlike cheaper alternatives that fade quickly.
The low viscosity formula flows smoothly through even the most complex cooling loops. We installed this in our test rig with multiple GPU and CPU blocks, and temperatures stayed impressively low under heavy gaming loads. The coolant doesn’t gunk up fine cooling channels, which is crucial for maintaining system efficiency.
What really stands out about this coolant is its chemical stability. Many competitors claim their products won’t cause buildup, but we’ve seen firsthand how EK’s formula truly prevents sediment formation.
It’s also eco-friendly, with 90% biodegradability within just 10 days, something we’ve come to appreciate as we maintain multiple systems.
Working with this coolant is straightforward. The premix formula means no measuring or mixing required – just pour and go.
We’ve found it works perfectly with both clear and colored tubing, though it really shines in transparent setups where the vivid red color can be fully appreciated.
The 1000mL bottles provide enough coolant for most standard builds with some leftover for topping up. We recommend flushing your system properly before introducing this coolant to ensure optimal performance and color clarity.
PrimoChill UV Purple Cooling Fluid
PrimoChill Ice offers reliable cooling performance for PC enthusiasts who want an affordable UV-reactive fluid that’s ready to use right out of the bottle.
Pros
- Consistent color chemistry ensures the same shade in every batch
- Ready-to-use formula requires no mixing or preparation
- Compatible with most common tubing materials and metal components
Cons
- Requires replacement every 6 months for optimal performance
- May cause permanent staining of components over time
- Not compatible with aluminum components
We’ve been testing the PrimoChill Ice UV Purple cooling fluid in our custom loop system for several weeks now.
The first thing we noticed was how easy it is to use – just pour and go, with no need to mix concentrates or add dyes.
Under normal lighting, the purple color looks subtle and professional. When we turned on our UV lights, though, the fluid really came to life with a bright glow that highlighted our entire cooling loop. This effect adds a striking visual element to any custom PC build.
One thing that impressed us was the low conductivity of this fluid. This acts as a safety feature if small leaks occur, though it’s not completely non-conductive if it gets mixed with dust or other substances.
We made sure to prep our system beforehand for best results.
The fluid flows smoothly through our copper radiator and nickel-plated blocks. It’s worth noting that PrimoChill strongly warns against using this with aluminum components – doing so will void the warranty and potentially cause problems in your system.
After about a month of continuous operation, we haven’t noticed any significant color fading, which has been an issue with some other cooling fluids we’ve tried. The consistency of the purple shade has remained impressive.
For maintenance, we’ve marked our calendar for the six-month replacement point. Regular upkeep is essential with any cooling fluid, and PrimoChill makes this clear in their instructions. The 32oz bottle provides enough fluid for most standard cooling loops.
Keep in mind: Systems with high pressure or micro-channel blocks may cause faster fluid breakdown. Consider adding a pressure relief valve for added protection.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right PC coolant can seem tricky, but we’re here to help make it simple.
When shopping for coolant, there are several key features to consider.
Compatibility
Always check what materials your cooling system uses. Different coolants work with different metals and plastics.
| Coolant Type | Good With | Avoid With |
| Propylene Glycol | Most metals, plastics | Some aluminum parts |
| Ethylene Glycol | Copper, brass | Mixed metals |
| Distilled Water | Most systems | Needs additives |
Color and Additives
Colors are fun but don’t affect cooling performance. The important parts are the additives that prevent corrosion and growth.
We recommend looking for coolants with anti-corrosion and anti-microbial properties. These will help your system last longer.
Ready-to-Use vs. Concentrate
Ready-to-use coolants save time and reduce mixing errors. Concentrates are cheaper but require proper dilution with distilled water.
Remember: Never mix different brands or types of coolant without thoroughly flushing your system first!
Temperature Range
Consider your climate and PC usage. Gaming PCs and overclocked systems need coolants that perform well at higher temperatures.
Look for coolants with a wide temperature range if you live somewhere with extreme weather or plan to push your system hard.
Longevity
Check how often the coolant needs changing. Some premium options last 2-3 years, while cheaper ones might need replacing every 6-12 months.