Water cooling your PC can take your computer’s performance to new heights. This cooling method uses liquid to remove heat from key components like your CPU and graphics card.
Unlike air cooling, water cooling systems can handle more heat and keep your PC running at lower temperatures, even during intense gaming or heavy workloads.
Finding the right PC case for water cooling is crucial. The case needs enough space for radiators, pumps, and reservoirs. It should have good airflow and multiple mounting points for your cooling gear.
We’ve found that the Lian Li O11 Dynamic XL leads the pack with its spacious design and flexible mounting options.
We spent weeks researching and testing dozens of PC cases to find the best options for water cooling setups. Our tests looked at build quality, internal layout, and how easy it was to install complex water cooling systems.
Whether you’re building your first loop or upgrading an existing setup, our picks will help you create a powerful and cool-running PC.
Contents
Best PC Cases for Water Cooling
We’ve researched and tested the top PC cases that excel at water cooling setups. These cases offer ample space for radiators, reservoirs, and custom loop components while maintaining good airflow and cable management.
Our picks balance quality construction, cooling performance, and value to help you build the ultimate water-cooled system.
darkFlash DS900 Mid-Tower Case
The darkFlash DS900 offers exceptional value for water cooling enthusiasts with its panoramic glass panels and support for a 360mm radiator.
Pros
- Stunning 270° tempered glass panels showcase your build beautifully
- Comes with four pre-installed PWM ARGB fans for excellent airflow
- Spacious interior design makes component installation a breeze
Cons
- RGB hub controller not included in the package
- Limited storage mounting options compared to other cases
- Glass panels require careful handling during installation
We recently built a high-end water-cooled system in the darkFlash DS900, and we were impressed right away. The dual tempered glass panels create a showcase for your components that’s hard to beat at this price point.
When we installed our custom loop with a 360mm radiator, everything fit perfectly with room to spare.
The build quality surprised us for a mid-range case. The metal frame feels sturdy, and the glass panels attach securely without any wobble. We particularly appreciated the magnetic dust filters at the top and the easy-to-remove front panel filter – practical touches that show darkFlash thought about long-term maintenance.
Cable management was straightforward thanks to the ample space behind the motherboard tray. The four pre-installed ARGB fans look fantastic and move plenty of air, though we wish the case included a controller.
The front I/O panel with USB-C is a nice modern touch that worked well with our newest devices.
The case supports up to 10 fans total, which gave us flexibility in our cooling setup. We mounted our pump/reservoir combo on the front fan mounts with no issues. The bottom-mounted PSU design keeps things tidy, and there’s enough clearance for even the longest graphics cards.
For water cooling enthusiasts, this case hits the sweet spot of price, features, and aesthetics. We’ve built in pricier cases that don’t offer nearly as much room for radiators and custom loops as the DS900.
MUSETEX K2 PC Case
The MUSETEX K2 offers exceptional value with six pre-installed ARGB fans and dual tempered glass panels that make it perfect for showing off your water cooling setup.
Pros
- Six PWM ARGB fans already installed
- Spacious interior supports 360mm radiators
- Dual tempered glass panels for maximum visibility
Cons
- Cable management can be tricky
- Side panel airflow design is unusual
- Heavy at nearly 4 pounds
We recently got our hands on the MUSETEX K2 case, and it’s an impressive option for water cooling enthusiasts. The first thing that caught our eye was the dual tempered glass panels that give a 270° view of your components. This makes it perfect for showing off custom water cooling loops and RGB lighting.
Working inside this case was a breeze thanks to its thoughtful layout. There’s plenty of room for large GPUs (up to 420mm!) and tall CPU coolers (up to 178mm). We installed a 360mm radiator at the top with no problems. The case includes mounting points specifically designed for water cooling components.
The six pre-installed ARGB fans are a major selling point. They use anti-vortex blades that provide excellent airflow while keeping noise levels surprisingly low. We were able to connect them to our motherboard software and customize different lighting modes. The side intake fans do an especially good job of keeping components cool.
Connectivity options are abundant with the K2. The front I/O panel includes two USB 3.0 ports and a Type-C port, which is becoming essential for modern builds. The magnetic dust filters at the top and bottom are easy to remove and clean, a feature we really appreciate for long-term maintenance.
For water cooling setups, the spacious interior provides ample room for radiators and reservoirs. We had no trouble fitting a 360mm radiator up top while still having space for pump and reservoir combos. The 7-slot PCIe configuration gives plenty of flexibility for vertical GPU mounts that showcase water blocks.
Okinos Aqua 7 PC Case
The Okinos Aqua 7 delivers exceptional value with its panoramic tempered glass design and pre-installed PWM ARGB fans, making it a standout option for water cooling enthusiasts.
Pros
- Six pre-installed PWM ARGB fans for excellent airflow
- 270° panoramic tempered glass for showcasing components
- Tool-less quick-release panels for easy access
Cons
- Fans can be somewhat noisy at full speed
- Less brand recognition than competitors
- Power connection requires care to avoid PWM issues
We recently got our hands on the Okinos Aqua 7, and it’s quickly become one of our favorite cases for water cooling setups. The most striking feature is the 270° panoramic view with tempered glass on both the front and side panels. This design really lets us show off our cooling components and RGB lighting effects.
The case comes with six pre-installed 120mm PWM ARGB fans, which is a major value at this price point. We noticed the dual-channel airflow design works well for maintaining lower temperatures during intensive gaming sessions. The vertical airflow from the three bottom fans combined with the horizontal airflow from the side fans creates excellent circulation for radiators and water cooling components.
Build quality exceeded our expectations for a sub-$100 case. The steel mesh design with its 1.2mm fine grid pattern improves both airflow and dust resistance compared to standard mesh. We found the tool-less design with quick-release panels particularly helpful when making adjustments to our water cooling loop.
The multi-functional front panel includes all the connectivity we needed – two USB 3.0 ports plus a speedy Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 port for fast data transfers. The ARGB fan control buttons let us adjust lighting without software when we wanted quick changes.
For water cooling setups, the spacious interior provides ample room for radiators and reservoirs. We had no issues fitting a 360mm radiator up top while still having space for pump and reservoir combos. The 7-slot PCIe configuration gives plenty of flexibility for vertical GPU mounts that showcase water blocks.
Corsair 4000D RS ARGB Frame
The Corsair 4000D RS ARGB is the ultimate water cooling case with its modular design, excellent radiator support, and smart airflow management.
Pros
- Revolutionary FRAME modular system allows complete customization
- Supports dual 360mm radiators for serious water cooling setups
- InfiniRail mounting system provides flexible fan placement
Cons
- Larger footprint than some mid-towers
- Premium price compared to basic cases
- Side panel fan mounts reduce space for cable management
We’ve been testing the Corsair 4000D RS ARGB for several weeks, and it’s quickly become our favorite case for water cooling builds.
The modular FRAME system is a game-changer. Want to add more radiator space? Need different I/O options? This case grows with your needs instead of limiting them.
The ability to mount dual 360mm radiators is impressive for a mid-tower. We installed a thick 360mm rad in the front and a slim 360mm in the top with room to spare. The InfiniRail mounting system makes positioning fans and radiators incredibly simple – just slide them where you need them.
Airflow is exceptional with the 3D Y-Pattern front panel. Our water cooling temps stayed 5-7 degrees cooler than in our previous case. The three pre-installed RS ARGB fans look gorgeous and move plenty of air. They connect via daisy-chain, which made our wiring much cleaner.
The build quality feels substantial. We appreciate the flexibility to remove the internal side panel near the motherboard for additional cooling. Cable management is thoughtful with plenty of tie-down points. The case accommodates even the largest GPUs without crowding the water cooling components.
For water cooling enthusiasts, the width and depth measurements are perfect for custom loops. We had no issues fitting a pump/reservoir combo and thick radiators. The case supports reverse connection motherboards like ASUS BTF, which gave us more options for a clean loop layout.
Water Cooling Tip: Use the removable side panel area for mounting a distribution plate or reservoir for the cleanest custom loop setup.
Cooler Master Q300L
The Cooler Master Q300L offers impressive water cooling support in a compact, budget-friendly package that’s perfect for builders who want flexibility without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Excellent airflow from all-sides mesh design
- Adjustable I/O panel for six different positions
- Supports 240mm radiators despite compact size
Cons
- Cable management can be challenging
- Build quality reflects budget price point
- Limited space for larger reservoir/pump combos
We recently built a water-cooled system in the Q300L and were pleasantly surprised by its capabilities.
The case weighs just over a pound but feels substantial enough for a mid-range build. Its compact footprint doesn’t prevent it from accommodating a 240mm radiator, which we mounted at the front.
The magnetic dust filters are a real highlight. They snap on and off effortlessly for cleaning and add a unique pattern that enhances the overall look.
We particularly liked the transparent side panel that lets us show off our custom loop. The visibility is great, and the edge-to-edge design gives an unobstructed view of the interior.
Airflow is exceptional thanks to the perforated design on virtually all panels. Our components stayed remarkably cool even under heavy loads.
The adjustable I/O panel proved more useful than we expected, allowing us to position ports based on our desk setup rather than being locked into one configuration.
Working in the Q300L requires some planning. While it supports water cooling, space is at a premium. We managed to fit a slim reservoir along the front panel, but larger pump/res combos might be challenging.
The case supports ATX power supplies, which is rare for its size class.
Cable management takes some creativity with limited tie-down points, but the included zip ties helped.
For a budget-friendly water cooling case under $50, we found the Q300L strikes an impressive balance between affordability and functionality.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right PC case for water cooling can be tricky. We’ve put together this guide to help you make the best choice for your setup.
Size Matters
The size of your case determines how much cooling equipment you can fit. Full tower cases offer the most space, while mid-towers balance space and desk footprint.
A case should have enough room for your radiators, pumps, and reservoirs. Make sure to check the specs before buying!
Radiator Support
Look for cases with good radiator mounting options. The more places to mount radiators, the better your cooling potential.
Pro Tip: Cases that support 360mm radiators or larger will give you the best cooling performance.
Component Clearance
Water cooling needs space for tubes, fittings, and reservoirs. Check that your case has enough room between components.
We recommend at least 30mm clearance above your motherboard for top-mounted radiators.
Cable Management Features
Good cable management makes your water cooling build look clean and improves airflow. Look for cases with rubber grommets, dedicated routing channels, and back panel space.
Easy Access Panels
Working with water cooling is complex. Cases with removable side panels, tops, and fronts make building and maintenance much easier.
| Feature | Why It Matters | What To Look For |
| Radiator Support | Determines cooling capacity | Multiple 240mm+ mounting points |
| Material | Affects heat dissipation | Steel or aluminum construction |
| Pump Mounting | Necessary for custom loops | Dedicated pump brackets |
Remember to check for drain ports or space to add them. This will save you headaches when maintaining your loop!