It is the question I hear more than any other, and frankly, most of the answers floating around the internet are vague, dollar denominated, and several years out of date. So I thought it would be useful to break the whole thing down properly, in pounds, component by component. The short version is that watercooling spans a huge range depending on how far you take it. But what does each tier actually cost, and where exactly does the money go? Here is the full picture.
The Cost Bands
An AIO liquid cooler, the sealed all in one kind, runs roughly £70 to £165 for a complete, ready to fit unit from 240mm to 360mm. That is the entry point, and for a lot of people it is all they need.
A first custom loop cooling only the CPU typically lands around £250 to £400 once you factor in a water block, radiator, pump and reservoir, tubing, fittings and coolant. Add a GPU to that loop and you are looking at £450 to £700, because a GPU block often costs as much as the CPU block on its own, and you need more radiator capacity to handle the extra heat.
Go further still, to multiple GPUs or a full everything loop with premium parts, and you are into £800 to £1,500 and beyond.
The single biggest lesson for a first timer is that individual parts add up fast. A GPU block alone can cost as much as an entire AIO cooler. So budget per component before you start shopping, not partway through.
Where the Money Actually Goes
A first custom loop breaks down into a handful of categories, and I think it helps to know roughly what proportion each one takes.
CPU water block: This is a meaningful chunk of the budget. Prices rise by finish tier, from plain acrylic tops up to nickel and other premium finishes.
The EK-Quantum Velocity³ 1700/1851/AM5 – Plexi is a high-performance CPU water block designed for AMD AM5 and Intel LGA 1700/1851 platforms. Built on EKs legacy of award-winning cooling solutions, the Velocity³ Plexi combines cutting-edge technology, superior materials, and exceptional aesthetics…
- SKU: WAEK-2803
- MPN: 3831109881118
- EAN: 3831109881118
£126.49£105.41 Inc VatEx Vat
The Alphacool Apex series represents maximum cooling performance, exceptional design, and premium material selection for high-end custom water cooling systems. The Alphacool Apex 1 is the first CPU water block in the Apex series and combines all its unique features…
- SKU: 1024572
- MPN: 13851
- EAN: 4250197138512
£169.49£141.24 Inc VatEx Vat
Barrow and Barrowch was established in 2010. It is an export-oriented and domestically-manufactured manufacturing enterprise specializing in computer and industrial water cooling equipment and precision hardware components.
- SKU: BAR-CP48
- MPN: LTPC-04N-W
- EAN: 6937826618000
£72.79£60.66 Inc VatEx Vat
EK-Quantum Magnitude – 1700 Lignum Edition – Walnut is a flagship bespoke CPU water block from EK that brings the highest cooling performance with the lowest possible flow restriction. The 1700 version of the water block is using a specific combination of…
- SKU: WAEK-2427
- MPN: 3831109894088
- EAN: 3831109894088
£109.46£91.22 Inc VatEx Vat
GPU water block: Often the single most expensive component in the whole loop, and the one first time budgeters most underestimate. Full-cover blocks that also cool the memory and power delivery cost more than simpler designs, and each block must match your exact card. That last point is quite important.
The Alphacool ES RTX 4000 Ada Ge. GPU cooler was developed for the Enterprise Series, but not only impresses with its improved cooling performance and compact design, but also with its matt carbon look.
- SKU: 1025627
- MPN: 14596
- EAN: 4049469340315
£299.98£249.98 Inc VatEx Vat
The Phanteks Glacier 3090Ti ASUS is a premium and high-performance waterblock made for Asus ROG Strix and TUF RTX 3090Ti cards The Glacier 3090Ti features an optimised channel structure and nickel-plated copper base, which ensure that the GPU, VRAM and…
- SKU: WC-03M-PT
- MPN: PH-GB3090TIASCR01BP
- EAN: 886523002543
£200.00£166.67 Inc VatEx Vat
Alphacool ES 1-Slot GPU Water Block: Enterprise Solution for RTX Pro 6000 Blackwell The Alphacool ES 1-Slot water block has been specifically developed for professional use in performance-optimized server environments. Thanks to its extremely slim 1-slot design, it enables maximum packing…
- SKU: 1027359
- MPN: 19450
- EAN: 4250197194501
£303.01£252.51 Inc VatEx Vat
Alphacool ES GPU Water Block: Workstation Edition with Active Backplate The Alphacool ES water block has been specifically developed for professional use in performance-optimized workstation and server environments. Thanks to its compact 1.5-slot design and intelligent port positioning, it delivers maximum cooling…
- SKU: 1028052
- MPN: 5100182
- EAN: 4070201001829
£433.62£361.35 Inc VatEx Vat
Radiator or radiators: Priced by size and thickness. A 240mm radiator costs less than a 360mm radiator, which costs less than a 420mm, and a thick performance radiator costs more than a slim one of the same length.
The Koolance VLR-600 is an external liquid cooler with a compressor designed for high-performance cooling loops. Offering up to 600 W of cooling capacity, an integrated pump, and a 1.7-liter large reservoir, it forms a self-contained cooling unit. The 3U…
- SKU: WASE-951
- MPN: VLR-600
- EAN: 0829596914757
£2,399.89£1,999.91 Inc VatEx Vat
The Alphacool ES Chiller 1000 is a compressor cooling system with a maximum cooling capacity of 1000 watts, making it the perfect choice for cooling servers and workstation systems. Equipped with an integrated pump, the chiller takes on the task…
- SKU: 1022499
- MPN: 13070
- EAN: 4250197130707
£699.98£583.32 Inc VatEx Vat
The Alphacool ES Chiller 700 is a compressor cooling system with a maximum cooling capacity of 700 watts, making it the perfect choice for cooling servers and workstation systems. Equipped with an integrated pump, the chiller takes on the task…
- SKU: 1022732
- MPN: 13087
- EAN: 4250197130875
£850.00£708.33 Inc VatEx Vat
Proper cable management presents a challenge for everyone with their new case. Especially with a showcase, one expects structure and efficiency down to the smallest detail. Singularity Computers addressed this issue as a manufacturer and developed the PowerBoards: a simple method for providing…
- SKU: GESL-068
- MPN: SC-PB-UN-360
- EAN: 9351182005385
£72.64£60.53 Inc VatEx Vat
Pump and reservoir: A D5-based combo unit is the usual first build recommendation. Pricing spans a wide range, from basic combos up to premium PWM-controlled, lit versions. A pump reservoir combo is generally the tidiest option here.
Alphacool Core Distro Plate V.2 (240mm) with VPP Apex Pump The Core Distro Plate V.2 is the ultimate distribution hub for modern custom water cooling. With its redesigned layout and integrated VPP Apex pump, it offers maximum flexibility for planning and maintaining even…
- SKU: 1025033
- MPN: 4250197334372
- EAN: 13872
£220.00£183.33 Inc VatEx Vat
Core DDCzero PWM pump. This new pump was developed in collaboration with Xylem and is offered exclusively by Alphacool. The DDCzero PWM pump is powerful enough to supply a normal cooling circuit consisting of GPU, CPU and three radiators.
- SKU: 1025346
- MPN: 14566
- EAN: 4250197145664
£139.98£116.65 Inc VatEx Vat
The Alphacool Core DDCzero XS Reservoir combines an exceptionally compact reservoir with the powerful Alphacool DDCzero PWM pump. Thanks to its space-saving design, this combination is ideal for small-form-factor systems and other water-cooling systems with severely limited installation space.
- SKU: 1026889
- MPN: 14848
- EAN: 4250197148481
£159.49£132.91 Inc VatEx Vat
The Alphacool ES Reservoir DDCzero 1U with Pump combines a compact reservoir with the powerful Alphacool DDCzero PWM pump. Its low-profile design has been specifically developed for installation in 1U server systems and other water-cooling applications with severely limited installation…
- SKU: 1025356
- MPN: 14571
- EAN: 4250197145718
£145.99£121.66 Inc VatEx Vat
Tubing: Soft tube is cheap and needs no special tools, making it dead easy for a first build. Hard tube costs more per metre and, crucially, needs a one off tool investment in a bending kit and heat gun. Many guides quietly leave that out of the budget, which I do feel is a bit misleading.
XSPC PETG tubing is highly transparent and the extra thick 2mm wall thickness makes the tubing easier to bend without deforming. Each pack contains five 92cm lengths.
- SKU: 35D-196-72B
- MPN: 00
- EAN: 00
£20.78£17.32 Inc VatEx Vat
It has high transmissibility to UV-Type A and UV-Type B, allowing compatibility with UV reactive coolants. But it also has low transmissibility to UV-Type C to prevent deterioration and discoloration of the coolant. Designed and manufactured for the most demanding…
- SKU: WAEK-2502
- MPN: 3831109895931
- EAN: 3831109895931
£23.48£19.57 Inc VatEx Vat
High Quality, None stain, XSPC soft and flexible EPDM Anti Microbial tubing. Black with no powder additives.
- SKU: XS-FLX-012
- MPN: 5060596651302
- EAN: 5060596651302
£10.98£9.15 Inc VatEx Vat
Barrow and Barrowch was established in 2010. It is an export-oriented and domestically-manufactured manufacturing enterprise specializing in computer and industrial water cooling equipment and precision hardware components. The advanced design concept and internal structure are deeply loved by domestic and…
- SKU: BAR-HT01
- MPN: PG1410-L
- EAN: 6937826602900
Fittings: Individually only a few pounds each, but a loop needs somewhere between eight and sixteen fittings, so the total adds up more than you would expect.
The DeltaMate fittings are water cooling hose connectors for the individual components of a custom water cooling system. Manufactured by machine from brass in the usual Thermal Grizzly quality, the fittings benefit from brass as an alloy of copper and…
- SKU: WAZU-1369
- MPN: TG-DM-QDC-0010
- EAN: 4260711993572
£19.49£16.24 Inc VatEx Vat
Koolance patented quick disconnect no-spill coupling with automatic shutoff. 10mm (3/8in) ID female panel-mountable barb fitting with spring clamp for 13mm (1/2in) OD. It will only fit a Koolance QDT3 male quick disconnect.
- SKU: WASA-465
- MPN: QDT3-F10-P-V
- EAN: 0829596914016
£16.00£13.33 Inc VatEx Vat
5-pack for multiple free ports, G1/4-inch thread for water cooling systems, securely seals unused ports, brass for robust construction, EPDM seal for reliable sealing
- SKU: WAZU-1291
- MPN: SCR-CP003PG-BK-5P
- EAN: 0829596916287
With the Koolance ADT-XFF-BK, you can directly connect two G1/4-inch external thread fittings to each other. The compact coupling adapter simplifies the construction of custom water cooling loops and allows transitions between different hose sizes or connector types.
- SKU: WASA-482
- MPN: ADT-XFF-BK
- EAN: 0829596905922
Coolant: One of the cheaper single items, though it is a recurring cost rather than a one off. That brings us to the part most people forget about entirely.
XSPC PURE is a clean, eco-friendly coolant for PC water-cooling. Its based on a refined 8 stage, triple distilled water blend with non-toxic corrosion inhibitors, and long life non-toxic dyes (except clear which contains no dyes). It offers market leading…
- SKU: XS-5L-PURE-CL
- MPN: 5060596651944
- EAN: 5060596651944
£34.31£28.59 Inc VatEx Vat
XSPC PURE is a clean, eco-friendly coolant for PC water-cooling. Its based on a refined 8 stage, triple distilled water blend with non-toxic corrosion inhibitors, and long life non-toxic dyes (except clear which contains no dyes). It offers market leading…
- SKU: XS-5L-PURE-CU
- MPN: 5060596651920
- EAN: 5060596651920
£34.31£28.59 Inc VatEx Vat
XSPC PURE is a clean, eco-friendly coolant for PC water-cooling. Its based on a refined 8 stage, triple distilled water blend with non-toxic corrosion inhibitors, and long life non-toxic dyes (except clear which contains no dyes). It offers market leading…
- SKU: XS-5L-PURE-GR
- MPN: 5060596651975
- EAN: 5060596651975
£34.31£28.59 Inc VatEx Vat
XSPC PURE is a clean, eco-friendly coolant for PC water-cooling. Its based on a refined 8 stage, triple distilled water blend with non-toxic corrosion inhibitors, and long life non-toxic dyes (except clear which contains no dyes). It offers market leading…
- SKU: XS-5L-PURE-BL
- MPN: 5060596651951
- EAN: 5060596651951
£34.31£28.59 Inc VatEx Vat
The Costs People Forget
A custom loop is not quite a one time purchase. Coolant needs replacing periodically, generally every 12-24 months for a premixed coolant with biocide, and sooner for some distilled water and additive setups.
O-rings and the odd fitting get replaced over a loop’s life too, especially if you drain and rebuild for a GPU upgrade. Cleaning the radiator and fins is effectively free but does cost you a little time.
None of this is expensive, but it is fair to know up front that a loop asks for a bit of ongoing spend rather than none at all.
Several choices are levers you can consciously dial up or down.
A distro plate looks superb but carries a real premium over a basic pump and reservoir combo. Flow sensors, monitoring hardware and RGB all add cost for no cooling benefit. That is absolutely fine, as long as you know that is what you are paying for.
Premium finishes and boutique brands command a price bump over functionally similar parts. On a subjective note, some of those finishes are quite swish and I can understand the appeal. However, the number of components you cool is the biggest lever of all, since every extra block plus the radiator to support it compounds quickly.
Kit or Individual Parts?
For a first loop, a ready made watercooling kit that bundles a block, radiator, pump and reservoir, tubing and fill accessories into one purchase is genuinely worth considering.
It costs a modest premium over the cheapest possible bare component build, but that premium buys verified compatibility and a simpler, faster first build. For most first timers, that is a fair trade.
Experienced builders assembling a bespoke multi-GPU loop will naturally buy parts individually. Both routes are open to you, whether you prefer the convenience of a kit or the flexibility of picking each component yourself.
AIO or Loop, on Cost Alone
Here is the framing that decides it for a lot of people. A single AIO covers the entire CPU-only job for less than the cheapest individual GPU block would cost you in a custom loop. So if your budget is tight and the CPU is all you need to cool, an AIO is the sensible spend.
If you want to cool the GPU as well, or you want the look and the hobby side of things, a custom loop earns its keep. I would say that for those who enjoy the building process itself, the loop is as much a project as it is a cooling solution.
The CORSAIR NAUTILUS II 360 RS LCD keeps your processor reliably cool even during extended gaming sessions and demanding workloads. The 360mm radiator combines a FlowDrive-2S pump with three RS-II fans. On the integrated 3.5-inch LCD, you can simultaneously display…
- SKU: WASE-1073
- MPN: CW-9061053-WW
- EAN: 0840440426509
£147.64£123.03 Inc VatEx Vat
The ASUS Prime LC 360 ARGB combines a large CPU contact surface with a 360mm radiator and three pre-installed ARGB fans. This all-in-one liquid cooler is ideal for high-performance gaming PCs and workstations, while the illuminated water block with endless…
- SKU: WASE-1087
- MPN: 90RC01X1-B0EAY0
- EAN: 4711636611893
£103.12£85.93 Inc VatEx Vat
With the TRYX HOLO ARGB AiO liquid cooler, your gaming PC not only receives powerful CPU cooling but also a real eye-catcher. The highlight is the customizable hologram projector, on which you can display your own images and videos. In…
- SKU: WATX-026
- MPN: L-H360A-DM3M-G0W
- EAN: 6977029650759
£179.50£149.58 Inc VatEx Vat
With the TRYX HOLO ARGB AiO liquid cooler, your gaming PC not only receives powerful CPU cooling but also a real eye-catcher. The highlight is the customizable hologram projector, on which you can display your own images and videos. In…
- SKU: WATX-025
- MPN: L-H360A-DM3M-G0K
- EAN: 6977029650742
£179.50£149.58 Inc VatEx Vat
The Bottom Line
Work out which band you are in first. AIO, CPU-only loop, or CPU-plus-GPU loop. Then budget each component before you buy a single part. The prices here are a current guide rather than a fixed quote, so do check live pricing for the exact parts you have in mind.
For those on a tight budget, an AIO remains the sensible route and there is no shame in that. For those who want to go further, a custom loop is a relatively straightforward process once you plan per component rather than guessing at a lump sum. Decide the outcome you want, and the budget follows from there.
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