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other, and frankly, most of the answers floating around the internet are vague, dollar denominated, and several years out of date.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
Available
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
Available
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
£69.98£58.32 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
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
Available
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 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
Available
The DeltaMate GPU Block – ROG Astral RTX 5080 GPU water block features a massive copper cooler made up of two cold plates screwed together. For the core cold plate, which makes direct contact with the graphics chip, a separately…
- SKU: WAZU-1396
- MPN: TG-DM-GPU-002
- EAN: 4260711992780
£510.01£425.01 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
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
£379.99£316.66 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
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
£470.00£391.67 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
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.
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
£104.12£86.77 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
For more than a decade, Alphacool has dominated the market with the NexXxoS Full Copper radiator series. Our extensive portfolio of radiator variants is unique in the world. Just like our manufacturing process, which allows us to produce all water-carrying…
- SKU: 1021488
- MPN: 14436
- EAN: 4250197144360
£77.27£64.39 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
For more than a decade, Alphacool has dominated the market with the NexXxoS Full Copper radiator series. Our extensive portfolio of radiator variants is unique in the world. Just like our manufacturing process, which allows us to produce all water-carrying…
- SKU: 1021496
- MPN: 14443
- EAN: 4250197144438
£65.06£54.22 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
For more than a decade, Alphacool has dominated the market with the NexXxoS Full Copper radiator series. Our extensive portfolio of radiator variants is unique in the world. Just like our manufacturing process, which allows us to produce all water-carrying…
- SKU: 1021487
- MPN: 14435
- EAN: 4250197144353
£56.93£47.44 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
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.
EK-Mana G2 PC-O11D EVO D5 Distribution Plate is a custom water cooling reservoir, routing and pump solution. This “distro plate” is the successor to the very successful G1 version and is specifically designed to provide an advanced water cooling solution for…
- SKU: WAEK-2814
- MPN: 3831129902039
- EAN: 3831129902039
£236.50£197.08 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
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: 1025034
- MPN: 13873
- EAN: 4250197138734
£209.99£174.99 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
Alphacool Core 70 Tube – Real Glass Reservoir with Apex VPP Pump The Core 70 Tube Reservoir merges premium materials with a functional industrial design. The real glass cylinder ensures maximum chemical resistance and permanent clarity – a significant advantage over conventional…
- SKU: 1023976
- MPN: 13742
- EAN: 4250197137423
£169.99£141.66 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
The SC ResPro 360 is a 360 mm reservoir designed for high-performance custom loops and demanding builds. It is aimed at enthusiasts who prefer flexible connection options and high-quality materials.
- SKU: WASK-066
- MPN: 21360
- EAN: 4260754981024
£209.03£174.19 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
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.
On Sale
£19.99£16.66 Original price was: £19.99£16.66.£12.00£10.00Current price is: £12.00£10.00. Inc VatEx Vat
Available
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
£19.99£16.66 Original price was: £19.99£16.66.£12.00£10.00Current price is: £12.00£10.00. Inc VatEx Vat
Available
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
Available
On Sale
£10.98£9.15 Original price was: £10.98£9.15.£5.50£4.58Current price is: £5.50£4.58. Inc VatEx Vat
Out of stock
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 Original price was: £10.98£9.15.£5.50£4.58Current price is: £5.50£4.58. Inc VatEx Vat
Out of stock
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 sealing rings (O-rings) are made from particularly elastic and ozone- and UV-resistant EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber). The robust design of the DeltaMate fittings allows installation with an 8 mm internal hex key. The uniform outer diameter of all…
- SKU: WAZU-1334
- MPN: TG-DM-FIT-0214
- EAN: 4260711992452
Alphacool Apex Grip Fitting – Precision and Grip for 13/10mm Tubing The Alphacool Apex Grip fittings feature a modular system that enables flexible and customized connection solutions for modern water cooling setups. Combining distinctive Apex style with premium craftsmanship, these…
- SKU: 1027224
- MPN: 14920
- EAN: 4250197149204
£29.99£24.99 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
The DeltaMate fittings are water cooling hose connectors for the individual components of a custom water cooling system. The fittings are machined from brass. Brass, as an alloy of copper and zinc, offers the advantage of being anodically compatible with…
- SKU: WAZU-1330
- MPN: TG-DM-FIT-0014
- EAN: 4260711992414
The DeltaMate fittings are water cooling hose connectors for the individual components of a custom water cooling system. The fittings are machined from brass. Brass, as an alloy of copper and zinc, offers the advantage of being anodically compatible with…
- SKU: WAZU-1346
- MPN: TG-DM-FIT-6201
- EAN: 4260711992506
£28.82£24.02 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
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.
On Sale
£32.99£27.49 Original price was: £32.99£27.49.£29.69£24.74Current price is: £29.69£24.74. Inc VatEx Vat
Available
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
£32.99£27.49 Original price was: £32.99£27.49.£29.69£24.74Current price is: £29.69£24.74. Inc VatEx Vat
Available
On Sale
£32.99£27.49 Original price was: £32.99£27.49.£29.69£24.74Current price is: £29.69£24.74. Inc VatEx Vat
Available
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
£32.99£27.49 Original price was: £32.99£27.49.£29.69£24.74Current price is: £29.69£24.74. Inc VatEx Vat
Available
On Sale
£32.99£27.49 Original price was: £32.99£27.49.£29.69£24.74Current price is: £29.69£24.74. Inc VatEx Vat
Available
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
£32.99£27.49 Original price was: £32.99£27.49.£29.69£24.74Current price is: £29.69£24.74. Inc VatEx Vat
Available
On Sale
£32.99£27.49 Original price was: £32.99£27.49.£29.69£24.74Current price is: £29.69£24.74. Inc VatEx Vat
Available
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
£32.99£27.49 Original price was: £32.99£27.49.£29.69£24.74Current price is: £29.69£24.74. Inc VatEx Vat
Available
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.
Features: – All-black design with a single white LED indicator – Dual-ball bearing PWM fan with sound dampening pads – A slightly convex copper baseplate ensures firm contact with the processor – Radiator-optimized cooling fans with tremendous airflow and static…
- SKU: FAN-LIQ-020
- MPN: SST-NP360B
- EAN: 4710679818092
£102.94£85.78 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
The Jonsbo TG-240 is a high-performance all-in-one liquid cooler with a 240 mm radiator, designed for PC enthusiasts. With its efficient cooling performance and customizable ARGB lighting, it offers both functionality and aesthetics for your system.
- SKU: COO-JON-06733
- MPN: TG-240B
- EAN: 6970620552972
£49.49£41.24 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
The Jonsbo TG-360 is a high-performance all-in-one liquid cooler with a 360 mm radiator, designed for PC enthusiasts. With its efficient cooling performance and customizable ARGB lighting, it offers both functionality and aesthetics for your system.
- SKU: COO-JON-06727
- MPN: TG-360W
- EAN: 6970620553009
£56.75£47.29 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
The Sudokoo ENERGLO 360 is a powerful 360mm AiO water cooler designed for demanding gaming and high-end systems. Featuring a large radiator and a modular segment display, it combines strong cooling performance with a striking appearance.
- SKU: WASE-1042
- MPN: R-ENR360-WHDSMC-GAS-1
- EAN: 8881300820183
£64.90£54.08 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
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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