An all-in-one (AIO) cooler is the cheapest, simplest way to water cool a CPU: one sealed box, from $69.99. A custom loop built from parts starts around $316 for a CPU loop and about $576 with a current-gen GPU block. The loop costs more, and in return it cools your graphics card, lets you pick every part, and grows with your build.
AIO or custom loop?
AIO cooler
$69.99 to $374.99 at ModMyMods
- Pump, block and radiator in one sealed unit
- Installs like an air cooler, nothing to fill
- Cools the CPU only
Custom loop
From about $316 for a CPU loop
- Every part picked separately
- Cools the CPU and the graphics card
- Add radiators or blocks later
Want the middle ground? Alphacool Eisbaer AIOs are built to expand: one hose has a quick-lock, so you can add a GPU block or another radiator later with the Eisbaer Quick-Connect Extension Kit. Try the Eisbaer 360.
What a starter custom loop costs
A real CPU loop, every part in stock at ModMyMods:
| CPU block: HEATKILLER IV BASIC (Intel) or (AMD AM4/AM5) | $91.75 |
| Radiator: Alphacool NexXxoS ST30 360mm | $83.99 |
| Pump and reservoir: Alphacool Eisstation DDC with pump | $99.99 |
| Tubing: ModMyMods 16/10mm (3/8" x 5/8"), 6 feet (sold by the foot) | $7.50 |
| 6 compression fittings: Alphacool HF six pack | $22.00 |
| Coolant: ModMyMods ModWater Clear, 1 liter | $10.50 |
| Total | $315.73 |
Prices checked September 2026.
What about fans? A 360mm radiator takes three 120mm fans. Reuse your case fans, or pick up a set of 120mm fans.
Adding your graphics card
Water blocks for current cards run $249.99 to $624.99 at ModMyMods. Add two more compression fittings and a couple of feet of tubing, and a CPU plus GPU loop comes to about $576. Bigger loops usually add radiator space as well.
The block has to match your exact card. Our guide shows how to check: How to water cool a GPU.
Where to save, where to spend
Save on tubing and fittings
Our house 16/10mm tubing is $1.25 a foot, and Barrow compression fittings are $3.75 each.
Shop compression fittingsSpend on radiator space
More radiator means quieter fans for the same heat. A thicker or second radiator is the upgrade most loops grow into.
Shop radiatorsTight routing?
90 degree fittings make it easier to run tubing in a crowded case.
Shop 90 degree fittingsWant us to check your parts list?
Send it over and we will make sure it all fits together.
