The short answer
An all-in-one (AIO) cooler is the cheapest, simplest way to water cool a CPU: one sealed box, from $39.99. 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.
1
AIO or custom loop?
AIO cooler
$39.99 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
Shop AIO coolersCustom loop
From about $316 for a CPU loop
- Every part picked separately
- Cools the CPU and the graphics card
- Add radiators or blocks later
Start with a CPU block
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What a starter custom loop costs
A real CPU loop, every part in stock at ModMyMods:
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.
3
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.
4
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 radiators
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