Best practices for liquid cooling custom builds

Hey everyone,

I'm planning my first custom liquid cooling loop for my new Ryzen 9 build and I'm looking for some advice on best practices. I've done a lot of research, but there's so much conflicting information out there! I want to ensure my build is stable, reliable, and performs optimally.

Specifically, I'm wondering about:

• Best order for components (CPU, GPU, Radiators)?
• Types of fittings and tubing to use (hard vs. soft)?
• Recommended coolants and their maintenance schedules?
• Tips for leak testing and filling the loop?

Any insights or war stories would be greatly appreciated!

Welcome to the world of custom loops, TechGuru! It's a rewarding journey.

To answer your questions:

1. Component order is more about loop efficiency than strict rules. Generally, you want radiators placed where they can get the coolest air. A common order is Pump -> GPU -> CPU -> Radiator(s) -> Reservoir -> Pump. The key is a continuous flow.
2. For beginners, soft tubing is much easier to work with and forgiving. If you're aiming for aesthetics, hard tubing (PETG or Acrylic) looks amazing but requires more skill and tools. Fittings should match your tubing type (e.g., barbed fittings for soft tubing, compression fittings for hard tubing).
3. Distilled water with a biocide and anti-corrosive additive is often the safest and most cost-effective choice for a clear loop. Colored coolants can look great but may stain components over time and require more frequent flushing (every 6-12 months).
4. Leak testing is CRUCIAL. Always use a dedicated leak tester with air pressure *before* filling with liquid. For filling, a funnel attached to the reservoir is best. Go slow, tilt your case to help air escape, and run your pump at low speed initially.

Feel free to ask more specific questions!

I agree with Overclocked. Also, consider the size and thickness of your radiators. More surface area = better cooling. Don't skimp on pump strength; it needs to be able to push liquid through all your components. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 120mm of radiator space per component you plan to cool (CPU, GPU).

For leak testing, after the air pressure test, I like to run the pump on a separate power supply (jumped with a paperclip) and only connect the pump to the PSU, leaving the motherboard and GPU off. This way, if there's a leak, it won't fry your expensive components. Just let it run for 12-24 hours.

Thanks for the excellent advice, Overclocked and CoolMaster! The separate PSU for leak testing is a brilliant tip, I hadn't thought of that. I think I'll go with soft tubing for my first build to make things simpler. I'll aim for a 360mm and a 240mm radiator to give myself plenty of cooling overhead.

One last quick question: Any brand recommendations for pumps and reservoirs that are known for reliability?