Along with ensuring your components are properly set in place, your PC case provides various functions and aesthetics to your build, making it an integral part of the build. However, it is not enough if you cannot safeguard your components from overheating, so many premium PC cases now come with dedicated water cooling support to ensure your components stay nice and cool.
We’ve combined a list comprising water cooling PC cases, but first, let’s have a glance at some crucial details to help you decide among the Best Water Cooling Cases for you.
Last update on 2023-12-13
While most standard PC builds include generic air cooling and ventilation systems to ensure the health and performance of their components. However, if you have the extra cash to spare and want the most optimal method to cool your hardware, you should invest in a water cooling system to properly safeguard your hardware, creating a good water cooling PC case! If you have been looking for one, you’re in luck, as here, we will be discussing Water Cooling PC Cases and what sets them apart from each other. Make sure you also go through our Best Water Cooling Kit article for full equipment.
Best Water Cooling Cases
Here are our picks for the Best Water Cooling Cases currently available on the market:
- Thermaltake Tower 900
- Corsair Obsidian 1000D
- NZXT H510
- CoolerMaster Masterbox NR200p
- Thermaltake Core P1
- Corsair iCUE 5000T
- Thermaltake DistroCase 350p
Thermaltake Tower 900
Best Overall Water Cooled PC Case
Specifications: Type: Full Tower Case | Colors: Black and White | Motherboard Support: ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX, E-ATX | Dimensions: 29.6 x 16.7 x 19 inches | Radiator Support: 1x 480mm & 2x 560mm (Sides) | Ports: 4x USB 3.0, 1x HD Audio in/out | Drive Bays: 1x 5.25-inch, 6x 3.5-inch, 2x 2.5-inch
Pros
- Massive amount of storage
- Can hold any liquid configuration
- Isolation of internal component noises
- Good cable management opportunities
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Big and Bulky
- Heavy to lift
- Expensive to purchase
Thermaltake, as a company, has risen to the status of one of the best PC component manufacturers on the market, having products that display outstanding technical depth and show outstanding build strength. The company has grown so gigantic that it has its own Esports team, but don’t let that distract you from its quality products and state-of-the-art liquid cooling PC cases, which you will love. Aside from liquid cooling PC cases, they make various other products, which are sure to catch your eye and are available at a myriad of different and affordable prices.
While it is big and heavy, to say the least, the Thermaltake Tower 900 is a different kind of beast, capable of supporting all types of motherboards along with having a lot of USB 3 I/O ports to make up for the heavy size. That is natural considering it is a full tower PC case that weighs almost 13 Kg and is 16.7 inches in height. This goliath of a PC case also has the aesthetic to back it up, as the case comes with see-through panels made of tempered glass.
The inside of the case opens up into two sections, one which houses any components you have and the other for all the cables and radiators. However, the main thing to talk about is the integration of the cooling system. The Thermaltake Tower 900 comes with two dedicated reservoir mounts in the case’s main chamber, but the drawback is that they only work with the company’s products. Despite this setback, it is still one of the Best Cases For Water Cooling.
Considering the huge size of the PC case, it has space for 3x radiators, with support for 480 mm and 2x 560 mm radiators simultaneously. On the topic of radiators and cooling, the case comes with free fan mounts on the top and rear of the case, which allow you even more options for cooling components such as the RAM and the SSDs.
What matters most is the thermal performance of the case. The brilliant team at Thermaltake knew the game while designing this chassis, which provides a lot of room for your water cooling needs and allows you to go all out with customization for water cooling loops and further customization for efficient and effective cooling. While it has its fair share of negatives, mostly related to its size and weight, it is the Best Overall Water Cooled PC Case money can buy.
What we Liked:
We’re sure everyone would love the amount of space you have inside Thermaltake Tower 900. The build quality is superb, and the customization possibilities of the water cooling loops and other components are seemingly endless. It allows for many components inside, making it great for a truly high-end PC.
What we Disliked:
Our grievance with this product is no doubt the size and weight it brings to the table. Thermaltake Tower 900 is extremely heavy and bulky and moving can be very difficult. The case’s top panel holds up with plastic pop-out posts instead of utilizing anything better, such as magnets. Plugging things in and out can also be quite difficult due to the lack of magnets used by the case.
What sets the Thermaltake Tower 900 apart?
Undoubtedly, the things that set this PC case apart from the rest are its sheer size and magnitude. The case does not try to be compact and embraces its huge size by offering much space for wires and components.
Verdict
With tempered glass, impressive thermal performance, and limitless potential for water cooling, the Thermaltake Tower 900 is a must-have for experienced PC enthusiasts who know what they are doing. Its size and cost make it difficult to recommend entry-level PC builders, but for the more experienced, it gets a thumbs up from us. Overall, the Thermaltake Tower 900 is the Best Overall Water Cooled PC Case.
Corsair Obsidian 1000D
Best Water Cooled Gaming PC Case
Specifications: Type: Full Tower | Colors: Black | Motherboard Support: E-ATX, Mini ITX | Dimensions: 12.1 x 27.4 x 27.3 inches | Radiator Support: 2x 480 mm (Front), 1x 420 mm (Top), 1x 240 mm (rear) | Ports: 2x USB-C 3.1 Gen 2, 4x USB 3.0, 2x Audio In/Out | Drive Bays: 6x 2.5” drives, 5x 3.5” drives
Pros
- It comes with a two-year warranty
- Has tempered glass panels
- It has a lot of room for components
- Heavy-duty materials used
- Support for all motherboards
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
- No power supplies
- No Fans
It is hard to browse any PC-related product without coming across the company Corsair. The company has established itself in all sorts of PC-related components, ranging from keyboards to fans and air coolers. So whatever you want to buy for your PC build, the chances are that Corsair rocks the category, even extending to PC cases which many people think is the bread and butter of the company with premium expertise in the category. According to our criteria for selecting the Best Water Cooling Cases, this seems to be true as now we will take a look at the Corsair Obsidian 1000D.
A glance at this PC case, and you can see that it is just colossal, which is expected from a full tower PC case. Standing at 27.4 inches tall, it even gives the ThermalTake Tower 900 a run for its money when it comes to size, and this translates to its weight as well since the Corsair Obsidian 1000D is as heavy as it gets. What it loses in portability, it makes up for in providing you with a lot of component capacity, cable management space, and room for experimenting with the cooling system. This is possible thanks to the triple chamber layout of the Corsair Obsidian 1000D, which also allows the PC case to support two systems simultaneously, making it extremely powerful and convenient for those wanting to run two systems and not buy a new PC entirely.
The Corsair Obsidian 1000D has enough radiator capacity to ensure that your PC remains cool. The case features dual radiator mounts for the front and top, allowing you to maximize cooling and maintain maximum performance, making it a great way to ensure the cooling of the PC’s components.
In most cases, if you buy this case, it would be straight-up overkilling, as there are not a lot of rigs that require this amount of cooling and space. However, if you truly are a hardcore gamer and want a top-of-the-line PC, this case is for you, making Corsair Obsidian 1000D a good candidate for being the Best Water Cooled Gaming PC Case. With this PC case, you can be sure that your high-end components will not overheat and that you will get stable FPS and performance while gaming.
What we Liked:
The tempered glass panel and the quality build material make the PC case stand out, especially since the case itself is so huge. It also plays into the fact that you can house many components in the PC case itself and make sure that they all stay cool, which everyone can consider good. Two PCs that can fit in one casing, what could be cooler?
What we Disliked:
Being a Full tower case is a disadvantage because Corsair Obsidian 1000D is gigantic and difficult to move around. While you don’t build a PC for its portability, the sheer weight and size can make it difficult to set up. The fact that this case also does not come with any PSU or fans is also a sad sight considering the hefty price you will have to pay to get the case in the first place.
What sets The Corsair Obsidian 1000D apart?
While most other full tower PC cases offer roughly the same benefits, the Corsair Obsidian 1000D sets itself apart from the lot by marketing itself as a dual system PC case optimized for various components and motherboards and a great case for water cooling as well.
Verdict
If you are a hardcore gamer and want the best of the best for your PC build, Corsair Obsidian 1000D is just for you. It is the Best Water Cooled Gaming PC Case. The jaw-dropping build and the beautiful tempered glass design have made this the ultimate full-tower PC case that money can buy.
Related Read: Best Wall Mount PC Case
NZXT H510
Best Custom Water Cooled PC Case
Specifications: Type: Compact Mid-tower | Colors: White, Black, Black, and Red | Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, MicroATX, ATX | Dimensions: 18.11 x 8.27 x 16.85 inches | Radiator Support: 280 mm (Front), 120mm (Rear) | Ports: 1x USB 3.2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Type C, 1x Audio I/O | Drive Bays: 3x 2.5 inches, 3x 3.5 inches
Pros
- Good Thermal performance
- Elegant and modern aesthetic
- Compact and lightweight design
- It comes with vertical GPU Mounting
- Purchase includes 3 RGB lit fans and RGB Lighting strip
Cons
- Only two I/O ports
- No Top Exhaust fan included
- Slightly overpriced
NZXT has committed itself to its community and has grown into a company that goes the extra mile for its customers and does right by them. Providing products at great prices made of high-quality materials, NZXT wants to provide the best products they can, allowing users to build great gaming PCs. Their products range from PC peripherals to entire PCs, and for the sake of this article, PC cases, too, include those that support water cooling.
Their product in question is the NZXT H510 compact Mid-tower ATX, one of the most affordable PC cases on this list, making it a good option for people on tight budgets. The PC case comes with a good amount of USB ports and tempered glass side panels supporting all sorts of motherboards from Micro ATX to ATX to mini-ITX. Combining it with the company’s 2-year warranty makes it one of the Best Water Cooling Cases to buy.
Related Read: Best PC Case Under $50
Being compatible with all sorts of motherboards and components, the NZXT H510 is extremely easy to work with and quite user-friendly. The clean and sleek modern design comes with a side panel that allows you to show all the internal components of the build. Its straightforward layout also aids in managing the cables. H510’s design is also quite clever as it allows for maximum cooling and excellent airflow, which transitions to great cooling in water cooling systems.
NZXT has also improved the chassis of the build leading to increased cooling of the PC components, making it worthwhile to invest in a cooling system for the PC case. The case itself is easy to work with and easy to build in, making it the Best Custom Water Cooled PC Case that you can buy. It is easy to operate and has a lot of room for experimentation.
What we Liked:
Putting its great design and build quality aside, the NZXT H510 is marvelous when it comes to how many components it is compatible with, allowing you to customize your build however you see fit properly. The build size is also perfect as it is a slightly compact mid-tower case that still allows for a lot of room for setting water loops and integrating your desired cooling system however you see fit. The fact that it also has a 2-year warranty is also vastly appreciated.
What we Disliked:
The downsides of NZXT H510 are that it does not offer the best radiator support compared to other PC cases on this list, significantly lowering its overall cooling performance as radiators are crucial for water cooling as they cool off the water and prevent overheating. While it is not a huge detriment, it is still sad that there is no radiator at the top. The price of this PC case is also up for debate as many people think that it is overpriced.
What sets The NZXT H510 apart?
You should consider this water cooling PC case because of how flexible it can be and how easy it is to open up and change parts. It establishes itself as a nice beginner-friendly PC case and allows you to experiment and play around with different components and cooling loops. It’s decent on a budget which further attracts newer PC builders.
Verdict
The NZXT H510 is a great PC case if you are just starting in PC building and want to get your hands on a water-cooled PC case. It generally has good reviews and provides a lot of thermal protection when used in tandem with a water cooling system. The variety of ways you can set the cooling system makes it the Best Custom Water Cooled PC Case.
CoolerMaster Masterbox NR200P
Best ITX Case For Water Cooling
Specifications: Type: Small Form Factor Mini ITX | Colors: Black, White, Blue, Pink, Orange, Purple | Motherboard Support: Mini ITX, Mini DTX | Dimensions: 11.5 x 7.28 x 14.80 inches | Radiator Support: 92 mm (Rear), 120 mm/ 240 mm (Bottom), 120 mm, 140 mm, 240 mm, 280 mm (Side) | Ports: 2x USB 3.2 Type A, 1x Audio I/O | Drive Bays: 2x 3.5 inch, 3x 2.5 inch, 1x 2.5/ 3.5 inch
Pros
- Includes Riser card for vertical GPU mounting in package
- Small yet spacious design
- Built via sturdy material
- Good value alongside a glass model
- Provides great cooling and cable management
Cons
- Limited Availability
- The front panel is plain
- Aesthetic and paint finish are considered bland by most
Cooler Master has become a popular brand that many people consider when in the market for various PC components and peripherals. The company is based in Taiwan and offers a wide range of products, encompassing different price ranges, ensuring that you get your desired product at the price you want it. Cooler Master has a mixed reputation for PC cases, as many people consider their cases plain and simple. While that is not a bad thing, it does affect the opinions of people who prefer stylish and bombastic PC cases. The next case that we will discuss also falls into this category.
Even though the Cooler Master NR200P can easily be classified as a budget PC case, it offers a wide range of features with support for water cooling systems separating it from other Mini-ITX cases. And since this is a Mini-ITX case, you can figure out that the case will not take a lot of space and will be compact in its build. While this does affect how well you can integrate the cooling system into your PC, the features inside the Cooler Master NR200P enhance the cooling capabilities to the maximum.
The Cooler Master NR200P comes with two liquid cooling pump locations located at the bottoms, and the side radiator mounts allow owners of the case to create effective and powerful custom water cooler builds, despite the case being so compact, as is evident by the fact that the case has enough room to fit seven fans which will leave no room for any sort of overheating to occur. These features help the Cooler Master NR200P become one of the Best ITX Case For Water Cooling. The two pump locations also make this case considerable if you want a PC case with built-in water cooling.
Cooler Master NR200P does not suffer from many issues most compact ITX cases have to deal with. While working on the case can still be difficult to do considering how small it is, it has enough room to work with that you can easily add and swap out components. In the department of aesthetics, you have a simple lineup of a variety of different colors, which is nothing too special and something that many might consider being bland or basic, but regardless of the style of the case, it is a great case that you cannot gloss over if you are looking to build a water-cooled PC case build.
What we Liked:
We liked the Cooler Master NR200P case because it allows for many utilities and options when creating and building a PC. The glass panel that the case boasts shows your PC’s components in all their glory, while the various features and cooling aids help ensure that its efficiency is kept at its peak, making this an excellent water cooling PC case.
What we Disliked:
Among the few things that slightly bring this product down is that there is no usage of USB C ports. While this is not a big deal, it is still baffling to understand this decision which is heightened by the fact that there are only two ports available. The case itself is also painted in various colors that, while they add a bit of spice to the build, are ultimately just blank sheets with no texture, which is disappointing.
What sets the Cooler Master Masterbox NR200P apart?
The Cooler Master Masterbox NR200P does not try to act attractive and vivid. Instead, it aims to deliver an easy-to-assemble and compact ITX case that can support water cooling effectively, allowing for great performance. These traits make Cooler Master Masterbox NR200P one of the Best Water Cooling Cases.
Verdict
Cooler Master’s Masterbox NR200P is the Best ITX Case For Water Cooling if you are on the quest for a Mini-ITX case that can support water cooling. It is also a great option if you are on a tight budget, but as we will show you, there is a much better alternative for those who wish to have a water-cooled PC on a budget. You may also need some Budget CPU Coolers for this.
Thermaltake Core P1
Best Budget PC Case For Water Cooling
Specifications: Type: Mini ITX | Colors: Black | Motherboard Support: Mini ITX (6.7 x 6.7 inches) | Dimensions: 15 x 13.1 x 16.6 inches | Radiator Support: up to 240 mm (Side ) | Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 1x Audio I/O | Drive Bays: 1x 2.5/ 3.5 inches, 1x 2.5 inches, 2x 2.5 inches
Pros
- Good looking and modular design
- Top-notch build quality
- Decent amount of drive expansion ports
- Great Cable management included
- Compact and lightweight case
- Tempered Glass Edition is gorgeous
Cons
- Better compatible with other Thermaltake Products
- Cards may not fit over certain lengths
- Certain builds may require custom cables
As discussed already, what a popular and committed brand Thermaltake is, and how they try to create innovative and engaging products which are natural for a company that has been active for as long as them. This Taiwanese company has been making and selling its products since 1999 and has learned a lot of good practices and formed great qualities that help define its products to set them apart from the rest of the market. Since we have already discussed one of the bigger PC cases made by Thermaltake, it is time we talk about one of its smaller and more compact cases. This compact ITX case is perfect for those on a budget and who want high-quality components, don’t take this as a downgrade.
Meet the Thermaltake Core P1, another small and compact yet durable and unique ITX PC case slightly bigger than the Cooler Master MasterBox NR200P but still only allows for mini ITX motherboards. The case itself has an open-air design and features tempered glass side panels while retaining side fan support, allowing 2x fans complemented by the amazing three years warranty that comes with the product.
The best thing about the Thermaltake Core P1 is that it is affordable. It is probably the most affordable option on this list, even beating the ITX case above it. Heightening the fact that this case can support water cooling, allowing the use of tall CPU coolers and long GPUs, which you would think only full-sized cases would support. It also allows the installation of 240 mm radiators, which can seal the deal when it comes to water cooling making this the Best Budget PC Case For Water Cooling on this list.
If you’re interested in some Budget options, check out our punchy guide on Best Budget PC Cases In 2023.
While there are many other options from Thermaltake in their Core series, many customers and followers of the brand believe that the Core P1 excels over them due to its Mini-ITX form and ability to support water cooling, all at an incredible price. It looks great, feels great, and has enough flexibility to support all the latest hardware and placement designs, which is particularly great for water cooling solutions. Again, all the fun is available in a compact and stylish PC case that will take up less space and provide you with the performance overall.
What we Liked:
Being one of the cheapest PC cases on this list and in general, the Thermaltake Core P1 gets points for providing all of its features and facilities while being primarily a budget PC case. You would not expect it to have water cooling or support the hardware it can, which only adds to how well-crafted the case is and makes it a hardcore addition to our list of Best Cases For Water Cooling. Let’s not forget the beautiful design, either.
What we Disliked:
What we did not like about Thermaltake Core P1 is that it forces you to purchase other Thermaltake products to make them work with the case. If you already own a lot of Thermaltake components, then this should not be an issue, but for those who do not, it would be a shame to find out that your newly purchased PC case does not support the components you already have. Furthermore, this is taken one step further because you have to order custom cables for certain builds.
What sets the Thermaltake Core P1 apart?
The amount of functionality, design, and performance the Thermaltake Core P1 provides, all in a mini-ITX form, is simply outstanding. When you account for all of this in the available price, you will see that the Thermaltake Core P1 is a great option if you want a powerful and cheap water cooling PC case.
Verdict
If you are on a budget and looking for a PC case among the Best Mini ITX Water Cooling Cases, Thermaltake Core P1 is the right choice for you as you can get it at an amazing price, but the extended warranty will provide you with peace of mind as well.
Corsair iCUE 5000T RGB
Best White PC Case For Water Cooling
Specifications: Type: ATX Mid-Tower | Colors: Black, White | Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATX | Dimensions: 22.05 x 9.88 X 20.87 inches | Radiator Support: 1x 360 mm/ 280 mm (front), 1x 360mm/ 280mm (Top), 1x 120mm (rear), 1x 360 mm (motherboard tray) | Ports: 3x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1X USB Type-C , 1x Audio I/O | Drive Bays: 4x 2.5 inch, 2x 3.5 inch
Pros
- Spacious interior
- Great for cable management
- A good amount of I/O ports
- Great build quality and design
- It comes with three fans and six lighting strips
Cons
- Fans can be a bit noisy
- Limited space for power supply
- Pricey
- The rear case fan doesn’t come with the package
- No pump/ reservoir mounts
Another one of Corsair’s products finds its way onto our list, and there should be no surprise about that. While the company itself is headquartered in Taiwan with a production facility in place, a big and talented company like Corsair works to create amazing PC products and Peripherals. One of those products is Corsair’s iCUE 5000T RGB case.
The Corsair iCUE 5000T RGB is undoubtedly imposing due to its big size and weight. The build quality is superb, with the case made of tempered glass and steel, adding to the bulky weight of the product, so make sure you have a good amount of stable space to place this product. The upside of this huge PC case is its allowance and support of all types of motherboards allowing placement of a wide variety of hardware and components, making it almost certain that any hardware you already have will easily fit into the case. This also makes it much easier for the product to house a water cooling system and allows you to make custom loops as you see fit.
The cooling system itself does a great job due to 3 high-quality radiators that can go up to 360 mm, ensuring there is always enough cooling to keep the system from overheating. The case’s design also complements the water cooling as it will look great when seeing it through the tempered glass panels from the side. Further amplified by the overall build and design of Corsair iCUE 5000T RGB, the tempered glass and the design make the case a sight to behold.
While the case is available in your standard black and white format, many people gravitate towards the white color for this case, whereas this is something objective as the Corsair iCUE 500T is undoubtedly the Best White PC Case For Water Cooling available on this list. With the availability of the lighting strips along with other products, you can provide an RGB PC case unlike any other that will look great in white too.
In for more White PC Case options? Have a look at our Best White PC Cases guide to enlighten yourself with the best options available in the market.
While the case itself is on the pricier side of things, it proves that Corsair knows how to create and design an effective and beautiful PC case that can offer flexibility when it comes to water cooling systems. Even with the slightly noisy fans, the case provides spectacular audio performance, keeping most sounds at bay while pushing your desired power and performance. It is a high-end product that will appeal to many people due to its design, aesthetic, and water cooling capabilities but will never be seen as worth it due to its high price.
Related Read: Best Quiet PC Case
What we Liked:
The first thing we almost instantly adored about the product was its design and aesthetic, especially in the color white, which is why it was able to make its way into this article. The beautiful tempered glass and the solid steel work beautifully with the white color of the case and add to any RGB lighting you want to employ. But don’t just think that it all looks as if the performance, cooling, and capabilities that this case can output are enough to give any other case a run for its money, booking its seat on the Water Cooling Cases list easily.
What we Disliked:
Speaking of money, the Corsair iCUE 5000T RGB does not provide a lot of value for the cost you get, and this is a point that many users raise when talking about the case. The issue is elevated further when you find out there are no mounts for the pumps and reservoirs, leading to slight issues in water cooling systems.
What sets Corsair iCUE 5000T RGB apart?
Corsair put a lot of effort when it came to the Corsair iCUE 5000T RGB and created a beautifully designed PC case that excels in providing good performance but also aids you in setting up a water cooling system exactly as you want it.
Verdict
The Corsair iCUE 5000T RGB is the Best White PC Case For Water Cooling for those who want aesthetics and the chance to take advantage of all your high-end products. Still, more often than not, you will probably want to consider this product if you are crazy about RGB lighting and looking for a Water Cooling Case that supports it.
Thermaltake DistroCase 350p
PC Case with a Built-In Water Reservoir
Specifications: Type: Mid Tower ATX | Colors: Black | Motherboard Support: ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX | Dimensions: 22.32 x 13.1 x 19.3 inches | Radiator Support: 1x 360 mm or 1x 240 mm or 1x 120 mm, 1x 280 mm or 1x 140mm (front), 1x 360 mm or 1x 240 mm or 1x 120mm (left) | Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB Type C, 2x Audio I/O | Drive Bays: 6x 2.5 inches or 4x 3.5 inches
Pros
- In-built distro plate
- Beautiful Tempered Glass front
- Wide variety of I/O ports
- D5 Pump and radiator mounting brackets
- Drainage port on the back
Cons
- The Open Frame design is not visually appealing
- Tubing and water blocks are not enough for a proper cooling system
- Only room for one radiator
Thermaltake once again gets a feature on this as it puts out yet another amazing product that forms a fine middle ground between the huge ATX case and the compact ITX one. If you think that either of the two cases was good, you’re in for a treat with this next product. If the previous two products from Thermaltake did not suit your style, then do not worry, as this third one should hit the mark for those who want to have a balanced approach to PC building but do not want any compromises on water cooling.
Thermaltake’s DistroCase 350p features a fully modular design with an open-frame build. Coming up with a distro plate as the chassis’s main body, Thermaltake DistroCase 350p comes with water channels, inlets, outlets, radiator mounts, and an inbuilt water reservoir. DistroCase 350p’s components allow for a case that makes it extremely easy for people to design and manage the loops for their water cooling system, making the Thermaltake Distro Case 350p an amazing PC Case with a Built-In Water Reservoir and a must-have for fanatics of water cooling.
While the open frame design may not be for all, the design is teeming with features such as a good range of I/O ports. There are no top, bottom, or side panels, so you can find any buttons and headers to be used on the motherboard tray. The design also meshes well with the translucent back and the front of the case, built with tempered glass, funneling your view to the inside of the system, where you can see your glorious water cooling system in action.
If you are still not sold on the case’s aesthetic, then do not fret, as the distribution plate also features a good number of LEDs, all of which can be synced with the motherboard to allow the user to control the lights as they see fit easily. The tweaking of LEDs can be done using Thermaltake’s lighting software which can have a lot of presets and effects. These specs are wrapped up with a good range of compatibility, allowing you to form a high-performance PC cooled efficiently by the cooling system. This makes this a great PC case with built-in water cooling support and the best PC case for custom water cooling.
What we Liked:
The Thermaltake Distro Case 350p PC case is perfect for water cooling and helps you create the perfect custom water cooling system. Everything about this PC case is designed to provide the user with the tools and means necessary to create their water cooling system. Even though there is only room for one radiator, it seems to do its job just fine alone.
What we Disliked:
While this falls into personal preference, we were not a big fan of the open panel design of the PC case. While the tempered glass front and translucent back help give this case a good look, without RGB just did not look appealing. Another big letdown is that you will probably have to get more tubing and water blocks for a complete cooling system, as the amount provided is not enough.
What sets the Thermaltake DistroCase 350p apart?
The sheer emphasis on custom water cooling, imbuing the whole case with the idea of custom water cooling, is a bold and smart move that pays immensely for the Thermaltake DistroCase 350p and brands it as one of the Best Water Cooling Cases money can buy.
Verdict
If you have struggled in the past with water cooling systems and require a PC case that is easy to infuse water cooling in and designed for the sole purpose of water cooling, then be sure to check out the Thermaltake Distro Case 350p. It is the Best PC Case with a Built-In Water Reservoir.
Our Criteria for selecting these Water Cooling Cases
With so many different choices to select and choose from, it wasn’t easy to compile and create the list of Water Cooling Cases, but through judging a few key factors, we were able to figure out the best way to determine the best PC case for water cooling. Here are the main factors we considered and the reasons we used them.
Hardware Compatibility
Compatibility is the single most important thing for getting a PC case and should be a top priority when assessing which PC case you will buy. While most PC cases will support water cooling to some extent, you must make sure that they are compatible with your motherboards and have a good amount of clearance needed by the PC’s components, such as the power supply and the graphic cards. The case should have ample space to house all your components and manage all the cables while having enough room to install a proper water cooling system. Reservoir mounts and built-in water reservoirs are also great additions.
Water Cooling and Space
Even if you can store all of your components inside the case, the case must be capable that all the components are kept at their optimal temperatures or as cool as possible, and that may be difficult for compact cases but gets easier the bigger the size of the case gets. Space is extremely important for water cooling cases. The cooling system will include components like the pump and the reservoir and many radiators that need to be spaced out from your motherboard and provided with decent headroom. For this reason, full tower cases are much better for water cooling. Despite this, however, mid-tower cases are the most common when it comes to water cooling, while compact ITX cases are somewhat rare. The space will also be vital, allowing you to set up your cooling loops and any accessories you want to cool certain components.
Aesthetic and Design
Finally, we have the design and aesthetic of the case itself. From a functionality standpoint, it is not important at all, but from the perspective of a PC owner, you want to show off your rig in all its glory, in which case the aesthetic matters a lot. The territory also comes with many personal opinions, so if there is a case that you love, the chances are that there may be someone there who does not like it. Whether you are into fancy black cases which pop out with their RGB or want a simple and elegant white-colored PC case, it all comes down to personal preference. The design of the PC case will also impact its size and how many components or cables you can store inside it.
Competition for the Best Water Cooling Cases
We have put a lot of time and effort into picking the 7 PC Cases for our Best Water Cooling Cases listicle. However, there are still so many different cases out there that can provide similar benefits and, in some aspects, improve upon the PC cases we have selected. Here are a few of these cases that could not make it into the list but gave a valiant effort.
Cougar Conquer ATX Gaming Case
If you are tired of all the generic-looking PC cases and want something different to break the norm of square-shaped cases, you should check out Cougar’s lineup of PC cases which have unique designs. If you don’t think so, look at the Cougar Conquer ATX Gaming Case.
The case may look different but trust us when we say that it has just as great performance as any other PC case on the market. It can support a wide range of motherboards from mini ITX to ATX and boasts a good range of I/O ports. The design is also open-air, which includes panels of tempered glass on both sides, making the case pop out and providing a good view of the water cooling system inside. While the open-air design is not the best for cooling, you can install a good amount of fans and CPU coolers. The case also comes with a 2-year warranty which should help sweeten the deal.
The case is in an ATX form factor coming with a lot of space for all of your hardware and components, which is evident when you find out the case can support up to 4x 2.5-inch and 3x 3.5-inch drives. These traits make it a solid pick if you want a water-cooling PC case, especially one as unique as this one as the Cougar Conquer ATX Gaming Case is the most Uniquely Designed Water Cooling Case you can find on the market.
LIAN-LI O11 DYNAMIC
Lian Li is slowly becoming a leading distributor and provider of PC cases, creating various cases. Their premium finishes are well-regarded. The cases themselves are quite affordable, which makes the Lian Li O11 Dynamic a great PC case to consider for your water-cooling needs.
The Lian Li O11 Dynamic is a solid choice if you want a mid-tower PC case as it features a dual-chamber design that keeps the PSU and the storage in different sections from all the other components, which generate a lot of heat. These sections allow the case to make room for intricate and custom water cooling loops and systems that can reduce any chances of overheating. The case has a smart layout of radiators at the side of the case, allowing for adequate cooling if you are still worried about overheating. All of this points toward the Lian-Li O11 being the Best Minimalist Water Cooling Case you can get your hands on.
All of this is available in a case with spectacular build quality, available in black and white colors. If you like the case but want something bigger, there is also an XL version of the case, which you can buy that can house even more hardware and components for all your PC needs. The Lian Li O11 Dynamic PC case is a good choice to consider when in the market for a water-cooled PC case.
CORSAIR CRYSTAL 280X RGB
By now, we all know that Corsair has a great reputation, and if either of the previous two products indicated how good the company’s PC cases are, then you should have a good idea of how the Corsair Crystal 280 X RGB will perform.
The product itself is probably one of the best-designed PC cases which fall into the Micro ATX category. The case also comes with a dual-chamber design that separates the HDDs, SSDs, and power supply from the rest of the components, keeping them safe from the heat the other products generate and allowing for the integration of much better cooling systems. The case can fit up to 3x 240 mm radiators which makes this an obvious choice for integrating water cooling systems, meaning that this PC Case for water cooling should be at the top of your list.
Aesthetically speaking, this case is very nice, coming in black and white colors. The RGB pops off from this case and gives off eye-catching lights, which work well with the tempered glass panels and the plastic and steel build of the case. There is a decent amount of I/O ports, but unfortunately, they are located at the top of the case, which may lead to some wiring problems. If you are afraid that will ruin the aesthetic of the case, then do not fret, as the Corsair Crystal 280X RGB is close to, if not the Best RGB Water Cooling Case you can get if you are in the market for a micro-ATX case.
Frequently Asked Questions
While you can have a cooling system in a compact ITX PC case, you should consider Mid-Tower or Full-Tower Cases if you want easy and efficient water cooling.
If you plan on building a PC with custom water loops, you should make sure that all of your components are capable of supporting this endeavor. Ensure that you have enough radiators, water blocks, and a compatible PC case that supports water cooling and has enough room to allow you to create your custom water loops.
Almost any PC case can use water cooling so long as a compatible system is installed. The easiest way to do this is by purchasing a water cooling kit available in various sizes and features for popular brands, including Thermaltake, NZXT & Cooler Master. Choose a water cooling kit compatible with your PC’s CPU and can fit inside the PC case itself.
- June 16, 2023: Few text changes to improve readability. No products were changed.
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[Casings & Motherboards Expert]
Faizan Ahmed is a Computer Hardware Specialist and professional writer covering all the ranges of different PC Casings alongside the latest Motherboards. He is the man to read when you’re buying a casing for your PC, need a Motherboard for your specific processor, or are concerned about the socket or CPU Cooler.
Having a keen eye for the details, his research includes the latest updates and technologies implemented in the sector and the quick response to approaching them ASAP. Before working on Tech4Gamers, Faizan has written immensely on freelancing platforms under the Tech niche, ranging from PC Components to different smart devices, software, and even Game Reviews and Guides.
He’s also written on websites like WhatIfGaming and Mondestuff. Faizan is an early PC gamer, and this prolonged interaction with the PC and Games has made him the perfect candidate for expressing his ideas and concepts in words for others in the community.
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