F5F Stay Refreshed Power Users Overclocking Need advice on improving your custom watercooling loop? Here are some suggestions and recommendations to consider.

Need advice on improving your custom watercooling loop? Here are some suggestions and recommendations to consider.

Need advice on improving your custom watercooling loop? Here are some suggestions and recommendations to consider.

M
MollyM00
Member
197
09-11-2025, 05:26 AM
#1
Hello community,
I am planning on building a custom watercooling loop and I never did one yet.
So I need some help. Here is the list of components/parts I wanna use:
http://listmoz.com/#7G6kvNLPWzpWzJB7wWNq
/
http://listmoz.com/view/SW39d5x60fsx89Hqjs
1. For draining the loop I want to make an extra outlet (parts of it in the list)
How should I connect the Y-splitter to the ball valve, I dont get which fitting or part I have to use for this.
2. Do you have any Suggetstions/recommendations for the parts? Because, how I said, I'm a beginner and I dont know if this is good
😀
3. As for CPU block, I will use the one of the list probably, but I am actually still waiting for an Asus Aura compatible block, and I have no idea when there will be one available
Thanks a lot !
M
MollyM00
09-11-2025, 05:26 AM #1

Hello community,
I am planning on building a custom watercooling loop and I never did one yet.
So I need some help. Here is the list of components/parts I wanna use:
http://listmoz.com/#7G6kvNLPWzpWzJB7wWNq
/
http://listmoz.com/view/SW39d5x60fsx89Hqjs
1. For draining the loop I want to make an extra outlet (parts of it in the list)
How should I connect the Y-splitter to the ball valve, I dont get which fitting or part I have to use for this.
2. Do you have any Suggetstions/recommendations for the parts? Because, how I said, I'm a beginner and I dont know if this is good
😀
3. As for CPU block, I will use the one of the list probably, but I am actually still waiting for an Asus Aura compatible block, and I have no idea when there will be one available
Thanks a lot !

L
226
09-19-2025, 10:07 AM
#2
■ Choose EK AF X splitter instead of Y. The G1/4 thread matters not the ID/OD fittings size you pick; they’re all G1/4. For most builds, place the drain at the top inlet, though you can adjust based on your case orientation (vertical or horizontal).
■ You’ll also require a heat gun and PETG bending kit. The fitting ID must match tube OD—such as 12mm OD for 12mm ID fittings (EK HD Adapter CSQ 10-12mm).
â–  Monoblock units work well here since they handle the CPU waterblock and provide better aesthetics compared to CPU waterblocks.
DID YOU
â–  Verify your case clearance and radiator mounting?
â–  Calculate your OC TDP? The Coolstream XE is a top performer for a 360mm radiator with three FF5s, capable of efficient heat dissipation...
L
LuLuPlaysCraft
09-19-2025, 10:07 AM #2

■ Choose EK AF X splitter instead of Y. The G1/4 thread matters not the ID/OD fittings size you pick; they’re all G1/4. For most builds, place the drain at the top inlet, though you can adjust based on your case orientation (vertical or horizontal).
■ You’ll also require a heat gun and PETG bending kit. The fitting ID must match tube OD—such as 12mm OD for 12mm ID fittings (EK HD Adapter CSQ 10-12mm).
â–  Monoblock units work well here since they handle the CPU waterblock and provide better aesthetics compared to CPU waterblocks.
DID YOU
â–  Verify your case clearance and radiator mounting?
â–  Calculate your OC TDP? The Coolstream XE is a top performer for a 360mm radiator with three FF5s, capable of efficient heat dissipation...

I
iskela99
Member
247
09-19-2025, 01:24 PM
#3
There was a charming spigot style component on Frozen's site (I wasn't there or I'd take a photo). It looks really good. A bit steampunk, but it matches my build perfectly.
I
iskela99
09-19-2025, 01:24 PM #3

There was a charming spigot style component on Frozen's site (I wasn't there or I'd take a photo). It looks really good. A bit steampunk, but it matches my build perfectly.

D
DangoBravo
Posting Freak
821
09-19-2025, 07:49 PM
#4
There was a nice spigot type feature on Frozen's website (I wasn't home or I'd take a photo). It looks great. A bit steampunk style but matches my build perfectly.
You should measure the case and distance on the components, then sketch your entire loop with measurements on paper (or software) before purchasing everything. I rarely use one-way valves in my loops, but I know others who do. I usually stick to two, so removing my GPU or CPU doesn't require draining the whole setup. I mostly use EK and Koolance parts. Some connectors are from random companies I picked up on the spot to tweak the loop over time.
Most CPU blocks work fine, though the GPU block is a bit more critical.
Yes, I plan to do that and just need to wait for an Asus Aura CPU Block since I'm assembling a full Asus Aura rig.
D
DangoBravo
09-19-2025, 07:49 PM #4

There was a nice spigot type feature on Frozen's website (I wasn't home or I'd take a photo). It looks great. A bit steampunk style but matches my build perfectly.
You should measure the case and distance on the components, then sketch your entire loop with measurements on paper (or software) before purchasing everything. I rarely use one-way valves in my loops, but I know others who do. I usually stick to two, so removing my GPU or CPU doesn't require draining the whole setup. I mostly use EK and Koolance parts. Some connectors are from random companies I picked up on the spot to tweak the loop over time.
Most CPU blocks work fine, though the GPU block is a bit more critical.
Yes, I plan to do that and just need to wait for an Asus Aura CPU Block since I'm assembling a full Asus Aura rig.

Y
yudencio
Member
65
09-20-2025, 03:43 AM
#5
â–  You have the choice between EK AF X splitter and Y. Regardless of the size of ID/OD fittings you choose, they are all G1/4 threads. The ideal drain location is at the top inlet for most builds, though you can be more flexible based on your case orientation (vertical or horizontal).

â–  You'll also require a heat gun and PETG bending kit. The fitting ID must match tube OD, such as 12mm OD PETG with a 12mm ID fitting (EK HD Adapter CSQ 10-12mm).

â–  Monoblock units work well for the CPU waterblock since they also handle VRM cooling, though they look more appealing than CPU waterblocks.

DID YOU
â–  Verify your case clearance and radiator mounting?
■ Estimate your OC TDP? The Coolstream XE is a top performer for a 360mm radiator with three FF5 units, capable of handling around 400 watts at 12V. With six (push-pull) units, it can reach about 500 watts—overkill, but worth it if you're running heavy CPU-intensive tasks like Corona Render. I don’t know the exact TDP of the CPU with 400W output.
■ Also plan to cool your graphics card. Yes, I’ve tested an OCed i7 6900K and it exceeded the 275-watt limit, so choosing XE 360 is a sensible option for multiple GPUs plus CPU.
Y
yudencio
09-20-2025, 03:43 AM #5

â–  You have the choice between EK AF X splitter and Y. Regardless of the size of ID/OD fittings you choose, they are all G1/4 threads. The ideal drain location is at the top inlet for most builds, though you can be more flexible based on your case orientation (vertical or horizontal).

â–  You'll also require a heat gun and PETG bending kit. The fitting ID must match tube OD, such as 12mm OD PETG with a 12mm ID fitting (EK HD Adapter CSQ 10-12mm).

â–  Monoblock units work well for the CPU waterblock since they also handle VRM cooling, though they look more appealing than CPU waterblocks.

DID YOU
â–  Verify your case clearance and radiator mounting?
■ Estimate your OC TDP? The Coolstream XE is a top performer for a 360mm radiator with three FF5 units, capable of handling around 400 watts at 12V. With six (push-pull) units, it can reach about 500 watts—overkill, but worth it if you're running heavy CPU-intensive tasks like Corona Render. I don’t know the exact TDP of the CPU with 400W output.
■ Also plan to cool your graphics card. Yes, I’ve tested an OCed i7 6900K and it exceeded the 275-watt limit, so choosing XE 360 is a sensible option for multiple GPUs plus CPU.