1. What is Custom Loop Water Cooling?

Custom loop water cooling is a PC cooling method where coolant is circulated through blocks attached to heat-producing components (CPU/GPU), then through radiators to dissipate heat. This calculator helps estimate the cooling capacity of your custom loop.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the heat transfer equation:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Heat transfer rate (kW)
• \( \dot{m} \) — Mass flow rate (kg/s)
• \( c_p \) — Specific heat capacity of coolant (kJ/kg·K)
• \( \Delta T \) — Temperature difference (°C)

Explanation: The equation calculates how much heat your cooling system can dissipate based on flow rate, coolant properties, and temperature difference.

3. Importance of Proper Cooling

Details: Proper cooling is essential for maintaining optimal performance, preventing thermal throttling, and extending component lifespan in high-performance PCs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure your actual flow rate with a flow meter. Temperature difference is between coolant inlet and outlet. Select the components being cooled and your coolant type.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a good flow rate for custom loops?
A: Typically 0.5-1.5 L/min, with 1 L/min being a common target for balanced performance and noise.

Q2: What temperature difference should I aim for?
A: 5-10°C is ideal. Higher differences may indicate insufficient cooling capacity.

Q3: How does coolant type affect performance?
A: Water has better heat capacity but glycol mixes offer freeze protection and biocide properties.

Q4: How many radiators do I need?
A: As a rule of thumb, 120mm radiator space per component plus 120mm extra for overclocking.

Q5: Should I include VRM cooling?
A: For extreme overclocking, yes. For most users, airflow cooling of VRMs is sufficient.