Radiators for custom water cooling are essential for dissipating heat efficiently from your CPU and GPU. Whether you choose single, dual, or triple formats, the right radiator ensures optimal cooling – even in high-performance or silent builds. Key factors include thickness, fin density (FPI), material, and fan compatibility. Whether you’re building a stealthy SFF loop or an overclocked showcase rig – you’ll find the perfect radiator for your setup right here.
Radiators are the backbone of any custom water-cooling loop – responsible for quietly and efficiently dissipating heat from your CPU, GPU, or both. Whether you're going for a clean silent build or an extreme overclocked rig, a quality radiator makes the difference. The right choice affects thermal performance, noise levels, and the overall look of your loop. At Caseking, you'll find the perfect radiator for every system, size, and goal.
The most common formats are 120 mm, 240 mm, 280 mm, 360 mm, and 420 mm. The larger the surface area, the more heat your loop can dissipate – assuming proper airflow. Smaller formats work in compact builds, while larger towers can house triple radiators or more. For silent builds or multiple heat sources, combining radiators can offer major thermal benefits with low noise output.
In addition to length, radiator thickness is a key factor. Slim models (~27 mm) fit tight builds and work best with quiet, low-RPM fans. Standard thickness (~30–40 mm) offers a great balance of cooling and compatibility. High-performance radiators (45–80 mm) require high static pressure fans and provide exceptional performance – especially in push/pull configurations.
Radiators are typically made from copper, brass, or aluminium. Copper delivers the best thermal conductivity, making it ideal for premium cooling. FPI (fins per inch) determines how densely packed the cooling fins are – low FPI is quieter and better for low-speed fans, high FPI provides better performance with strong airflow. Matching radiator, fans, and case layout is key to an efficient loop.
Radiator fans can be mounted in push, pull, or push/pull configurations. Push setups blow air through the radiator, pull setups draw it through, and push/pull does both – improving thermal headroom but requiring more space and fans. Whichever method you choose, high-quality fans with good static pressure are crucial for moving air through dense fin structures.
Cooling requirements vary depending on your hardware. A single 240 mm radiator is typically enough for a modern CPU, while dual or triple radiators are recommended for loops including a GPU. As a general rule: the more radiator surface area, the lower the temperatures and the quieter your fans can run – ideal for high-performance or silent systems.
Whether you need a single, dual, or triple radiator, slim or thick, for a stealthy SFF build or an open-loop showcase – Caseking offers radiators in every size, colour, and format. With trusted brands like EKWB, Alphacool, Black Ice, XSPC, and Corsair, you're ready to take your thermal performance to the next level. Pick your radiator – and enjoy cooler temps, less noise, and a more stable system.
