Building a custom water-cooled PC is an ambitious project that requires careful planning and the right components. The heart of any such build is the case itself, which must offer ample space for radiators, reservoirs, and pumps while providing excellent airflow and showcasing your hard work. Choosing the wrong chassis can turn your dream build into a frustrating exercise in cable management and component Tetris.
This roundup is designed to guide you through the best cases available for water cooling in 2025. We have selected options across mid-tower, full-tower, and unique form factors to suit a variety of budgets and aesthetic preferences, from sleek and modern to industrial and massive. Each case featured here provides the solid foundation and flexibility needed for a successful and visually stunning custom loop.
Our Top Picks for Water Cooling Cases
- Cooler Master MasterBox TD500 Mesh Airflow ATX Mid-Tower
- Lian Li O11DXL-X O11 Dynamic XL ROG Certified Full Tower
- Thermaltake Core P8 Tempered Glass E-ATX Full-Tower Chassis
- Phanteks Enthoo 719 High Performance Full Tower Case
- Cooler Master Cosmos C700M E-ATX Full-Tower
- COUGAR Panzer Max Ultimate Full Tower Gaming Case
- Corsair 5000D Airflow Tempered Glass Mid-Tower ATX PC Case
- be quiet! Dark Base Pro 901 White PC case
- HYTE Y60 Modern Aesthetic Dual Chamber Panoramic Case
- Lian Li PC-O11 Dynamic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Cooler Master MasterBox TD500 Mesh Airflow ATX Mid-Tower
For builders seeking a mid-tower with exceptional thermal performance right out of the box, the Cooler Master TD500 Mesh is a fantastic starting point. Its signature feature is the polygonal mesh front panel, which is not only visually striking but also engineered to provide high airflow and effective dust filtration. This ensures your water cooling components receive a steady supply of cool air.
The case includes three addressable RGB fans pre-installed, flooding your build with dynamic lighting while actively contributing to system cooling. A crystalline tempered glass side panel, precision-engineered for strength, offers a clear view of your custom loop and internal components. It’s a well-rounded package that balances aesthetics, airflow, and build space for a mid-range water-cooling project.
Lian Li O11DXL-X O11 Dynamic XL ROG Certified Full Tower
The Lian Li O11 Dynamic XL is a legend in the water-cooling community, and for good reason. This ROG-certified full-tower case is engineered specifically for elaborate builds, offering an immense amount of space and flexibility. Its dual-chamber design separates the main components from the power supply and cables, creating a clean and organized appearance that is perfect for showcasing complex tubing runs.
With support for multiple large radiators simultaneously, this case can handle the most demanding multi-component cooling loops. The spacious interior makes it easy to install pumps, reservoirs, and large graphics cards without compromise. If you are planning a high-end, show-stopping water-cooled build, the O11 Dynamic XL provides a proven and highly capable foundation.
Thermaltake Core P8 Tempered Glass E-ATX Full-Tower Chassis
The Thermaltake Core P8 is for the enthusiast who views a PC case as a modder’s canvas. This massive E-ATX full-tower chassis features a unique open-frame concept that can be used with or without its three 4mm thick tempered glass panels. This design provides unparalleled access to your components during the building and maintenance of a complex water cooling system.
Its sheer size guarantees compatibility with the largest motherboards and the most extensive radiator configurations you can imagine. The extensive I/O panel, including a Type-C port, adds modern convenience. For builders who want maximum freedom and are not afraid to utilize every cubic inch of space, the Core P8 is an incredibly flexible platform.
Phanteks Enthoo 719 High Performance Full Tower Case
Pushing the boundaries of what a single case can do, the Phanteks Enthoo 719 is a true high-performance powerhouse. It is engineered to support extreme workstations and even dual-system builds, making it overkill for most but perfect for specialized, maximum-performance water cooling loops. The spacious open interior supports SSI-EEB server motherboards and offers immense radiator support.
You can simultaneously install dual 480mm and dual 360mm radiators, providing cooling capacity for multiple high-TDP components. Features like dual vertical GPU support and an integrated Digital-RGB controller make managing a complex build more straightforward. If your project demands absolute maximum cooling potential and internal real estate, the Enthoo 719 delivers.
Cooler Master Cosmos C700M E-ATX Full-Tower
The Cooler Master Cosmos C700M is a premium, statement-making case that combines a distinctive aesthetic with exceptional build quality. Its curved tempered glass panel and aluminum structure give it a unique presence. The interior is highly versatile, allowing for multiple layout configurations to suit your specific water cooling component arrangement.
It includes a graphics card riser cable for vertical mounting, putting your high-end GPU on full display. The case is designed with diverse liquid cooling in mind, offering ample mounting points for large radiators and reservoirs. For the builder who wants a blend of luxury materials, innovative design, and extensive water cooling support, the Cosmos C700M is a top-tier choice.
COUGAR Panzer Max Ultimate Full Tower Gaming Case
The COUGAR Panzer Max lives up to its name with an aggressive, military-style design that promises no compromises. This full-tower case is built around the principles of superior expandability and cooling, offering extensive space for graphics cards, storage, and a wide range of motherboard form factors.
Its robust construction includes support for powerful airflow and extensive water cooling setups. The case is designed to be highly convenient and easily moddable, giving builders the tools to create a personalized system. If you prefer a case with a bold, industrial aesthetic and the internal volume to back it up, the Panzer Max is a formidable option.
Corsair 5000D Airflow Tempered Glass Mid-Tower ATX PC Case
The Corsair 5000D Airflow strikes an excellent balance between a manageable mid-tower footprint and serious water-cooling capability. Its key feature is the high-airflow optimized steel front panel, which delivers massive amounts of cool air to your system, a critical factor for radiator efficiency. The case provides the space and flexibility to mount multiple 360mm radiators.
Corsair’s RapidRoute cable management system makes building a clean-looking system remarkably simple, with a dedicated channel and ample space behind the motherboard to hide cables. For builders who want a case that is relatively compact but doesn’t sacrifice cooling performance or ease of assembly, the 5000D Airflow is an outstanding solution.
be quiet! Dark Base Pro 901 White PC case
The be quiet! Dark Base Pro 901 stands out with its focus on versatility and silent operation, without compromising on cooling potential. This case allows you to choose your priority with an interchangeable top cover and front panel, letting you switch between maximum airflow and a more acoustically insulated setup. This is ideal for a powerful water-cooled system that also needs to remain quiet.
It comes equipped with three high-performance Silent Wings 4 PWM fans, providing excellent airflow right from the start. The user-friendly design includes a flexible motherboard tray that can be configured in a standard or inverted layout, offering unique aesthetic possibilities for showcasing your loop.
HYTE Y60 Modern Aesthetic Dual Chamber Panoramic Case
The HYTE Y60 redefines case aesthetics with its stunning 3-piece panoramic tempered glass design. The absence of a corner pillar provides an unobstructed, museum-like view of your components, making it perfect for displaying a beautifully crafted water cooling loop. Its dual-chamber design helps keep cables and the power supply neatly hidden away.
This case is designed for exclusively vertical GPU mounting, which is complemented by an included PCIe 4.0 riser cable and a protective shroud that integrates seamlessly into the case’s structure. The Y60 is for the builder who prioritizes a modern, clean look and wants their hard work to be the center of attention from every angle.
Lian Li PC-O11 Dynamic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
The original Lian Li PC-O11 Dynamic is the case that popularized the dual-chamber layout for custom water cooling in a mid-tower form factor. It remains a highly popular choice due to its intelligent design, which provides ample space for radiators and reservoirs while maintaining a relatively compact footprint. The separate chamber for the power supply and storage creates a incredibly clean main compartment.
Its extensive support for multiple radiator sizes and configurations makes it a go-to for builders who want a manageable case that still packs a serious punch for water cooling. The timeless design and proven layout ensure that your build will not only perform well but also look exceptionally organized and professional.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Case for Water Cooling in 2025
Picking the right case for a water-cooled build is a different ball game compared to a standard air-cooled setup. I have built a few of these systems myself, and the wrong case can turn a fun project into a frustrating puzzle. The main thing I look for isn’t just style, but internal architecture and clearances. You need a home that not only fits all your components but also lets you route tubes and hide cables without a major headache.
First, consider radiator support. This is the most critical factor. A case might say it supports a 360mm radiator, but you need to check where it supports it. Can you fit a thick radiator with push-pull fans in the top, or will it clash with your motherboard’s VRM heatsinks? Look for cases that provide specific measurements for radiator thickness, including the fans. For a serious custom loop with multiple radiators, a full-tower case is often the safest bet, offering mounting points in the front, top, and sometimes even the side or bottom. Mid-towers have gotten incredibly capable, but you will need to plan your loop carefully, sometimes sacrificing a drive bay or two.
Next, focus on the case’s layout and features designed for builders like us. A good case for water cooling in 2025 should have a spacious main chamber and a deeply recessed rear panel to create a clean look for all your cables and tubing runs. Look for built-in pump/reservoir mounting brackets; this is a game-changer that saves you from drilling your own holes or using awkward adapter kits. Ample passthrough grommets, especially larger ones designed for tubing, make routing from the main chamber to the back side much cleaner. Also, don’t underestimate the value of easy-to-remove dust filters, especially if you are mounting radiators as intakes.
Finally, think about material and build quality. A steel or aluminum chassis feels more solid and is less likely to flex when you are applying pressure to install a heavy radiator. Tempered glass panels are standard now, and they are great for showing off your hard work, but make sure they are easy to remove without tools. Good airflow is still paramount, even with water cooling, as your radiators need a steady stream of cool air to dissipate heat effectively. A mesh front panel is almost always superior to a solid glass one for this purpose. When you are looking at the 10 best cases for water cooling 2025, pay close attention to these practical aspects over flashy aesthetics to ensure your build process is smooth and the final result performs as well as it looks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a full-tower case always better for water cooling than a mid-tower?
Not always, but it’s often the easier path. A full-tower gives you more room for error, allowing you to fit multiple large radiators, a massive reservoir, and have plenty of space for cable and tube management without feeling cramped. However, modern mid-tower cases have become incredibly efficient. Many are designed specifically for water cooling, with optimized layouts that can support a 360mm radiator in the top and front simultaneously. If you are planning a complex multi-component loop, go full-tower. For a single CPU and GPU loop, a high-quality mid-tower will likely be perfect and save you desk space.
How much radiator space do I actually need for an effective loop?
This is one of the most common questions, and the general rule of thumb I use is 120mm of radiator space per component, plus an extra 120mm for headroom. So, for a loop cooling just a CPU, a 240mm radiator is a good starting point. For a CPU and a single high-end GPU, I would aim for at least a 360mm radiator, or ideally, a 240mm and a 360mm. More radiator space means you can run your fans at lower speeds, making your system much quieter while still maintaining excellent temperatures. It is better to have too much radiator than not enough.
What are the most important features to look for in a water cooling case?
Beyond just radiator support, I prioritize a few key features. First, a removable top panel makes installing a radiator up there infinitely easier. Second, a PSU shroud is great for hiding cables and can sometimes provide a built-in mounting spot for a pump. Third, look for plenty of well-placed cable grommets and specific mounting points for a pump/reservoir combo. Finally, check that the case has good airflow; a mesh front panel is a huge plus for bringing cool air directly to your radiators.
Can I use an AIO liquid cooler in any of these cases?
Absolutely. All the cases that are great for custom water cooling loops are also fantastic for All-In-One (AIO) coolers. In fact, they are often overkill in the best way. They provide ample room to mount the radiator, ensure there is no interference with RAM or VRM heatsinks, and typically have better overall airflow than standard cases. So, if you are using a 360mm AIO for your CPU and want a case that gives you the option to expand to a custom loop for your GPU later, choosing one from a list of the 10 best cases for water cooling 2025 is a smart, future-proof move.
Are there any downsides to using a case designed for water cooling?
The main trade-off is usually physical size and sometimes cost. These cases are often larger and heavier than standard ones, and their advanced features come at a premium price. They can also have more open space inside if you are only doing a simple air-cooled build, which might look a bit empty. However, for anyone serious about building a high-performance or visually impressive water-cooled system, these are minor compromises for the ease of building and superior results you will get.