5 Best Acrylic Tubing for Water Cooling [In 2025]
As a seasoned SEO-optimized product review writer, I’m excited to delve into the world of the best acrylic tubing for water cooling. Whether you’re a seasoned PC enthusiast or a newcomer to the custom cooling scene, finding the right tubing can make all the difference in your build. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top-performing acrylic tubing options, their features, and the key factors to consider when making your purchase.
Table of Contents
5 Best Acrylic Tubing for Water Cooling Reviews
PrimoChill 10mm ID x 14mm OD Rigid PETG Tubing – 750mm Length (RTP14M-630)
Overview
PrimoChill’s 10mm ID x 14mm OD Rigid PETG Tubing is a top-of-the-line option for those seeking a durable and versatile solution for their water cooling needs. Crafted with premium materials and made in the USA, this tubing offers excellent clarity and an easy-to-work-with design.
Specs
- Material: Virgin PETG
- Inner Diameter: 10mm
- Outer Diameter: 14mm
- Length: 750mm
- Pack Size: 6 Tubes
Pros
- Excellent clarity and visibility of coolant
- Durable and long-lasting construction
- Easy to cut, bend, and customize
- Beginner-friendly for custom water cooling builds
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than some alternatives
- May require additional fittings or adapters for certain setups
Customer Reviews
Customers have praised the PrimoChill PETG Tubing for its quality, value, and ease of use. Many have noted that it’s the strongest and most durable option available, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced water cooling enthusiasts.
PrimoChill 12mm ID x 16mm OD Rigid PETG Tubing – 750mm Length (RTP16M-630)
Overview
The PrimoChill 12mm ID x 16mm OD Rigid PETG Tubing is another excellent option for those seeking high-quality acrylic tubing for their water cooling setup. Like its smaller counterpart, this tubing is made with premium materials and designed for ease of use.
Specs
- Material: Virgin PETG
- Inner Diameter: 12mm
- Outer Diameter: 16mm
- Length: 750mm
- Pack Size: 6 Tubes
Pros
- Excellent clarity and visibility of coolant
- Durable and long-lasting construction
- Easy to cut, bend, and customize
- Beginner-friendly for custom water cooling builds
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than some alternatives
- May require additional fittings or adapters for certain setups
Customer Reviews
Customers have been highly satisfied with the PrimoChill 12mm ID x 16mm OD Rigid PETG Tubing, praising its quality and ease of use. One customer mentioned that it was “just as expected” and had enough tubing to spare for their build.
GOWENIC Silicone Bending Insert
Overview
The GOWENIC Silicone Bending Insert is a versatile accessory designed to help users shape and bend acrylic tubing without deformation. This heat-resistant tool is a valuable addition for those working with custom water cooling setups.
Specs
- Material: Silicone
- Length: Approximately 1m/39.4in
- Diameter Options: 8mm, 10mm, 12mm
- Weight: 62-142g
Pros
- Helps prevent deformation when bending acrylic tubing
- Available in multiple sizes to fit different tubing diameters
- Durable and heat-resistant construction
- Useful accessory for custom water cooling builds
Cons
- May require some trial and error to use effectively
- Additional cost for an accessory item
Customer Reviews
Customers have found the GOWENIC Silicone Bending Insert to be a helpful tool for their water cooling projects, with one reviewer noting that it “fits great into the 12mm water cooling tubes with lubrication.”
EKWB EK-Loop Acrylic Hard Tube, 14mm OD, 500mm, Clear, 4-Pack
Overview
The EKWB EK-Loop Acrylic Hard Tube is a premium option for those seeking a high-quality acrylic tubing solution for their custom water cooling setup. Designed for use with EK-HD push-in adapters and EK-HDC series compression fittings, this tubing offers a sleek and durable solution.
Specs
- Material: Extruded acrylic
- Inner Diameter: 10mm
- Outer Diameter: 14mm
- Length: 500mm
- Pack Size: 4 Tubes
Pros
- High-quality, durable acrylic construction
- Designed for use with EK-HD and EK-HDC fittings
- Provides a sleek, professional look for custom builds
Cons
- May require more expertise to work with compared to PETG tubing
- Slightly more expensive than some alternative options
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews for the EKWB EK-Loop Acrylic Hard Tube are limited, as it is a relatively new product. However, those who have used it have praised its quality and appearance, noting that it’s a great choice for experienced water cooling enthusiasts.
CORSAIR Hydro X Series XT Hardline 14mm Tubing
Overview
The CORSAIR Hydro X Series XT Hardline Tubing is a high-quality acrylic option designed to work seamlessly with the brand’s Hydro X Series custom cooling equipment. This tubing offers a crystal-clear look and a resilient construction that can withstand the demands of a custom water cooling system.
Specs
- Material: PMMA (acrylic)
- Outer Diameter: 14mm
- Length: Not specified
Pros
- Excellent clarity and visibility of coolant
- Durable and resistant to warping or deformation
- Easy to cut to length using a fine-toothed hacksaw
- Designed to work seamlessly with Corsair Hydro X Series components
Cons
- Some customers report issues with brittleness or cracking
- Requires more expertise to work with compared to PETG tubing
Customer Reviews
Customers have generally been pleased with the CORSAIR Hydro X Series XT Hardline Tubing, noting that it looks amazing and is of high quality. However, some have reported issues with the tubing’s durability, citing concerns about brittleness or cracking.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Acrylic Tubing for Water Cooling
Tubing Material
- PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified) is a popular choice due to its durability, flexibility, and ease of use.
- Acrylic (PMMA) is a more rigid and brittle option but can provide a sleeker, more professional look.
Tubing Diameter
- Common sizes include 10mm ID x 14mm OD, 12mm ID x 16mm OD, and 14mm OD.
- Choose a diameter that is compatible with your water cooling components and fittings.
Tubing Length
- Consider the size of your case and the complexity of your water cooling layout when selecting the appropriate tubing length.
- Opt for longer lengths (e.g., 500mm or 750mm) to have more flexibility and room for error when cutting and bending the tubing.
Ease of Use
- PETG tubing is generally easier to work with, requiring less expertise to cut, bend, and install.
- Acrylic tubing may require more specialized tools and techniques, making it better suited for experienced water cooling enthusiasts.
Budget
- Acrylic tubing is typically more expensive than PETG, but the final cost can vary depending on the brand and pack size.
- Consider the overall cost of the tubing, fittings, and any additional tools or accessories needed for your custom water cooling setup.
FAQ
What is the difference between PETG and acrylic tubing?
PETG tubing is more flexible and easier to work with, making it a popular choice for beginners. Acrylic tubing is more rigid and can provide a sleeker, more professional look, but requires more expertise to cut and bend.
Do I need to chamfer the edges of acrylic tubing?
Yes, it is recommended to chamfer the edges of freshly cut acrylic tubing (typically a 0.5mm x 45-degree chamfer) to prevent damage to the gaskets or O-rings in your water cooling fittings.
Can I heat-bend acrylic tubing?
Yes, acrylic tubing can be heat-bent, but it requires more skill and specialized tools compared to bending PETG tubing. The GOWENIC Silicone Bending Insert can be a helpful accessory for this process.
What is the best way to cut acrylic tubing?
The best way to cut acrylic tubing is with a fine-toothed hacksaw or a dedicated tubing cutter. Cutting the tubing straight and chamfering the edges is essential for a clean, secure fit with your water cooling fittings.
How do I clean acrylic tubing?
To clean acrylic tubing, use a mild detergent and warm water. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents, as they can damage the tubing’s surface. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before reinstalling the tubing in your water cooling system.
Conclusion
Selecting the best acrylic tubing for your water cooling setup is a crucial decision that can make or break the overall look and performance of your custom build. By considering factors like material, diameter, length, ease of use, and budget, you can find the perfect tubing solution to suit your needs and create a stunning, high-performing system. Whether you choose the versatile PrimoChill PETG tubing, the sleek EKWB acrylic hard tube, or any of the other options covered in this guide, you can be confident that you’re investing in a quality product that will enhance your custom water cooling experience.