Complete Parts Checklist for a Single-GPU Custom Loop

The minimum parts list

A GPU water block alone is not a loop. It is only one part of the cooling system.

For a single-GPU custom loop, you usually need:

Part  Needed?  Notes

---|

GPU water block  Yes  Must match exact GPU model

Pump  Yes  D5 or DDC are common choices

Reservoir  Yes  Makes filling and bleeding easier

Radiator  Yes  Size depends on GPU power and noise target

Fans  Yes  Match radiator size and thickness

Fittings  Yes  Match tube type and size

Tubing  Yes  Hard tube or soft tube

Coolant  Yes  Premix is easier for beginners

Drain valve  Strongly recommended  Saves pain during maintenance

Stop plugs  Yes  For unused ports

Thermal paste / pads  Usually included or specified  Follow block instructions

Leak tester / jumper  Recommended  Safer first fill

The parts people forget

Most new builders remember the expensive parts. They forget the small ones.

Common forgotten parts:

· Drain valve

· Extra 90-degree fittings

· Stop plugs

· Tube cutter

· Bending insert for hard tube

· Fill bottle

· Spare coolant

· Paper towels for leak testing

These are not glamorous parts, but they decide whether the build is calm or frustrating.

Soft tube beginner list

Soft tube is the easier first loop. It is less rigid, more forgiving, and easier to service.

For a soft tube GPU loop:

· Full-cover GPU block

· D5 pump/res combo

· 360mm or larger radiator for high-power GPUs

· Soft tube compression fittings

· Matching soft tube size

· 2-4 angled fittings

· Drain valve

· Premix coolant

Hard tube beginner list

Hard tube looks cleaner, but it needs more patience.

Add:

· Tube bending kit

· Silicone insert

· Heat gun

· Deburring tool

· Extra tube length

· More angled fittings

If this is your first build and the PC is a work machine, soft tube is the safer choice.

What changes for RTX 4090 and RTX 5090

High-power GPUs need more radiator and better airflow. A 360mm radiator is not magic. It may work, but fan speed and room temperature matter.

For a quiet RTX 4090 or RTX 5090 loop, consider:

· 360mm minimum for GPU-only loop

· 480mm or dual radiator if you want lower noise

· D5 pump for quieter operation

· Enough case airflow over motherboard and memory

Suggested internal links:

· GPU water blocks

· D5 pump reservoir combos

· radiators

· fittings

· tubing

· coolant

FAQ

Can I build a loop with only a GPU block and radiator?

No. You still need a pump, reservoir or fill method, fittings, tubing, and coolant.

Is soft tube good enough?

Yes. Soft tube is often better for first-time builders and workstation systems that need easier maintenance.

How many fittings do I need?

Count two per component, then add angled fittings, drain valve fittings, and stop plugs.

Should I cool the CPU and GPU in the same loop?

You can, but a first GPU-only loop is simpler. Add the CPU if you have enough radiator capacity.

Image alt suggestions:

· Complete single GPU custom water cooling parts checklist

· GPU water block pump reservoir radiator fittings and tubing layout

· Soft tube custom loop parts for first-time builder