Best Custom Loop Kits for Beginners: Build Your First EK Loop for $500

If you’re ready to build your first custom loop and want the simplest path forward, this guide focuses purely on what to buy and how much it costs. No theory, no deep dives — just a beginner-friendly EK custom loop you can build for  $500.

If you’re completely new to custom liquid cooling and want a deeper explanation of how custom loops work and what each component does, we’ve already covered that in our Beginner’s Guide to Custom Liquid Cooling. This guide is designed to get you from “I’m interested” to “I know exactly what to buy” as quickly as possible.

This is a CPU-only, soft-tube custom loop kit designed as the simplest entry point for beginners, with full upgrade potential later. 

Recommended Beginner Custom Loop Basket

This is the exact configuration we recommend for first-time builders. It’s easy to assemble, widely compatible with ATX cases, and leaves room to expand later.

Build this CPU custom-loop for under $500.

Parts List

• CPU Water Block: EK-Quantum Velocity³ (Intel / AMD options)

• Radiator: EK-Quantum Surface P360M

• Pump & Reservoir Combo: EK-Quantum Kinetic TBE 120 VTX

• Soft Tubing: EK-Loop Soft Tube 12/16 mm

• Compression Fittings: EK-Quantum Torque STC 12/16 mm (6-Pack)

• Coolant: EK-CryoFuel Clear (Premix)

Total: $507.39

+ FREE US Shipping at Checkout 

Optional Add-Ons

• Rotary Fittings: 2 x EK-Quantum Torque 90° Rotary Fittings
• EK-Loop Fill Bottle
• 3 x 120mm EK-Quantum Phase Fans

(you can use existing 120mm case fans) 

Optional Upgrade:

EK-Quantum Kenetic FLT D5 Pump

If you want a more premium finish, you can upgrade from the larger circular TBE VTX to the flat EK-Quantum Kinetic FLT D5. It mounts in any standard fan slot, uses a quieter and more powerful D5 pump, offers cleaner front and rear port routing, and costs only slightly more for a better long-term build.

Shown here: the EK-Quantum Kinetic FLT D5 pump & reservoir combo, filled with blue coolant, is mounted cleanly in a fan position with front-facing ports for tidy tube routing.

Quick Checklist: Your First Custom Loop

If you have everything below, you’re ready to build:

✅ CPU water block
✅ 360 mm radiator (check case compatibility)
✅ Pump & reservoir combo (D5 preferred)
✅ 12/16 mm soft tubing
✅ 6 × soft-tube compression fittings
✅ 2 × 90-degree rotary fittings
✅ Clear premixed coolant

Ready to Build Your First Custom Loop?

This configuration is the fastest, safest way to start custom liquid cooling with EK. Start with a simple CPU-only loop, build confidence, and expand when you’re ready.

FAQ: Beginner Custom Loop Kits

Is this custom loop safe for first-time builders?
Yes. This configuration uses soft tubing and a CPU-only loop, making it the safest and simplest way to start custom liquid cooling.

Do I need any additional parts or tools?

No special tools are required to build this soft-tube custom loop.

You’ll only need basic items most PC builders already have, such as a screwdriver and scissors for cutting tubing. The pump connects via standard SATA power, and radiator fans connect to motherboard fan headers.

If your motherboard has limited fan headers, a simple PWM splitter may be useful, but it isn’t required for most builds.

Can I upgrade this loop later?
Yes. This loop is fully upgradeable, allowing you to add a GPU water block, additional radiators, or switch to hard tubing later.