Modder Carves CPU IHS Into Custom Waterblock, But Thermal Results Leave Much to Be Desired

For those adventurous enough to tread the DIY route, a fascinating—if somewhat impractical—method of creating a custom CPU waterblock has emerged, courtesy of a resourceful modder. In a recently uploaded YouTube video by ocutppus, and spotted by UNIKO's Hardware, the modder showcased a unique project where they transformed a CPU’s Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS) into a fully functional waterblock — quite literally carving out cooling channels into the metal itself.

Using CNC machinery, the modder meticulously carved intricate channels directly onto the surface of the IHS, creating a rudimentary system for directing coolant flow and dissipating heat. The result bears a conceptual resemblance to direct-die cooling, though it remains distinct by still utilizing the modified IHS as a buffer between the CPU die and the coolant. To complete the makeshift system, the modder attached pipe fittings to the modified IHS, turning it into a miniaturized version of a traditional CPU waterblock.

However, given the experimental nature of the build, the supporting cooling system remained equally improvised. Instead of a dedicated reservoir and pump system, a simple plastic bucket served as the coolant reservoir, with manual intervention required to discharge used coolant into a separate container after short operational intervals. Clearly, the setup was meant more for proof of concept than for sustainable, long-term use.

In terms of thermal performance, results were predictably uneven. Testing the custom solution with a high-end Intel Core i9-14900KS processor, the modder observed significant temperature fluctuations during operation. Due to the reduced and uneven contact surface area compared to a conventional CPU waterblock, the cooling efficiency was substantially compromised. During periods when pump speed decreased, temperatures spiked dramatically, underlining the experimental and unstable nature of this unconventional cooling method.

While undeniably creative, this method is far from practical for daily use and highlights the complexity behind professionally engineered cooling solutions. Still, it serves as an intriguing look into the ingenuity and relentless curiosity of the DIY PC building community — a testament to the spirit of experimentation that defines hardware modding.

Would you ever try building your own CPU waterblock, or is this one DIY project you’d rather leave to the daring modders?