This is what I heard: $300-$1000 range with extreme setups going very high in $$$.
Once you have your setup then how long do the parts last? How long does the liquid, reservoir, pump, tubes, and radiator last?
What do you generally spend money on to maintain it through new builds? Liquid, tubes, new cpu block?
I just built a full custom loop a few months ago. I first started watercooling when there weren't radiators made for computer watercooling, we had to use heater cores out of Buicks lol. I remember cutting off the bungs and brazing on G1/4" adapters. Aquarium pumps too. Good stuff.
Anyway, it all depends on what you need. If you are just doing the CPU then you can get away with a good set up for under $200. EX240 ($45), MCP355 pump ($40), 12' Tygon/eqv. tubing ($10), 150mm reservoir ($35), XSPC RayStorm block ($50), barb fittings, and misc accessories ($20). If you are doing a videocard as well, then you need to consider that a full cover block would cost $75+ and you would want to go with a 360 radiator and possibly a 250mm reservoir. That would up the cost to around $300. As for fans, I would go with Yate Loon Medium speeds which are only 4-5 dollars each.
The costs can go anywhere from there. Start getting into compression fittings, fan controllers, high end fans, thicker radiators, etc and you can blow some serious cash. Comp fittings alone can run well over 100 dollars to do a simple install.
As for how long a system lasts, 10+ years with proper care. The pumps are rated to last 8+ years, radiators and waterblocks will never go bad as long as you run the proper coolant and flush the system. Fittings last forever. The thing that can cost money over time are the full cover water blocks for videocards because they are custom to each PCB. Usually, a CPU waterblock manufacturer will release new mounting brackets when a new socket comes out, so the cost to move the existing waterblock to a new socket is minimal (much cheaper than buying a new aftermarket air cooler.) Tubing should be replaced as needed, usually every 2-3 years. The liquid is just distilled water with either a silver coil or antimicrobial drops, both are negligible in price.
I've never had leaks. As long as you leak check the system for several hours before rebuilding, you should be fine. IMO a nice water cooling set up is a great investment that will last through numerous builds and upgrades if it is planned out properly from the beginning.
Good luck on your project.
