Der8auer has been shattering glass water block windows for testing purposes, and also because it's really fun
PC Gamer
by Andy Edser February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
YouTuber and extreme overclocker Der8auer recently conducted an intriguing experiment involving water block windows made of both acrylic and glass. By testing their pressure resistance using a hand pump submerged in water, he demonstrated the durability of these materials under extreme conditions. Acrylic windows proved more resilient, cracking at around eight to nine bars of pressure, while glass shattered at lower levels, showing its brittleness compared to acrylic. These tests not only highlight material performance but also underscore the robustness of modern cooling solutions for gaming PCs.
Der8auer’s methodology involved submerging water blocks in a controlled environment and applying increasing pressure until failure occurred. For acrylic windows, this process was safer due to their flexibility, allowing them to withstand higher pressures without shattering into fragments. In contrast, glass windows fractured more dramatically but still performed admirably, with one CPU block equipped with a small glass window reaching an impressive 10 bars before failing.
This kind of testing is crucial for understanding material limitations in high-stress scenarios. While typical water cooling systems operate well below five bars, these experiments push boundaries and provide insights into design improvements. Der8auer’s work also serves as a reminder of the importance of component integrity in gaming hardware, where performance under pressure can make or break a build.
The tests are not just about functionality—they’re also a testament to the passion-driven nature of overclocking and PC modification. As Der8auer himself notes, there’s an undeniable thrill in pushing components to their limits. For gaming enthusiasts, this blend of engineering curiosity and experimentation offers both practical insights and entertainment value. Whether you’re into extreme cooling solutions or just appreciate the spectacle of hardware being pushed to its extremes, Der8auer’s work is a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of technology and playfulness.
Verticals
gamingpc
Originally published on PC Gamer on 2/23/2026