that's why got leak test ma
very long time ago my first high end rig, i also scare of leak that's why went with air cool.

now i'm on watercooling and the performance/noise is just awesome haha.
and listening close (like, putting your face/ears to the reservoir/pump close since its so quiet lol) for the very slight water flowing sound is quite appealing since i've never experienced that haha.

nvm gotten noctua nh-d15 very quiet also

your idea of wc is AIO.

"proper" watercooling are typically customs which easily cost over 2-3k and beyond

my WC only cost Rm1.8k  - anyhow, now got alot of wc brand to choose from which will lower down the cost.
but damn, i sure love the temp and neat look of it. never regret to go for it as my end game.