2 loops 1 res?

[Double Jesus]

so I recently upgraded my processor from a 3000+ to an e4300 and have enough parts for 2 loops in my watercooling except for the resevoir (don't have room for 2) would it be ok to run 2 loops off the same res using a Y?

my loop currently goes res->pump->rad1->gpu->rad2->cpu-res.

i'm looking at doing this (loop1) res->Y->pump1->rad1->cpu->Y->res.
and (loop2) res->Y->pump2->rad2->gpu->Y->res.

I have a storm, mcw60, swiftech mcp655, swiftech bayres and 2 BIXs as well as a heatercore from an 86 tracker and another aquarium pump (laguna stat #3). Just wondering if it would be better to run 2 loops or just the 1 with 3 rads or something... I don't really want to invest in a new cpu block but I still wanna cool this thing well as i plan on pushing it quite far.

 

[Top Nurse]

It depends on the actual hardware you are using. If you have really hot PCI Express cards in your loop you might want to consider two separate loops. Otherwise your GPU will be heating up the rest of your system that will probably be running at cooler water temps otherwise.

 

[OhMyGod]

That would still just be one loop (with parallel paths).

 

[Double Jesus]

I only have a 7800gt for a pci-e card. don't plan on upgrading anytime soon...

That would still just be one loop (with parallel paths).

yeah you're right... you know what i meant though.

 

[BillParrish]

Here is the way I think about your question.

If you had 2 loops (which you cant becasue of no room, acutally you dont NEED a res in the loop, its just nice for filling and getting the air out)

Worse case you would have one hot loop and one cooler loop.

Doing as you describe you will end up with a intermediate (somewhere between the above high and low loop temps) temp. I tend to like this better /shrug.



That aside the placement of your rads (access to cool ambient air) and your fans are what is going to tell the tale.