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3/8" or 1/2"

3/4" ID







to the pump inlet that is...

seriously, run 1/2" ID if you have room, otherwise run 3/8" ID, the difference is at most ~2C in even extreme cases
 
It is very unusual to need to go to 3/8" tubing. Theres no advantage to it unless you are dealing with super small space restrictions or are one of those crazy europeans.
 
I have used both 1/2 and 3/8 on otherwise identical setups....no discernible difference.


But if I was starting from scratch, I would go 1/2"... "just because"
 
i thought they used 1/4" tubing in germany.

I plan on starting with 1/2" tubing because i doubt it will hurt and most of the high end blocks are already 1/2".
 
DryFire said:
I plan on starting with 1/2" tubing because i doubt it will hurt and most of the high end blocks are already 1/2".

American block (counting Cathars) are typically most effective when pushing a high volume of water at the block, which is where 1/2" comes handy. The Euros take a different approach.
 
R1ckCa1n said:
American block (counting Cathars) are typically most effective when pushing a high volume of water at the block, which is where 1/2" comes handy. The Euros take a different approach.


Both tubing is fine depending on your routing, but I agree, the pump should never be restricted. Other than that.... 3/8" is no less than different than 1/2" as long as you can keep you flow rates the same and if your waterblock can handle it. 3/8" is sleeker, more economical, easier to route, cheaper and is apparently beginning to win over even hardcore watercooling enthusiasts.

Cathar himself is estimating his new Storm block with 3/8" should offer the same performance with 1/2" with normal pumps. Even the new MCW6002 offers little or no improvement in performance over the MCW6000.

1/2" looks like garden hose too much. No if you're talking 1/4"... that's a different story.
 
quicksilverXP said:
Cathar himself is estimating his new Storm block with 3/8" should offer the same performance with 1/2" with normal pumps. Even the new MCW6002 offers little or no improvement in performance over the MCW6000.

actually it seems like the 6000 preforms better then the 6002.
 
Yep, 1/2" makes very little difference, with exception to jet impingement style blocks which require large amounts of flow to perform properly.

I just stick with 3/8". Thing is, we aren't even reaching the thermal capcity of the water as is, so unless your block is designed for high flowrates to perform, then why bother?

I'd rather see a waterblock and radiator that can more effectively heat/cool the water than just thrown bigger tubing on. Actually I wish that tiny koolance tubing was all that was needed. It may not have that same look, but when a tube is that thin, it's easier to route, and also might be easy enough to deal with that you can change hardware more easily...all of which is a great thing :)
 
1/2 if you have the space, 3/8s if you dont have it, i have 1/2, but can see myself using 3/8s, but thats it nothing smaller. i respect others opinions and what not but i'll stick with bigger is better, it has served me well, and if it aint broke dont fix it.
 
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