Barbed vs. Quick-Connect Fittings

[whrswoldo]

I just finished ordering all the parts for my new rig, including those for my first WC attempt! I decided to go with Swiftech for my cpu/gpu blocks (mcw6000-64/mcw50) and bayres, aquaextreme pump and black ice extreme radiator. The gpu block, radiator and pump come with 1/2" OD quick connect fittings, and I will be putting them on the reservoir as well. Is there any disadvantage/advantage to doing this? Personally I think the quick connect fittings look "cleaner" and more "finished."

What are your thoughts? Does one or the other prevent leaks better? Is one more secure? Which do you think is better?

 

[Spidey329]

Hmm, you'd think the attached barbs would have a slight advantage over the quick disconnect in the leak department. *shrug*

 

[WillowHawk]

but technically the quick connect is designed not to leak...well, at least until the rubbers get old and brittle.. right?

 

[MikeP]

I just dont trust quick connects. I like seeing my clamp in place and doing its job. But thats just me.

 

[Spidey329]

I just dont trust quick connects. I like seeing my clamp in place and doing its job. But thats just me.

Same here. I don't trust quick disconnects, except the really expensive Colder ones.

 

[killernoodle]

You are not likely to have a leak in the barb-tubing connection in any type of connection. More often it is between the threads that leaks develop. My preference for tube fittings are plastic single barbs. They tend to seal more tightly than the multi barb designs or any brass ones ive ever used.

 

[zer0signal667]

I just dont trust quick connects. I like seeing my clamp in place and doing its job. But thats just me.

But quick-connects DO have a clamping mechanism, it's just inside the collar where you can't see it or adjust it yourself.

 

[topcat989]

i have NEVER had a problem with quick connects, and they do look better and are easier to deal with whenever you need to remove hoses for some reason. I use ones from the hardware store, and they are rated to 150 PSI

 

[whrswoldo]

Woo who! Everything except my cooltechnica stuff has shipped. Their damn website is so slow they must not have gotten my order yet .

Anywho thanks for the replies, I have 1 more question: is there anything wrong with running a pump upside down? Specifically the aquaextreme, with the inlet going sideways and the outlet going straight down? I didn't see anything in its "specs" and search yielded nothing so I assume its ok, although I also can't find any pics of pumps in use upside down. Seems to me like itd be easier on the pump, but what do I know about watercooling? 1337 drawing of my setup:

 

[Little Grabbi]

No, nothing wrong with that. Go for it.

 

[MikeP]

Ive seen a number of pumps being used on their sides or pointing straight down with no problems.Havent seen one upsdie down but would assume it wouldnt make any difference.

 

[whrswoldo]

**UPDATE**
System is up and running! I have had zero leaks *knock on wood* with the quick connect fittings on the gpu cooler, pump, radiator and reservoir. Thread sealant from home depot was used on all threads. With the plastic inserts in the tubes I had a hell of a time getting the tubes into the fitting, but this made me very confident that they wouldn't leak. I've just about finished with the wiring and the inside of the case and will be posting full summary/PICTURES soon.

 

[Bio-Hazard]

Glad to see you've got your system up and running............. I've had my pump running upside down from the day I put it together. I haven't had any problems with it at all.