Watercooling: 1/2" or 3/8" ID for tubing?

[zetto]

Hey guys, if you have custom watercooling, do u prefer to use 1/2" or 3/8" ID tubing? what do you think are advantages/disadvantages of each? Ty for feedback 😀

 

[gotensan01]

I would only use 1/2" ID tubing if you have room to work with in your comp and you won't be making too many tight bends. I'm using 1/2" ID in a small area and have quite a few tight bends and have discovered that it's a pain in the butt. I honestly don't think 1/2" gives better cooing than 3/8" but then again I chose 1/2" because I wasn't completely convinced.

 

[Mik3y]

3/8 is harder to find for video card adapters and such.

 

[HardWarrior]

1/2 inch tubing has much better flow properties for OCing and water-cooling in general. That's not to say that 3/8 inch won't perform better than most forced-air, it just won't get you to the high-end as well 1/2inch.

 

[BW86]

1/2!! bigger and better than 3/8 😀

 

[DJMiX]

you will notice no difference from the 2 sizes ...
use what your blocks / rad use...

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: DJMiX
you will notice no difference from the 2 sizes ...
use what your blocks / rad use...

You will indeed notice a difference in performance with high-velocity, impingement blocks. The laminar flow characteristics of 1/2 tubing AND fittings, with all other things being equal, is simply better for overcloking. "use what your blocks / rad use..." What? That's the sort of diffused thinking that creates horror stories and disgruntled users. In the process of thinking out every aspect of slapping water to a computer one learns a lot. TBH, you really shouldn't offer advice that amounts to intellectual laziness.

 

[gotensan01]

Originally posted by: HardWarrior
...you really shouldn't offer advice that amounts to intellectual laziness.

:laugh: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA :laugh:

EDIT: Can I quote you on this for my sig?