3/8 or 1/2...this again?
 

So another thread about going back to watercooling.

My old setup was 3/8 tubing, so I've got a bunch of 3/8 inch crap laying around, including some hose.
The case currently isn't that large so the length(s) of tubing won't be very long.

The setup is proably gonna be a 1.3-1.7GHz CPU at first...possibliy overclocked later on.

So, should I go ahead and keep the 3/8 inch design parameters(along with ordering a block with 3/8 inch fittings), or should I go with a 1/2 setup, since that was all the rage when I got out of watercooling a year or two ago.

My old case is in my sig, which may be what I use for the setup...I'm looking into something bigger such as an Antec SX830 to put it in though.

You're considering buying 3/8 in because you have $15 worth of (crappy) 3/8 in tube? Buy some 1/2 tygon and be done with it.

3/8 is also easier to fit into the system than the larger 1/2.

If I don't really need to upgrade to larger flow, than why. Besides, those types of answers never work :D

And if I were to buy Tygon, where would I get it locally. As I'm not to into buying off the internet and waiting(don't try to figure it out).

Oh yeah, did I mention i'm lazy too?

Here's something to think about: if you go with 3/8" ID tubing, you will have no flow restriction from 1/2" OD fittings (no turbulence when using same size ID; with 1/2" ID hose and 1/2" OD fittings, there will be turbulence where the hose meets the barb). Also, you get a much tighter seal, oftentimes you won't need a hose clamp. But then again, all that 3/8" tubing will add some restriction compared to 1/2". I say using 3/8" is worth it, for the tight seal and easier routing.

I'm planning on using 3/8" tubing with my 1060, so even if it does produce a little more restriction than 1/2" tubing, I think it can handle it ;). Also, my GPU block has 3/8" OD barbs, so instead of using reducers (which could restrict flow a lot), I'm opting to go for homogenous hose.

I guess we will know definitively soon enough once we see some hard data :).

Maybe it depends on what components you got as to the difference it would make.

I had a Danger Den Maze2, Eheim 1250, 6" x 6" heater core with 1/2" lines. Dropping to 3/8" lines cost me a 1C increase in loaded CPU temps, same system, same ambient temp. Don't have my notes here but flow dropped from 95GPH to 64GPH if I recall correctly. With a restrictive 5/16 inlet/outlet trans cooler and 3/8" lines, flow dropped to 55GPH and temps went up one 1C additional.

just run 1/2", it's the wave of the future, 3/8" is so year 2000 :P

Good one Brad!

1/2 is for those that have a bigger pump, like a 1250 or 1060. 3/8 tubing is actually restrictive for those pumps.

Koslov is right though, but it isn't anything that can't be fixed!

So is 1/2 actually :D

Thats when I got into watercooling, and thats when the conversion happend...can't remember the first usage of 1/2 though, but it was the same year or 2001.

And 1 degree won't be much, as the setup won't be an extreme adventure in overclocking, only a quest to get back my watercooling roots and have a quietier system.

Is 3/8" Tygon really reasonable to push onto poly barbs? Does it require heating?

I've got an Eheim 1046 with a 3/8" discharge, and was planning to use 3/8" tubing from the pump to block inlet for higher flow velocity, with 1/2" tubing back to the pump (through a BIX) to minimize any resistance as this pump will need all the help it can get. Don't really want to spring for a new pump until I definitely need it.

This is my rig.

Man, just make the switch and get some damn 1/2"! Hell I'm running a mix of 1/2" and 3/4"! I just make adapters for the 3/4" to fit onto the 1/2" barbs, just cut a piece of 1/2" and grease it up, insert in 3/4" and clap. perfect seal. 3/8 provides crappy flow, don't waste you're time :(

ANd what's with changing the amount of posts rankings?! I've worked hard to get my former "Pelt Chilled" moniker!! BRING THEM BACK!!! I ain't no water cooling "Noob" AT ALL. I've been doing it for years and years.

hmm, I was using 3/4" hose back in the day.

--Matt

hehe and I can make 3/8" perform as if it was 3/4" :D

that sounds....kinky:evilaugh:

You can get kits to change between 1/2 & 3/8inch sizes...

http://www.overclockedpc.co.uk/default.php?cPath=38_24

http://www.overclockedpc.co.uk/produ...products_id=48

You're all so last year.. I'm using 2" :D ;)

First I saw of it was a thread on [H]ard in April (?) of 2001 where someone converted his Maze2 classic to use 1/2. Then DD upgraded to the Maze 2 mark 2 which was made for 1/2 a few months later.

Yeah, something like that.

I think it was RockHammer maybe.

Anyone got pictures of a 1/2 barb and a 3/8 barb?

http://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/108/...e/5372kp9l.gif
http://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/108/...e/5372kp6l.gif
http://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/108/...e/5372kp1l.gif

you can find almost anything you need at McMaster Carr. don't know about overseas shipping but if you're in US they rule. check out their Tygon stuff also :D

I run down to Home Depot and Lowes for my fittings.

Side by Side comparison picture.

I found these on someone's website.

The barb piece itself has a different size...but what about the ID of at the base of the barb.

I guess the overal change in diameter is what matters?