Questions galore...1st timer
 

So I have decided to take the plunge into WCing a new box I am building. My true goal is overclocking, with a side benefit of a quieter system. I have a good idea about parts, but I still have some questions...

- Is there a definitive consensus about flow through the system? For example, I plan to use Pump -> Blocks -> Radiator -> Reservoir -> Pump. Is there a "better way"? Is there a "totally idiotic" way?

- If I am using a 3 barbed CPU block and my system is 1/2" ID throughout, what are the problems with using 1 output to a Swiftech Chipset block & one output to a Swiftech GPU block (assuming both blocks are using 1/2" OD to 1/2" ID adapters)?
(This question should really be, "Which Chipset & GPU blocks should I use?"

- Tygon or Clearflex? I've read tons of different opinions, but there has to be some really strong arguments for the more expensive Tygon or nobody would buy it. What are the real facts?

- Is there some kind of FAQ sticky, or a solid noob Q&A thread? There is so much good stuff here that I really wish was in a sort of "Intro to WC" thread.

Thank you in advance,
Brandon

glad u decided to go w/ watercooling. for the most part ppl like to have the pump>radiator>blocks>pump. the reasoning behind this is because you want the coldest air go into the blocks. if u had the pump go directly to the blocks then the pump might heat up the water. some argue that u need the pump to goto the blocks first so that the fastest water goes into the blocks. nobody knows the definitive answer. that means the differences are negligible and just a matter of preference. using a 3 barb block its better to just use the "Y" fitting and join the tubes instead of splitting them off into different blocks because different blocks have different internals and need different velocities. when u have two separate tubes with two different velocities once they join then the entire system will be off balance. so just go one to the next. i've never used Tygon before but i use Clearflex and it works. Tygon is more transparent but ClearFlex is cheaper. i cant tell u the advantage of Tygon maybe it has more bend radius but ClearFlex is nearly the same and twice as cheap.

Thanks for the reply...I am still debating the order my loop will be connected in, but I definitely catch what you're saying.

b

If you got a decent pump (say Eheim 1250/Hydor L30 or better) then I'd go for Pump > Rad > Blocks > Res > Pump. Otherwise swap the blocks and rad or else you'll probably restrict the flow too much. It's all down to preference though. Try both and see what works better in your system.

pump->rad->blocks->(res)->pump. Flow rate is uniform throughout the system so you don't get any advantage from putting the blocks before the rad.

Splitting or not is your call really, you will end up with more flow going to whichever of the nb and gpu blocks is less restrictive. So you should aim to buy blocks which are similar is design/size to minimise that. Splitting will also give more overall flow through the system as the pressure drop for two blocks in parallel is lower than for 2 in series. That will tend to give better cpu temps, though you'll probably notice higher gpu and NB temps.

Tygon is more resistant to chemicals I believe meaning it won't discolour from additives and ages well. It's also highly flexible.

My main concern with putting the rad right after the pump is that the rad will be at the top of the case, and the pump at the bottom. I'm looking at the Swiftech MCP600, mainly based on the research I've seen on this site. However, I'm open to other suggestions, as the rad is the only piece I have purchased (case will most likely be a Lian-Li PC-75...plenty 'o room).

b

Don't worry, the MCP600 will laugh at it. It has the best pressure (by far) over most other similar priced pumps.