Fins in a waterblock are like small structural beam, where it strength increase linearly with the thickness, and by the cube of the height.
That is double width = double strength; Double height = eight times strength.
If you have 2mm base and 5mm fins that makes an effective beam height of 7mm, so base against fin ratio is 3.5. the cube of 3.5 is 42.875.
Conclusion: A fin crossing the center of your block makes it about 40 times stiffer than just the base
If you look at cathar`s block, he has several parallel fins that make it very strong in the fins direction; but perpendicular to them he has only a very thin base that would be easy to bend. That’s why he needs a supporting top.
In your case with only one pair of crossing fins you can have all the strength needed because they cover the two main directions.
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