OK, here's something that has always bothered me since I started looking into watercooling. Pump performance is ALWAYS presented in relation to the amount of head on the system. Waterblocks, rads, tubing & fitting specs NEVER say how much head the add to the system. I always figured it would take a genius with a super computer to calculate any meaningful figures in this area, and that is why they are never seen. Well after tinkering with my setup and thinking about some others a simple testing method has come to mind. Lemme show a pic first:
OK, the simplified version would be a setup like this. For arguments sake lets say the cylinder is 1"ID, tubing and fittings are 1/2" ID. You fill the system enuff above the top fitting so water is calm enuff to mark a reading. Now its calibrated. Next you add the item you want to test to the Test Point, lets say a waterblock. You add the same amount of water back to the system, plus the amount that fills the waterblock. Fire it back up and see how much the water level in the cylinder has risen. The difference between the two readings is the amount of head the waterblock has added to the system.
Well that's my idea, I know its simplified but I also know how well the PC staff can setup testing to eliminate variables and such. I also know they are working on a waterblock roundup. I woul love to see some kinda test like this done on them. What do you guys think of this idea? Are there flaws in my logic? Is it doable? and if it is...would anybody else besides me like to see some real numbers things like: series vs paralell, rad vs heater core, 3/8" vs 1/2", quick connect fittings, elbows..... not to mention how your pump is really doing in the system.
I know I would be interested in seeing this info. I don't think it would be too hard to set up a test comparing items. Figuring out the exact amount of actual head on a given system might be more difficult. I know if this can be done, PC could do it reliably and I would love to see them be the first to offer this info to the community.
peace.
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