Quote:
Originally posted by Cathar
A smaller inlet does not boost water velocity through the block, but it will boost the water velocity where the water initially enters the block. As a result of splitting the flows and using the small inlets, you would probably see decreased cooling performance as a result.
IMO, the best way to do this is:
pump -> rad -> wb -> gpu -> nb -> (res - optional) -> pump
All in-line, all 1/2". This gives the highest water velocity throughout each element in the system. As long as the GPU and NB are low pressure drop blocks, you should not see flow rates suffer much at all, and in fact, maybe no less than if you did the separate 3/8" split approach with the extra restrictions that 3/8" fittings provide.
|
Brian,
Understand the trade-off. Cathar's approach will give the highest velocity through each component, but a lower overall flow rate. Since the CPU is generally regarded as needing the most effective cooling, placing all in serial may not be the best approach.
The only guarantees for series vs parallel is that velocity in each component will be higher in series, but total flow rate will be higher in parallel. In your scenario all flow goes through the CPU block either way. As such, it'll see higher velocity with your psuedo-parallel of the GPU/NB. If the GPU/NB blocks are comparitively restrictive vs the CPU block (often the case), then paralleling the final two often proves best.
When in doubt, the best advice is always to test both options and stick with the one that is most effective.