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Originally Posted by SNTmods
Incorrect Information, Low Flow systems like 1/4" tubing corrects it's "flaw" of being too small by actually having a longer time to cool of through the radiator. High Flow systems tend to move a lot of water but sacrifice the cooling capability through the radiator.
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Incorrect Information. Time is not factor in heat exchanger performance. My (high flow) radiators dissipate heat 24 hours a day, if I reduce the flow will they somehow work 35 hours a day?
Temperature gradients/differences are what matter. Air flowing through the fins of a rad absorb heat due to a temperature difference. Heat flows from the inner surfaces to the outer surfaces of a rad due to temperature gradient. Water flowing through a rad looses heat due the temperature gradient across the boundary layer. Time is not a factor.
When you decrease the water flow you increase the temperature difference between inlet and outlet. Those lower outlet temperatures have a certain naive appeal, but keep in mind that temperature averaged through the radiator will be the same (else the rad wouldn't be at equilibrium). Likewise, water temperature averaged through the waterblock will be the same with high or low flow. In the meantime, you've sacrificed the demonstrable performance advantages of high velocity, high turbulence water in your waterblock.