Question regarding MCR-120-FB

[Mindflux]

I was interested in using the MCR-120-FB radiator in my CPU/GPU water cooling setup. I spoke to someone at Swiftech today (not Bill A nearest I can guess) who had a thick accent. The gentleman mentioned that I could use 3/8 NPT to 1/2" hose barbs from their 525 Reservoir to "convert" this Radiator to a 1/2ID setup.. however I have not found anything conclusive to support this. Did I misunderstand him? Did me mean the 1/2OD to 1/2ID hose barbs for the MCW50? Those look like they would just slip fit in like they would on the MCW50?

Am I mistaken? Can anyone correct this? BillA?


Thank you!

[BillA]

you spoke with Gabe (French), who made an error
the MCR-120 has 1/4" NPT hubs, you will need two 1/4"NPT male x 1/2"barb fittings of any material
we have them but they are not listed in the acctg system so we are unable to sell them
??

[Mindflux]

erm, 1/4"? that seems like quite a bit of a flow restriction going down from 1/2" Then again, I'm not the water cooling guru.

[BillA]

some basic stuff
a 1/4"NPT x 1-2"barb has an ID of 0.360"
a 3/8"NPT x 1/2"barb has an ID of 0.361"
a 3/8"NPT x 5/8"barb has an ID of 0.500"

if using 1/2"ID tubing, barbs in 1/4 or 3/8"NPT have the same ID
if a true 1/2"ID is desired it can only be done with a 3/8"NPT socket

[Mindflux]

OK. So I'm not losing a ton of volume going through the rad. Do you forsee any problems using this radiator with me running a 6002-A on a 2500 OC'd to 3200 and a Radeon 8500 (using arctic alumina or some other adhesive) on a MCX50 w/ 1/2"OD to 1/2"ID barbs?

I'd also be using a MCX650 pump... pretty much a swiftech setup minus the larger tubing.

if using 1/2"ID tubing, barbs in 1/4 or 3/8"NPT have the same ID
if a true 1/2"ID is desired it can only be done with a 3/8"NPT socket

And how would I achieve a true 1/2"ID using a swiftech rad in the equation? is there no way with the MCX50 and the MCR-120-FB?

[BillA]

should do tolerably well, bigger rads will do 'better'
all a question of space

[Mindflux]

Alright. I'm just starting out, so I can add more later.. the initial investment for water cooling (IMO) for all the blocks and tubing and whatnot is rather costly (near the 300 dollar range for the rig i'm looking for).

Did you have any suggestions on how to use a 'true' 1/2"ID with your swiftech products or is that not possible?

Would I be better off just using the 1/2"ID plumbing that comes with the kit for the whole system? or will 1/2"ID ultimately yield me better results w/ 2 waterblocks?

I've got a Vantec Tornado 90mm(??) fan on my heatsink(Thermalright SLK900-a) right now on an adjustable rheostat... but when I crank it up high it's absurdly loud. Maybe it's 120MM.. I forget.

Just looking for the best solution to a starter system. Parts can be added/changed/modified later.

[BillA]

the kit will come with 3/8"ID tubing, suggest you start with that
the kit will not benefit from 1/2"ID tubing

[Mindflux]

The problem is, the kit comes with a 6000-A, which has the 3/8"ID tubing connections, so if I decide to upgrade later I'd have to buy the 6002-A (I'd buy a block from Cathar, but my mobo doesn't have the AMD spec'd mounting holes in the board). So Swiftech has the best offering for me CPU Waterblock wise at the moment. I'd love to 'build in' some upgradability.

Thanks so much for your time Bill.