Does Fluorinert hurt flow

RADCOM · 12-29-2006, 08:10 PM

The Engineers at Vadim didn't use 3M fluorinert in liquid cooling their Dream PC as they said it was too thick and hurt the flow. They also didn't trust Fluid-XP or Danger Dens MCT. I feel a little more comfortable knowing I have a non conductive fluid in my Rig am I sacrificing temps significantly?

Captain Slug · 12-29-2006, 08:30 PM

The main reason to not use Fluorinert is cost.
It has thermal conductivity properties very close to water and its viscosity (2.2 centistokes) is inbetween water (1cs) and milk (4cs).

The "sacrifice" would be extremely difficult to measure and may only reflect in a 2 or 3 degree difference in temperatures.
Other "non-conductive" liquids are a bit of a joke and only stay non-conductive a little while longer than distilled water with 10% antifreeze and 3 drops of iodine.

Is there some reason you would need or want to use Fluorinert? It's not very cost effective and if you're doing a traditional loop taking the needed steps to build a durable loop will negate any reasons to go with anything other than water.

RADCOM · 12-30-2006, 04:51 AM

Yep it is expensive and corroded my swiftech my coolplex resevoir. I just like the idea of little leaks etc not causing ££££ of damage as PC equipment prices are now at a premium. You are right though if enough care is taken leaks should not be a problem. The other thing that I like is the low maintenance... no algae build up.

ricecrispi · 12-30-2006, 05:51 PM

Engineers, is that what they call themselves or a term you coined? THe double triple 120mm rad is funny.

Water damage to components from leaks can happen but a complete burnout is not instantaneous like people think. More likely the comp will get a short and the computer freezes before the equipment gets destroyed.

encountered that recently after reinstalling my pelt rig and didn't install the wiring to pump properly causing hotside to heat up and my tubing to pop off my WB and sprinkle coolant on videocard. Turned off the comp instantly but it actually was still running.....

12-29-2006, 08:10 PM	#1
RADCOM Cooling Neophyte Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: UK Posts: 31	Does Fluorinert hurt flow The Engineers at Vadim didn't use 3M fluorinert in liquid cooling their Dream PC as they said it was too thick and hurt the flow. They also didn't trust Fluid-XP or Danger Dens MCT. I feel a little more comfortable knowing I have a non conductive fluid in my Rig am I sacrificing temps significantly?

12-29-2006, 08:30 PM	#2
Captain Slug Cooling Savant Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: VA Posts: 129	Re: Does Fluorinert hurt flow The main reason to not use Fluorinert is cost. It has thermal conductivity properties very close to water and its viscosity (2.2 centistokes) is inbetween water (1cs) and milk (4cs). The "sacrifice" would be extremely difficult to measure and may only reflect in a 2 or 3 degree difference in temperatures. Other "non-conductive" liquids are a bit of a joke and only stay non-conductive a little while longer than distilled water with 10% antifreeze and 3 drops of iodine. Is there some reason you would need or want to use Fluorinert? It's not very cost effective and if you're doing a traditional loop taking the needed steps to build a durable loop will negate any reasons to go with anything other than water.

12-30-2006, 04:51 AM	#3
RADCOM Cooling Neophyte Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: UK Posts: 31	Re: Does Fluorinert hurt flow Yep it is expensive and corroded my swiftech my coolplex resevoir. I just like the idea of little leaks etc not causing ££££ of damage as PC equipment prices are now at a premium. You are right though if enough care is taken leaks should not be a problem. The other thing that I like is the low maintenance... no algae build up.

12-30-2006, 05:51 PM	#4
ricecrispi Cooling Savant Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: california Posts: 429	Re: Does Fluorinert hurt flow Engineers, is that what they call themselves or a term you coined? THe double triple 120mm rad is funny. Water damage to components from leaks can happen but a complete burnout is not instantaneous like people think. More likely the comp will get a short and the computer freezes before the equipment gets destroyed. encountered that recently after reinstalling my pelt rig and didn't install the wiring to pump properly causing hotside to heat up and my tubing to pop off my WB and sprinkle coolant on videocard. Turned off the comp instantly but it actually was still running.....

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