I got an Innovatech waterblock :)

pHaestus · 01-10-2002, 08:13 PM

I got that big black german waterblock in the mail today from a US store that stocks innovatech parts:

Initial impressions are that build quality is excellent throughout. If I can get off my ass (hahaha not likely) then next week I will have a comparative review between this block, an original maze2, and a new maze2.

The fittings are nice but tiny. I think I can put 1/2" barbs on without too much trouble:

Strafe · 01-10-2002, 10:36 PM

Where'd you get it???!!! Where!? Where!? Where!? Actually I'm more interested in the k4.1 and the twinplex from aqua-computer but thats a good lead too... What will you have to do to change the fittings? I noticed most of the german blocks have 10mm fittings, it that 3/8?

pHaestus · 01-10-2002, 11:13 PM

I got it at www.highspeedpc.com . Scott sent it to me to review, so I am going to try and crank out performance data this weekend.

Yes it is 3/8", and the fittings just unbolt right out. They are very cool and have o rings on the top to keep a seal without any other type of waterproofing. I can get the 1/4" x 1/2" barb that I got off a dtekcustoms sidewinder about a half turn into the block, but the threads aren't right. I have some 1/4" x 3/8" barbs off a Dangerden maze2 though that thread right into the block no problem. Maybe either dangerden or Danny uses something other than NPT. In any case, I have an order from dangerden on the way with a new revision maze2, and some 1/4" NPT x 1/2" fittings, so I hope that the barb will thread right in. If not I will liberally apply plumber's goop

I'll test out the blocks with both 3/8" and 1/2" I guess. Sorta an indirect way to adjust flow in the system though...

[dannzig] · 01-11-2002, 02:59 AM

you could probably say alot about the innovatek block but one thig is for sure... their clamping mecanism is THE ugliest i have ever seen.

JimS · 01-11-2002, 07:36 PM

Not much point in changing to 1/2 " barbs when the NPT size remains the same. You are still dealing with the smaller opening at the threads no matter what. The only it will make a difference is if you redrill and retap the holes which increases the thread size as well.

Your flow will always be limited by the smallest diameter in your plumbing.

Lmandrake · 01-11-2002, 08:28 PM

According to Innovatek, the threads in the opening are "G1/4" and are not metric. As far as my research indicates, the "G1/4" thread and size are BSPP (British Standard Pipe Parallel) 1/4 size. This is smaller than the U.S. 1/4 NPT specification.

If you do a search at McMaster for BSP Adapters, you can get a BSPP 1/4 - NPT 1/4 adapter that would allow use of a 1/4 NPT barb. Dunno if the adapter would fit through the holes in the retention mechanism and McMaster is asking $12 per adapter. So that is $24 plus shipping without the barbs.

I can't find a BSPP 1/4 barb anywhere.....

Butcher · 01-11-2002, 09:40 PM

NPT is the same as BSPT with a slightly different TPI (BSPT is BSP tapered). You should be able to get an NPT to fit into a BSPP hole in something soft like copper without too many problems.

pHaestus · 01-11-2002, 10:17 PM

The inside diameter of the 1/4" NPT x 1/2" barb is larger than the innovatech block. I can fit the end of the innovatech fitting into the end of the barb. The fittings that Dangerden uses thread right into the innovatech (assuming that their 3/8 and 1/2" barbs have the same threads), and I should hopefully have a package from them on Monday.

Butcher · 01-11-2002, 11:52 PM

DD uses 1/4" NPT. I was talking about the outer thread diameter, the inner diameter seems somewhat nonstandard between different barb manufacturers.

pHaestus · 01-12-2002, 12:18 AM

Butcher what is strange is that I have some fittings off of Dtekcustoms waterblocks, and those fittings are not the same thread (TPI) as the dangerden ones. It was a pain to get them to go into my Maze2, and I can only get them about 1/2 a turn into the Innovatech block. The 3/8" fittings from my maze2 screw in 2-3 full turns by hand into the innovatech, and I am certain that they would be fine. I just need some 1/2" barbs with the same TPI

Butcher · 01-12-2002, 12:31 AM

Well if they're BSPP then their TPI is different from normal NPTs which means different angle of thread and such. You'll have to use a lot of force to basically retap the threads.

Lmandrake · 01-12-2002, 12:56 AM

1/4 NPT Outside diameter is .540 at the top of the cone and 18 threads per inch. BSPP diameter is .518 and 19 threads per inch.

Butcher · 01-12-2002, 01:10 AM

Yes NPT is more similar to BSPT, I'm surprised they used BSPP as BSPT is much more common.

deeznuts · 01-12-2002, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JimS
Not much point in changing to 1/2 " barbs when the NPT size remains the same. You are still dealing with the smaller opening at the threads no matter what. The only it will make a difference is if you redrill and retap the holes which increases the thread size as well.

Your flow will always be limited by the smallest diameter in your plumbing.

not according to this page:

http://www.overclockers.com/articles481/index06.asp

"Enlarging the connections of the waterblock tested above made a very substantial reduction in its pressure drop."

he also says "Since the flow through the system will be the pump capacity at the total head resulting from the sum of the individual flow resistances of all the components"

it is the sum of all the individual flow resistances, not just the lowest one. so if you enlarge the fittings on the block, that is two less individual flow resistances, hence more flow.

UnaClocker · 01-12-2002, 09:18 PM

DangerDen's 3/8" blocks and 1/2" blocks use different threads, I know this because I asked them to send me 1/2" fittings to put in the Maze1C they had just given me. They said they would not fit, and that they'd just send me a 1/2" block instead. I haven't paid much attention to which size NPT they use (or if it's even NPT), I just run with what I have.

deeznuts · 01-13-2002, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by UnaClocker
DangerDen's 3/8" blocks and 1/2" blocks use different threads, I know this because I asked them to send me 1/2" fittings to put in the Maze1C they had just given me. They said they would not fit, and that they'd just send me a 1/2" block instead. I haven't paid much attention to which size NPT they use (or if it's even NPT), I just run with what I have.

thats weird. i just converted a 3/8" maze2 to 1/2" barbs. screwed right in no problemo. so they are using the same threads on the maze2 at least, don't really know why it would be different for the maze1c. maybe they think cuz you are a reviewer, they dont' want any chance of a leak, and to ensure that they send you a spankin brand new block?

UnaClocker · 01-13-2002, 01:35 AM

Beats me, I didn't really compare that directly before I got rid of them..

Brad · 01-13-2002, 03:48 PM

$67?? ouch.

I wonder how it performs though, it'd need to beat the maze2 by quite a lot for many people to bother with it.

pHaestus · 01-13-2002, 04:29 PM

I think that several of the german waterblock makers are going to make their way into the US market this year. I would assume that their prices will drop at that point. If you look at german reviews of blocks, the innovatech is one of the cheapest ones I think.

Brad · 01-13-2002, 06:21 PM

yeah, we are slowly starting to hear about them, someone will become an official importer of a couple of brands, and they will be the new wave.

01-10-2002, 08:13 PM	#1
pHaestus Big Player Making Big Money Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: irc.lostgeek.com #procooling.com Posts: 4,782	I got an Innovatech waterblock :) I got that big black german waterblock in the mail today from a US store that stocks innovatech parts: Initial impressions are that build quality is excellent throughout. If I can get off my ass (hahaha not likely) then next week I will have a comparative review between this block, an original maze2, and a new maze2. The fittings are nice but tiny. I think I can put 1/2" barbs on without too much trouble:

01-11-2002, 02:59 AM	#4
[dannzig] Cooling Savant Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Sweden Posts: 98	you could probably say alot about the innovatek block but one thig is for sure... their clamping mecanism is THE ugliest i have ever seen. __________________ \|father of ebba - www.ebba.da.ru\| at7max/d700/256/80/ti4200

01-11-2002, 08:28 PM	#6
Lmandrake Cooling Neophyte Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: D.C. Posts: 26	According to Innovatek, the threads in the opening are "G1/4" and are not metric. As far as my research indicates, the "G1/4" thread and size are BSPP (British Standard Pipe Parallel) 1/4 size. This is smaller than the U.S. 1/4 NPT specification. If you do a search at McMaster for BSP Adapters, you can get a BSPP 1/4 - NPT 1/4 adapter that would allow use of a 1/4 NPT barb. Dunno if the adapter would fit through the holes in the retention mechanism and McMaster is asking $12 per adapter. So that is $24 plus shipping without the barbs. I can't find a BSPP 1/4 barb anywhere..... __________________ The technology is within the reach of even the smallest nuclear power.

01-11-2002, 09:40 PM	#7
Butcher Thermophile Join Date: May 2001 Location: UK Posts: 1,064	NPT is the same as BSPT with a slightly different TPI (BSPT is BSP tapered). You should be able to get an NPT to fit into a BSPP hole in something soft like copper without too many problems. __________________ Once upon a time, in a land far far away...

01-11-2002, 11:52 PM	#9
Butcher Thermophile Join Date: May 2001 Location: UK Posts: 1,064	DD uses 1/4" NPT. I was talking about the outer thread diameter, the inner diameter seems somewhat nonstandard between different barb manufacturers. __________________ Once upon a time, in a land far far away...

01-10-2002, 10:36 PM	#2
Strafe Cooling Neophyte Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Chiba City Posts: 62	Where'd you get it???!!! Where!? Where!? Where!? Actually I'm more interested in the k4.1 and the twinplex from aqua-computer but thats a good lead too... What will you have to do to change the fittings? I noticed most of the german blocks have 10mm fittings, it that 3/8?

01-10-2002, 11:13 PM	#3
pHaestus Big Player Making Big Money Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: irc.lostgeek.com #procooling.com Posts: 4,782	I got it at www.highspeedpc.com . Scott sent it to me to review, so I am going to try and crank out performance data this weekend. Yes it is 3/8", and the fittings just unbolt right out. They are very cool and have o rings on the top to keep a seal without any other type of waterproofing. I can get the 1/4" x 1/2" barb that I got off a dtekcustoms sidewinder about a half turn into the block, but the threads aren't right. I have some 1/4" x 3/8" barbs off a Dangerden maze2 though that thread right into the block no problem. Maybe either dangerden or Danny uses something other than NPT. In any case, I have an order from dangerden on the way with a new revision maze2, and some 1/4" NPT x 1/2" fittings, so I hope that the barb will thread right in. If not I will liberally apply plumber's goop I'll test out the blocks with both 3/8" and 1/2" I guess. Sorta an indirect way to adjust flow in the system though...

01-11-2002, 07:36 PM	#5
JimS Cooling Savant Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Connecticut Posts: 140	Not much point in changing to 1/2 " barbs when the NPT size remains the same. You are still dealing with the smaller opening at the threads no matter what. The only it will make a difference is if you redrill and retap the holes which increases the thread size as well. Your flow will always be limited by the smallest diameter in your plumbing.

01-11-2002, 10:17 PM	#8
pHaestus Big Player Making Big Money Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: irc.lostgeek.com #procooling.com Posts: 4,782	The inside diameter of the 1/4" NPT x 1/2" barb is larger than the innovatech block. I can fit the end of the innovatech fitting into the end of the barb. The fittings that Dangerden uses thread right into the innovatech (assuming that their 3/8 and 1/2" barbs have the same threads), and I should hopefully have a package from them on Monday.

01-12-2002, 12:18 AM	#10
pHaestus Big Player Making Big Money Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: irc.lostgeek.com #procooling.com Posts: 4,782	Butcher what is strange is that I have some fittings off of Dtekcustoms waterblocks, and those fittings are not the same thread (TPI) as the dangerden ones. It was a pain to get them to go into my Maze2, and I can only get them about 1/2 a turn into the Innovatech block. The 3/8" fittings from my maze2 screw in 2-3 full turns by hand into the innovatech, and I am certain that they would be fine. I just need some 1/2" barbs with the same TPI

01-12-2002, 12:31 AM	#11
Butcher Thermophile Join Date: May 2001 Location: UK Posts: 1,064	Well if they're BSPP then their TPI is different from normal NPTs which means different angle of thread and such. You'll have to use a lot of force to basically retap the threads. __________________ Once upon a time, in a land far far away...

01-12-2002, 12:56 AM	#12
Lmandrake Cooling Neophyte Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: D.C. Posts: 26	1/4 NPT Outside diameter is .540 at the top of the cone and 18 threads per inch. BSPP diameter is .518 and 19 threads per inch. __________________ The technology is within the reach of even the smallest nuclear power.

01-12-2002, 01:10 AM	#13
Butcher Thermophile Join Date: May 2001 Location: UK Posts: 1,064	Yes NPT is more similar to BSPT, I'm surprised they used BSPP as BSPT is much more common. __________________ Once upon a time, in a land far far away...

01-12-2002, 09:18 PM	#15
UnaClocker Cooling Savant Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bremerton, WA Posts: 514	DangerDen's 3/8" blocks and 1/2" blocks use different threads, I know this because I asked them to send me 1/2" fittings to put in the Maze1C they had just given me. They said they would not fit, and that they'd just send me a 1/2" block instead. I haven't paid much attention to which size NPT they use (or if it's even NPT), I just run with what I have. __________________ The UnaClocker Watercooler Extraordinaire! Overclock till it goes BOOM!

01-13-2002, 01:35 AM	#17
UnaClocker Cooling Savant Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bremerton, WA Posts: 514	Beats me, I didn't really compare that directly before I got rid of them.. __________________ The UnaClocker Watercooler Extraordinaire! Overclock till it goes BOOM!

01-13-2002, 03:48 PM	#18
Brad Thermophile Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Nuu Zeeelin Posts: 3,175	$67?? ouch. I wonder how it performs though, it'd need to beat the maze2 by quite a lot for many people to bother with it.

01-13-2002, 04:29 PM	#19
pHaestus Big Player Making Big Money Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: irc.lostgeek.com #procooling.com Posts: 4,782	I think that several of the german waterblock makers are going to make their way into the US market this year. I would assume that their prices will drop at that point. If you look at german reviews of blocks, the innovatech is one of the cheapest ones I think.

01-13-2002, 06:21 PM	#20
Brad Thermophile Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Nuu Zeeelin Posts: 3,175	yeah, we are slowly starting to hear about them, someone will become an official importer of a couple of brands, and they will be the new wave.

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