water cooling tubing size

[Puma]

For a computer I'm building in January, I want to do water cooling. I've read a lot of guides, but I haven't been able to figure out what size of tubing AND component ID I should choose.

So, if I wanted my water blocks in series, would it be pointless to use 1/2" ID tubing if one of my blocks was smaller than that?

If it has choke point it seems that it would tighten the whole flow (do water blocks have specs on their cross-sectional flow area and not just their tubing standard?)

Or do you think it's better just to run things in parallel? (I'm thinking I want to cool the CPU and GPU). My concerns with parallel is that one path could get poor flow without any obvious indications.

That was a lot of questions... any thoughts?

[Stuey]

As far as I know, water blocks can only be connected in series. To avoid worrying about how different diameter blocks will affect the loop as a whole, stick to a single hose size.

If there's a choke point and the diameter gets smaller, the velocity increases. The problem is the turbulence created from a non-smooth transition and any obstacles along the wall of the tube.

[Mr.Ferrari]

ALWAYS run in series.. not in parallel. Water takes the path of least resistance. That will mean most of the flow will go to your least restrictive block and the other blocks will starve and you will overheat and or destroy the flow of you system. Not to mention you might dramatically reduce the head pressure of your pump.

Only if you use indentical blocks or purposely close off flow to certain once will you overcome this.. and its a wholey annoying way to do it. If you do give your blocks parallel flow, cooling will not be your main objective.

Just go with a normal series setup. it will cost you less, be much simpler, perform better and have less chances for leakage.

About the tubing: 1/2'' is the best ID to go with. However 7/16'' tubing has started being used in order to eliminate the turbulence from the barb to tubing transaction, this due to the smaller inner diameter of the tubing. Another benefit of 7/16'' is easier case tubing management. Overall a cleaner look.