Mixing Eco Systems Does It Matter

[mav359]

I have just ordered a Lian Li 011d XL, i'm going to transplant my rig into it

 

Its going to be Water Cooled but i'm in no rush after just building the PC (and because my wallet hates me) so over the next few months buy parts i need to build the water cooling system. Im set on the EK-Quantum Momentum for the Crosshair VIII as my starting point & build it from there

 

Should i / Have to buy all the parts from the same manufacturer? Ive no reason not to i like the EK parts i'm seeing so may just stick with them but is an 360 Radiator from EK really any different from someone else 360 radiator? Are all G1/4 threads cut to the same standard from one to another? Are EKs fittings as good and better/worse then brand X? if i see a fitting that i like from a different brand can i use that instead

 

I'm trying to plan ahead now so a) i don't cause any unnecessary leaks or damage & b) just want to know if i can mix or match

 

[RollinLower]

4 minutes ago, mav359 said:

is an 360 Radiator from EK really any different from someone else 360 radiator

short answer: no. ofcourse manufacturers have some difference in fins per inch and whatnot, but generally speaking you can use any 360 rad you want.

 

4 minutes ago, mav359 said:

Are all G1/4 threads cut to the same standard from one to another?

yes, it's an industry wide standard. so EK fittings will fit an Alphacool waterblock for example.

 

4 minutes ago, mav359 said:

if i see a fitting that i like from a different brand can i use that instead

mostly yes, just make sure it'll fit the tubing you want to use aswell.

[Demonic Donut]

G1/4 is a thread standard. Like NPT for the USA. So all G1/4 are the same. Then just verify tube sizing. Remember some tubing is thicker/thinner walled etc.

 

Mix brands, just don't mix aluminum with copper. Or steel for that matter. Copper can be mixed with brass though. When picking a rad, find the size, thickness and FPI you want and buy the one with good reviews and price.

[Mick Naughty]

I only buy the same stuff if I want it to match.

If all the rads are visible. And the same with blocks. Aside from that i get what works. Ek rotary fittings and bitspower barbs. But used almost everyones fittings at one point.

[MaratM]

Generally speaking you can mix and match any watercooling parts from any brand nickel plated, copper or gold plated, however you do not mix aluminium and copper/brass. It is also better to have all the fittings from the same brand and same series of fittings, unless you do not care about how it looks.
Also all the compression fittings must be the same and get a correct tube for it. For example some manufactures make 12mm tube and fittings but they also make 1/2” tube and fittings. They do look the same but they do not work together.

 

[mav359]

Cheers guys for the advice lots to think about