Compression Fittings/Tubing Size

[Shan-Dysigns]

I know this is one of those questions that is probably so easy that I am completely over-thinking it, but I just want to make sure before I move forward. I guess I'm stuck on the difference between a G1/4" fitting and the different sizes of tubing available. I just need verification (I guess).

 

I'm getting this:

 

EK Supremacy EVO Universal CPU Liquid Cooling Block - Full Nickel CSQ (EK-Supremacy EVO - Full Nickel (Original CSQ))

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/16689/ex-blc-1181/EK_Supremacy_EVO_Universal_CPU_Liquid_Cooling_Block_-_Full_Nickel_CSQ_EK-Supremacy_EVO_-_Full_Nickel_Original_CSQ.html

 

In using this vendor, I have options to buy G1/4" fittings of various sizes. I understand ID and OD, but I keep getting stuck on the size of the threads INSIDE the water block. I'm beginning to think this isn't part of any deciding factor because the threads of a water block (CPU, GPU, etc.) are all the same and the only size I should be focusing on is the ID and OD. Is this correct? I think I'm confusing the fact I see a fitting with a "1/2" measurement and associate that with the threads of the water block instead of the tubing.

 

Are the threads of water blocks all the same? Is my only deciding factor whether I want to use 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" ID tubing (and of course whatever OD I chose for how thick I want the tubing)?

 

I have been researching for way too long, and everything is beginning to blend. Like I said, I think I'm taking an easy issue and making too much of it because my brain is tired.

 

I plan on using acrylic tubing and probably creating some funky bends (not sure yet). I am using compression instead of barb. With that, what is the sweet spot for the size of acrylic tubing?

 

Thanks...

[brandishwar]

Yeah you're overthinking it. Virtually all PC water cooling components have G1/4" threads, and virtually all fittings out there are G1/4" threaded, so you don't need to worry about that. Instead just focus on what size tubing you want to use and buy compressing fittings matching that tubing size. 1/2"x3/4" is a pretty popular size from what I've seen, but 3/8"x1/2" will work fine as well.

[Shan-Dysigns]

Yeah you're overthinking it. Virtually all PC water cooling components have G1/4" threads, and virtually all fittings out there are G1/4" threaded, so you don't need to worry about that. Instead just focus on what size tubing you want to use and buy compressing fittings matching that tubing size. 1/2"x3/4" is a pretty popular size from what I've seen, but 3/8"x1/2" will work fine as well.

 

Thanks for replying.

After I posted this question, I finally found an article that "visually" verified what I was thinking. I'm such a visual learner that sometimes I block out words. It seems as if I always find more clarification the second after I ask the question online (no matter how much time I already spent trying to find that information). There has to be a name for that...

 

Anyway, I'm glad that you mentioned 1/2" x 3/4" because (even though I kept reading where 3/8" ID and 5/8" OD was widely used/recommended), I had a hard time agreeing with that. I even drew the various circle thicknesses on paper (back to my visual learning thing) and thought 1/2" ID and 3/4" was more appealing. I want my tubing to be prominent, so larger tubing only makes since for me (especially in a Corsair 900D case - and especially using acrylic tubing with funky bends).

 

With that, I think I'm going to choose 1/2" x 3/4" tubing/fittings and move forward (of course everyone will be out of stock).

 

Thanks again...

[brandishwar]

3/8" ID tubing is recommended because it's closer to the ID of most fittings, which can provide a little better flow and might also be a little easier to work with. It doesn't make a huge difference in temperatures from what I've seen, though, but in a 900D, yeah the larger tubing will be better.

[Shan-Dysigns]

3/8" ID tubing is recommended because it's closer to the ID of most fittings, which can provide a little better flow and might also be a little easier to work with. It doesn't make a huge difference in temperatures from what I've seen, though, but in a 900D, yeah the larger tubing will be better.

 

As long as the larger tubing doesn't increase the chance of leakage. That really sounds gross outside the context of computers.

[LeChef]

As long as the larger tubing doesn't increase the chance of leakage. That really sounds gross outside the context of computers.

and why would that be? leakage is purely dependant on the pressure in the loop and if you've fastened the fittings properly.

Leakage from block themselves is a another matter entirely. (thats just bad production)

[Shan-Dysigns]

and why would that be?

 

That's why I mentioned it, because I don't know. I have never seen this stuff, so I don't know how everything connects.