Flowrates of EK waterblocks for parallel loop layout

[bowrilla]

Hey everyone.

 

So I'm planing an upgrade of my system mainly because I made a stupid error by choosing the Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ITX due to its bad airflow. Weirdly enough the NZXT H400 is about as big as the Evolv while offering room for mATX boards and better airflow. The build is going to be hardline so I'm thinking about the loop layout. The NZXT case offers a nice closed up bottom compartment that I want to use for the pump and a drain valve and radiator ports. I'm going to put the reservoir on the cable management shroud (I'll probably make a custom version of it that runs flat in the back part for the reservoir). 

 

Mainly for the looks I'm thinking of a parallel setup of GPU and CPU as I could come from the bottom directly below the GPU and run two lines nicely in parallel through the GPU block into the CPU block. The exit of the gpu block will run to the res and back again to go down in the bottom compartment.

Now the question is: how similar or different are the flow rates of the EK GTX 1080TI FE and Supremacy MX blocks? Some variances won't be an issue but if one of the block has drastically different flow resistance this layout might run into issues. I am aware that it's not the best layout but I'm still rooting for it as long as it's not extremely unbalanced.

 

So does anyone have more details on those blocks and their flow rates/resistances or maybe tried a parallel loop themselves?

 

[Marinatall_Ironside]

I don't have any specifications on flow restrictions, but a parallel loop setup will offer the lowest resistance.

 

Singularity Computers once did a parallel single loop setup with two GPU waterblocks and a monoblock, with success. It was used in one of those Thermaltake open-air cases.

[Mick Naughty]

I wouldn’t even worry about the resistance. Just do it. Not much you can do about it unless you switch products. 

 

I ran that cpu block and a pair 1080 blocks. 

 

Did the same with the lower end cpu block and some Titan blocks. As long as there is enough cpu to cool them, won’t be much of an issue. 

[bowrilla]

@Jurunce, @Mick Naughty

 

Thanks. I did find some example of similar configs and even a comparison video yet there weren't any information on what blocks were being used and it only showd CPU temps and not GPU temps. I think Jay likes to do parallel layouts for his GPU blocks at least.

If the flow resistance is significantly lower or higher the parallel layout will split flow very unevenly which could cause some issues. I just want to avoid being forced to redo all the hardline routing. 

[Mick Naughty]

If you look up singularity computers, he is an actual water cooled pc builder. Does parallel for almost every loop. He has all the temps listed for builds. 

[bowrilla]

12 hours ago, Mick Naughty said:

If you look up singularity computers, he is an actual water cooled pc builder. Does parallel for almost every loop. He has all the temps listed for builds. 

Thanks. Had a look at his builds yet most of them had GPUs in parallel with identical blocks.

 

Still, I've found a reviewer running some tests on a GPU-CPU loop comparing parallel and serial loop layouts with EK blocks: https://www.xtremerigs.net/2018/02/15/cpu-gpu-water-cooling-tubing-setup-vs-performance/

 

The waterblocks are pretty similar as it seems so this won't be an issue. A temp difference of 2-3°C on the CPU isn't of any concern to me. Even in my current setup within the Phanteks case on an average AiO my 4790k runs a stable OC of 4.7 with temps peaking at high 70s to low 80s under stress test scenarios. 

Right now I'm more concerned about the SPC pump being up for the task in combination with the HWlabs Nemesis GTS 280 radiator which is extremely restrictive for a radiator.

 

I will post a build log when I'm done and do some benchmarks comparing the AiO witht the custom loop. I might even compare the loop to a serial design with soft tubing. I'll keep you posted but it might take a month or two.