Parallel radiators in single loop

[fuzzymaori]

I was just thinking would having a single loop system where the loop splits right before the radiators and rejoins right after, if that would affect the temperatures.

The way I see it is that the liquid is exposed to the cooling of the radiator for twice as long because the flow is halved in where the loop is in parallel and so the liquid is inside the radiator being cooled by the fans for twice as long, but then returning to normal flow rate when it rejoins after the radiators.

In a real world scenario I could imagine using the compartment area of a case that can fit a single 480mm radiator but instead installing 2 X 240mm radiators and so each of the 240mm having the cooling capability of a 480mm, would give a total theoretical cooling of a 960mm radiator. Assuming each radiator gets perfectly twice the performance.

I would like to hear anyone else's thoughts on this because I can't exactly test it myself to confirm or deny this idea.

[Whaler_99]

There have been lots of discussions on restriction and such in loops to try and maximize cooling potential... doesn't work. Your entire loop will quickly regulate to the most restrictive speed. You cannot get a loop to run the water at different speeds, just by splitting flow and such. Whether you have a 480 or 2x240 - you still have 480mm of coverage. It is usually the case that a single, larger radiator will cool more efficiently then a couple of smaller rads. I don't see splitting your flow to run through 2x240 at the same time would in anyway make an improvement... Also, remember, the fittings and such are going to add to the costs, and potential leak points.

[AMICLG]

Well science say you can't go below ambient temp. and I don't think it would make too much of a difference but would be cool to prove me wrong.

[fuzzymaori]

Ah ok, thank you, probably saved me the time and money trying this out for myself.

Yea I live in Australia and ambient temperatures here can get pretty dam high and I'm going to be making my water cooling upgrade over the winter so I have ample time to research the most efficient way to cool all my components before summer comes round again.

Thank you for the replies