Hi all. I'd like to ask for some advice from the community about adding an external radiator.
I'm planning on adding an external 3x360 rad to my existing internal 3x360 loop. I have a PCI G1/4-to-G1/4 slot from Watercool.de (50601) that I am planning to use with 2 sets of Koolance QDCs so that I can disconnect the external rad whenever I need to (maintenance, moving, etc).
I'd like to have a way to run my loop with or without the external rad. I see two options (please help me choose which one is best or offer another solution):
1) a dummy loop - 2x G1/4 QDCs connected together by 2 90-degree rotary fittings. The dummy loop would be connected when the external rad is disconnected, basically standing in for it.
2) 2x Y- or T-fittings + a valve. This would keep a bit of water in the sections between my inlet and outlet (as they're basically dead ends), with the valve connecting or breaking the original loop. To work without the external rad the valve would have to be open. For the external rad to work the valve would have to be closed.
I think both options introduce some flow resistance (QDCs, 90-degree turns). However, I want the flexibility of being able to run the system with or without the external rad. I think that Option 1 would provide a smoother flow path, but it means more hardware on the exterior of my case (2 QDCs, 2 90-degree G1/4). I worry that Option 2 could introduce vortices with the stagnant water in the tubes to QDCs mixing with moving water of the rest of the loop. However, option 2 also means less hardware on the outside of my case.
Does anyone with an external rad have experience with this? Looking for some advice please!
I'm planning on adding an external 3x360 rad to my existing internal 3x360 loop. I have a PCI G1/4-to-G1/4 slot from Watercool.de (50601) that I am planning to use with 2 sets of Koolance QDCs so that I can disconnect the external rad whenever I need to (maintenance, moving, etc).
I'd like to have a way to run my loop with or without the external rad. I see two options (please help me choose which one is best or offer another solution):
1) a dummy loop - 2x G1/4 QDCs connected together by 2 90-degree rotary fittings. The dummy loop would be connected when the external rad is disconnected, basically standing in for it.
2) 2x Y- or T-fittings + a valve. This would keep a bit of water in the sections between my inlet and outlet (as they're basically dead ends), with the valve connecting or breaking the original loop. To work without the external rad the valve would have to be open. For the external rad to work the valve would have to be closed.
I think both options introduce some flow resistance (QDCs, 90-degree turns). However, I want the flexibility of being able to run the system with or without the external rad. I think that Option 1 would provide a smoother flow path, but it means more hardware on the exterior of my case (2 QDCs, 2 90-degree G1/4). I worry that Option 2 could introduce vortices with the stagnant water in the tubes to QDCs mixing with moving water of the rest of the loop. However, option 2 also means less hardware on the outside of my case.
Does anyone with an external rad have experience with this? Looking for some advice please!
