what diameter tubing?

[tamzzy]

so i'm deciding whether to watercool my rig.
just a quick questiong re: tube diameters.
what gives? how do people make their choices and any considerations to take into account?

 

[daveip]

Tube internal diameter (ID) doesn't really matter that much. What matters more is aesthetics + routing i.e. will it kink for the radius bend that you need the tube to do.

Personally, I think the thicker tubing 1/2"ID 3/4"OD tubing looks the mutts nuts but because I need my tubing to do some fairly tight bends, am running 3/8"ID 1/2" OD

 

[spoffle]

I prefer the 7/16 tubing because of how tightly you can get it over 1/2" barbs and not need to use ugly hose clamps.

I actually prefer the look of 7/16 tubing forced over 1/2" barbs than compression fittings as well, out of the 3 watercooled PCs I've done I liked the 7/16 over 1/2" the most.

 

[OLDPHART]

16/11MM WITH compression fittings XSPC G1/4" to 7/16" ID, 5/8" OD Compression Fitting (Chrome) + XSPC 7/16" ID [16/11mm] High Flex Hose.

The tubing is a good tight fit even before you tighting the screw ring up.