which rads?

swiftmetal

swiftmetal

swiftmetal

Associate
Joined
15 Jul 2013
Posts
552
Location
Barnsley
Hello I am looking to do a full water cooled build seen as it is my first time doing so I have many questions.

I am looking to do my build in the corsair 540 which as space for a 360 at the front and a 240 at the top.

For the best performance would it be better to have 2 thicker rads and a push or pull setup or have thinner ones with a push/pull setup.

Does it make a difference and what would the experts go with?
 
Push/Pull is not worth the effort and money you spend on it(for the sake of 1 or 2 C).
HW labs SR1 or Alphacool Nexxxos RADs are good in terms of FPI and fluid restriction.
As much for how thick you want, If I had enough space I would go for Monsta RADS but with some good fans(Like GT 15s).
(But Monsta range is crazy big :) most of the loops would be ok with just 45-60mm thick RADs)
 
Choosing now, thinner (30-maybe 45mm) all rounder rads with a single set for simplicity. While a thicker rad will have a little more heat dissipation capacity (compare say to the same design but thinner), its marginal overall at typical airflow really. Generally the effect seems to be slightly more pronounced on low fpi rads at low airflow switching with high fpi at extreme silly fanspeed -to do with air saturation. If you had the one spot for a rad that could take say a 360 perhaps a thicker one for the maximum might be a consideration (But other models design differences could easily make up that effect making another, thinner model/design optimal for your usage). So it's hard and somewhat wrong to just say thicker = better. Have a look here at some of the radiator reviews to get a sense of fpi/thickness etc influence. http://martinsliquidlab.org/

One note regarding the 540 is that thick rads will make things tight, see simonmaltby's build (search his thread starts) and I had difficulty with a 240 Stealth GT and 280 SR1 due to the SR1's thickness limiting my choices above and beyond 140mount placement limitations.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom