Rad Size

[homer98]

Hey everyone,

I have another question before I finalize my WC loop. Im not sure if I can fit a triple rad if the HAF 922. If I go with double rad (RX240 instead of RX360) should it suffice for cpu only loop? later on I would like to expand to gpu cooling as well, but at the moment just cpu.

Any thoughts? Cheers

[gingerbee]

i ran a 920 in fact several of them on a dual then on a tripple i add the tripple later cause i wanted lower temps when i add in some gpu'ss to the loop. my2cents

[ForTheGG]

Depends on the amount of heat generated. An average 120mm radiator can dissipate approx. 200W of heat, for example the Corsair H-50. A stock Core i7 920 is 130W. So in theory a dual 120mm radiator could dissipate 400W of heat. However I use the term "dissipate" lightly meaning that the temps may not be phenomenal. A Dual is fine for a CPU only loop, if you're adding GPU's later you'll probably need a triple.

[MpG]

Honestly, I ran a 4.0GHz i7 and a GTX280 for quite some time on an MCR220 and low-speed fans. Temps weren't legendary, but it was plenty. Just a CPU won't be an issue at all. Depending on the GPU, you may win up needing either more rad or stronger fans later on, though.

[homer98]

Ok, thanks for the input. What about adding a single as well as a double rad? Maybe placing the single rad in the exhaust location? Will that perform almost as good as a triple Rad??

[lowfat]

Originally Posted by homer98

Ok, thanks for the input. What about adding a single as well as a double rad? Maybe placing the single rad in the exhaust location? Will that perform almost as good as a triple Rad??

Yes. There will be an ever so small drop in flow, but nothing substantial.

[homer98]

mmk, I know you said to me that a triple would be obviously better and if I could fit it then try to get a triple. But I think going double and single will be better so it will all fit inside my case.

[Rison]

I think doing one double, and a single, would not perform better than just a double - due to the restriction of water flow having to goto the second rad. It would be a waste of cash imo.
The XSPC is a good rad, and the RX240 would be more than enough for a single CPU only loop with high overclocks.. assuming you use decent fans.
I recommend the Scythe S-FLEX SFF21E fans for rads - good static pressure, quiet and good airflow. If 1200rpm is too fast, the D version runs at 800rpm. Liquid berring, and long lasting.. the 10 or so I've purchased are still going strong after a year - can't say that much for the CM R4's, YL or GELID fans I own.

[lowfat]

Originally Posted by Rison

I think doing one double, and a single, would not perform better than just a double - due to the restriction of water flow having to goto the second rad. It would be a waste of cash imo.
.

I really can't agree with that. First radiators add very little restriction. Secondly the only difference between a 2x120mm radiator and two 120mm radiators is the amount of tubing required to plump the loop. That tiny amount of tubing is going to make next to zero difference in flow. I myself use three radiators, and adding the second and even the third radiator gave my very noticeable drops in temperatures.

[matsta31]

A dual + single will be good enough.