When it comes to water cooling a PC, choosing the right size tubing is crucial for both performance and aesthetics. The most common sizes for hard tubing compression fittings are 12mm, 14mm, and 16mm. These sizes are the industry standard and are widely used in custom water cooling loops.
Understanding Tubing Dimensions
The size of the fitting must perfectly match the tubing size, which can be measured by its inner diameter (ID), outer diameter (OD), and wall thickness.
Inner Diameter (ID)
The ID of a piece of tubing is the distance between the inner walls of opposite sides. The most common ID sizes for PC water cooling are:
– 1/2″ (12.7mm)
– 3/8″ (9.5mm)
– 7/16″ (11.1mm)
Outer Diameter (OD)
The OD of tubing is the measurement between the outer wall of the tube to the outer wall of the opposite side. Common OD sizes for PC tubing are:
– 1/2″ (12.7mm)
– 5/8″ (15.9mm)
– 3/4″ (19.1mm)
Wall Thickness
The wall thickness of PC cooler tubing is the difference between the OD and the ID. It is important to note that there is no standardized wall thickness of cooler tubing, so it is not safe to assume a tubing’s OD from its ID or vice versa.
Soft Tubing vs. Rigid Tubing
Soft tubing is often made out of neoprene, rubber, silicone, PVC, or other special compounds that are specifically made to be compatible with PC liquid cooling. Soft tubing is easy to install, route, and cut but is more susceptible to kinking and clouding than rigid tubing.
Rigid tubing, on the other hand, is not friendly for beginners but adds the benefits of a cleaner design, no kinks, and reduced risk of cloudiness. Rigid tubing cannot make use of barbed fittings and must use compression or push-in fittings.
Matching Tubing and Fittings
When selecting the tubing size, it is important to match the desired tubing dimensions with the fitting dimensions. Users typically choose the type and size of fittings first and then pick the matching tubing. However, some users may choose the tubing first and then the fittings.
It is crucial to ensure that the tubing exactly matches the ID and OD parameters of the fitting to avoid any leaks or damage to components. If the fitting does not perfectly match the tubing size, then the seal will not be watertight, and you risk water damage from shorting your system.
Tubing Size Recommendations
The most common sizes for hard tubing compression fittings are:
– 12mm (ID: 12mm, OD: 16mm)
– 14mm (ID: 14mm, OD: 18mm)
– 16mm (ID: 16mm, OD: 20mm)
These sizes are widely used in custom water cooling loops and provide a good balance between flow rate, ease of installation, and aesthetic appeal.
Conclusion
Choosing the right size tubing for water cooling a PC is crucial for both performance and aesthetics. By understanding the key dimensions of tubing (ID, OD, and wall thickness) and matching them with the appropriate fittings, you can ensure a secure and leak-free water cooling system. Whether you opt for soft or rigid tubing, it is essential to pay close attention to the compatibility and fit to avoid any potential issues.
References:
– Fittings and Tubing Guide – ekwb.com (2020-09-06)
– How to Choose the Best PC Water Cooler Fitting for Your System (2022-12-09)
– Water Cooling Components – Tubing – Titan Rig (2021-07-26)