Single large vs. two smaller radiators?

[C38368]

I realise that there have been a lot of threads about multiple radiators and whatnot, but I don't think I've seen anyone explain the benefits and tradeoffs between the two options.
Specifically, I'm wondering if there's a good reason to not go with a pair of 1x120mm radiators instead of a single 2x120mm radiator providing that you have enough space and pump power.

I ask because there're now quite a few cases on the market that have multiple 120mm fan mounts and enough interior room to mount a pair of single radiators without having to hack something up, good for people who (like me) don't necessarily trust themselves to cut into a case or who (again like me) dig the un- or light-modded look.

[Seven]

There is no problem with that, but there is more flow resistance, which in turn leads to less performance in the end.

However, it does work if you have a 120mm mount or two with some space.

7

[ZachM]

The only disadvantages of going with 2 single rads I can think of are flow and cost. Tube routing will be a bit more difficult too. Two single rads should work mostly as well as a dual rad performance wise. I say go for it.

[itchy5]

if you wanna go for it ,it should be ok if you have a high end pump the tubling will be abit crazy though :P

[MVC]

The biggest drawback (other than cost) is the impact on flow rates. You'll have to use a lot more tubing (most cases with 2 120mm fans have them front and back) and you'll introduce at least 2 additional 90° bends (going into the second radiator). As long as you've got a pump with enough head a system like this will provide decent results, but they won't be as good as with a single dual radiator. So, if performance is the main reason for water cooling, modding the case is still a better option, but if you're going for quiet then the two radiator setup will work just fine.

[C38368]

Sweet, so it seems that my I'm-too-CS-to-mod solution might actually work, provided I've got a "strong enough" pump. I'm really hoping that a D4 qualifies as one of these?

I'm not sure that I'll eventually go this route, but I think it would be kinda neat to stuff some big system (think SMP) into a mid tower and cool it with water. But just in case I do, this is good to know.

Thanks all.

As an aside, since I've brought SMP into this thread: if I were to not go with two two cores, would a single 120mm heater core or "real" radiator dissipate enough heat to make such a solution (two Prestonias) a viable alternative to air? Noise levels and reliability count a little more than cooler temps (if it's quieter and cooler than air, then it's been successful in my book).
I swear I'm going to go crazy trying to work something out in my mind, and then broke trying to put whatever I settle on into a rig...

As a second aside, rather than opening a new thread: DD lists the BIX2's width as 5.25": this makes me hopeful that it might fit into a nice, tall 5.25" drive rack?

Thanks again for putting up with all the extra q's :)