What is Swiftech thinking?

[ColdMiser]

I use a Swiftech MCW462 water block in my rig. When I ordered it I got the ½" model because I wanted to use ½" ID tubing. I didn't notice that the waterblock was specced for ½" OD tubing. Since I got the great silcone tubing from dangerden, I just stretched it to fit around the outside of the waterblock's barb.

Now Swiftech has the new MCW462-U waterblock. This time the hose connectors are sunk into the block. You are forced to use their "outside diameter" fitting. I have been wondering for months, what are they thinking? They are a cutting edge PC cooling company, but they are totally overlooking the fact that nearly all of us watercoolers (as far as I've seen) use ½" ID tubing. My tubing has a 1/8" thick wall, so it is 5/8" OD. I think this is the case with most 1/2"ID tubing.

Hey Swiftech! I really like that new block, but I won't buy one till it has fittings for my ½" ID tubing!

[bmg]

I currently use the Swiftech MCX478 in my 3 systems. I'm going to switch my main gaming machine over to water cooling and am currently in the process of deciding which parts to use. Since I've been very pleased with Swiftech's air cooling heatsinks I'd give their MCW462-U waterblock serious consideration if it came with barbs for 1/2" ID or even 3/8" ID tubing. If I can't get a waterblock from Swiftech I'll get the Maze2.

[Wicked Klown]

Will the MCW462-U accept 3/8I.D. cause I also want to use a GF3 waterblock from dangerden with it.

[Voodoo Rufus]

I agree whole-heartedly with you Coldmiser. First time I looked at that new block, I thought the same thing. I replaced the swivel nipples on my MCW462 with brass 90 degree connectors and 1/2" ID barbs, so I wouldn't get any leaks with stretching them over the stock fittings. I wonder if it is possible to drill out the holes and tap your own threads for different fittings that the counter-sunk ones on the new block. This is unacceptable. It's a great block, but we want better flow rate. I'll buy somewhere else if I have to next time.

[ColdMiser]

I sent a helpful email to Swiftech conveying my thoughts. It really does baffle me that they do not make a block that supports ½"ID tubing. Hopefully they will listen. If they come out with a new block "optimized to be used with ½" ID silicone tubing" you'll know why;)

[Hoot]

The one I got from them for this upcoming water block shootout I'm working on had those Q.D. connectors in it. I pulled all the stuff out and glued in 3/8" I.D. barbs using JB Weld. Worked great.

Hoot

[The Highlander]

I am using the old MCW462 and I am using 5/8 ID. It attaches perfectly to the 1/2" fittings... I use 5/8 all the way, with the exception of the rad that goes down to 3/8" (I want to replace it though with a copper one that has 5/8ID). Anyways it works great... and my efficiency never goes over 0.12 ºC/W.

My real question is... will it be a better waterblock than what I have now? WIll it be reasonable to upgrade?

Thanks

[The Highlander]

And... for all the going up and down and all the elbows I have in my sistem etc etcetc... I am using a 325GPH pump... That it ends up pumping after all that about 100GPH. I estimate.

[ColdMiser]

I got a personal reply from Swiftech regarding my email. Here's their reply:

Please read this unpublished (yet) report (http://www.swiftnets.com/liquid_cooling_and_tubing_diamet.htm)

Nothing we haven't seen before. Still doesn't solve the problem that I WANT HALF INCH TUBING>

[Voodoo Rufus]

Read the fine print. It is coming. Have patience. I want it too.

EVIL YATTA!!!!! Yatta must be destroyed!

[bmg]

The 1048 pump may be a limitation with the 1/2" ID tubing. I bet the 1250 plus a 1/2" radiator will give more than .8C improvement.

[Voodoo Rufus]

Possibly. It'd be nice to see a graph of pump gph vs temps.

[ColdMiser]

Thanks for pointing out the fine print Voodoo. I'll be waiting and saving my pennies.


P.S.- It will live forever. Oh yes, it will indeed.

[Voodoo Rufus]

That avatar still scares me. Strikes fear into me BUT I WILL RESIST! Can't wait to see a review of that new Swiftie.

[BillA]

http://www.ecom-answers.com/462U 70W.jpg

at 70W from a heat die, much more than a CPU's calculated 70W

be cool

[f155mph]

Swiftech make great HSF but I dont like their blocks. The idea of mixing alum and copper together don't sit well with me.

BTW: Who is Yatta??? That guy kinda look like Jet Li.

[Voodoo Rufus]

DO NOT ask what Yatta is. It will rot your mind and give you permanent brain damage.

They anodize their blocks so that corrosion will not occur. There is no problem with Al and Cu if you anodize the Al. Unanodized will give you trouble in a while though.