Liquid Flow Restriction

I used a Swiftech MCP50X pump with a FrozenQ 400mL cylindrical reservoir. The pump was powered by a direct SATA connection to an EVGA 1300G2 PSU and was controlled by an Aquacomputer Aquaero 6 XT. There was a previously calibrated in-line flow meter and a Dwyer 490 Series 1 wet-wet manometer to measure the pressure drop of the component being tested. Every component was connected to the manometer by the way of 1/2" x 3/4" tubing, compression fittings, and two T-fittings.


This is where the older coolant flow model hurts the EVGA Hydro Copper, placing it in the bottom half as far as flow restriction goes. The only blocks more restrictive either have a similar flow model or employ a much more restrictive cross-pin matrix, as is the case with the Alphacool GPX. In terms of absolute numbers and differences, however, the EVGA block is not really all that far off from most of the others above it in the chart, and it will practically not make a big difference unless your pump just happens to have a low pressure head.

Note that the chart above has some item lines for blocks and backplates, and this was done to help distinguish any thermal performance differences. With the EVGA block, the stock EVGA ACX backplate from my GPU was used, so it is part of every measurement, and a backplate will obviously not affect coolant flow by itself.