Liquid Flow Restriction

I use a Swiftech MCP50X pump with a FrozenQ 400mL cylindrical reservoir. The pump is powered by a direct SATA connection to an EVGA 1300G2 PSU and is controlled by an Aquacomputer Aquaero 6 XT. There is 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 is connected to the manometer by the way of 1/2" x 3/4" tubing, compression fittings, and two T-fittings.


Well, this was not a big surprise based on what we saw before. Koolance had increased the microfin area compared to that of the older CPU-390I, which, coupled with the high density of fins, results in an increase in flow restriction with the CPU-400I. There was a significant increase in the pressure drop across the CPU block going from the CPU-380I to the CPU-390I as well, to where we see the CPU-400I be on the higher side of average when it comes to liquid flow restriction. It does appear to be a common thing today, however, as manufacturers have been using better processes available to them to produce finer fins, perhaps even longer or wider ones than before, to improve thermal performance.