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.


As expected, the split central flow design coupled with the larger microchannels over the GPU core resulted in the Phanteks Glacier block being a high flow one relative to others. In fact, it ended up being the least restrictive of the lot tested, which is impressive. The actual difference is not a lot in the grand scheme of things, however, with only the Alphacool NexXxos GPX being a real outlier. Note that I have identical numbers for a block and block and backplate for some items, and this is a result of them having been recorded separately for thermal performance. Of course, the presence or absence of a backplate does not influence coolant flow rate.