Compression fittings, so many choices.

[Conrad]

I'm currently planning my first loop and having a really hard time choosing what fittings to go with. I'm pretty set on using 16/10mm tubing (3/8", 5/8"), mostly because of the looks. The brands that are available are: Monsoon, EK, Alphacool, Koolance and Swiftech. They are all quite close in price.

I know Bitspower is the go to brand for many but they aren't available at aquatuning or local shops. So is there any difference between them or should i just choose one and be done with it?

 

[clone38]

The new shape EK ones are very good I got some for my build,xscp are ment to be very good also along with monsoon for the money.

 

[Remmy]

I'm sure loads of people on here especially will tell you to use 7/16" tubing, with 1/2" barbs, but I just think barbs are ugly, and compression fitting both look better and are more secure.

Any brand of compression fittings will be fine, I have EK ones and they're nice and shiny. The size doesn't really matter other than personal preference, just make sure you get the appropriate fittings obviously.

 

[tinytomlogan]

I hate all of them........ /end

 

[Remmy]

I hate all of them........ /end

Haha, I know you do Tom, I just don't understand why!

Dem compressions be sexy!

 

[tinytomlogan]

Fat bulky and horrid. Never liked them.

 

[Conrad]

Thanks for the replies.

I do agree that some compressions fittings do look quite bulky. I find the Monsoons to be the best looking but the opinions about them are quite mixed. Has anyone had any experience with the Monsoons?

 

[tinytomlogan]

Thanks for the replies.

I do agree that some compressions fittings do look quite bulky. I find the Monsoons to be the best looking but the opinions about them are quite mixed. Has anyone had any experience with the Monsoons?

Whats wrong with decent coloured barbs 7/16 hose and no clamps for the sleek and sexy approved TTL look

 

[alpenwasser]

Thanks for the replies.

I do agree that some compressions fittings do look quite bulky. I find the Monsoons to be the best looking but the opinions about them are quite mixed. Has anyone had any experience with the Monsoons?

I have a few in my server build, and they work as they should so far. One thing to
pay attention to when tightening them is not to slip with the provided tool, you can
scratch the fittings with that thing annoyingly easily. Also, tubing which is a bit tight
to mount (such as Primochill) can be tricky to get onto the Monsoons because they're
a bit more delicate than normal fittings (slimmer) and you don't have as much
leverage to apply force to as with a normal fitting when tightening the compression
nut. With other tubing (clearflex is one I've tried) this problem isn't really much of an
issue. I do quite like that they don't look as bulky as normal compression fittings.


Whether or not you go with compressions, barbs with clamps (please don't :lol: ) or
barbs without clamps is primarily an aesthetic issue, they all work fine if you put your
loop together with due diligence, at least IME.

 

[Conrad]

Whats wrong with decent coloured barbs 7/16 hose and no clamps for the sleek and sexy approved TTL look

I checked out some build logs with barbs without clamps and they do look pretty sexy. Haven't really heard about it on other forums so haven't even thought about barbs to be honest. Is there any go to brand when it comes to barbs? Saw that bitspower had some pretty nice looking 1/2" barbs. Would Primochill advanced LRT 7/16" be a good choice for 1/2" barbs?

 

[Remmy]

Monsoons to be the best looking but the opinions about them are quite mixed.

It's funny you say that because I think they're the ugliest ones xD

 

[FTR.4500MHz]

I checked out some build logs with barbs without clamps and they do look pretty sexy. Haven't really heard about it on other forums so haven't even thought about barbs to be honest. Is there any go to brand when it comes to barbs? Saw that bitspower had some pretty nice looking 1/2" barbs. Would Primochill advanced LRT 7/16" be a good choice for 1/2" barbs?

Thats the way to go mate !

 

[GhostDog99]

I think you should go with Crystal link
It looks the best so sexy

 

[Conrad]

I think you should go with Crystal link
It looks the best so sexy

It does look absolutely beautiful when done right. It does look like it's alot of work and maby it's a bit too much for a first WC loop. And im not really going to be able to get the best looking build with the components I have today, blue asus motherboard and red PCB graphics card (yes it was worth saving 10€) and an still unpainted TJ07. But how safe is something like primochills solution with acrylic tubing compared to "normal" tubing with compressions or barbs?

 

[SparkleDJackson]

i use bitspower 1/2 with 1/2 hose without clips. never had a single leak. i tried 7/16th but i couldn't get it on the barb. also ek comps have nasty knurling that will shred your fingers

 

[GhostDog99]

It does look absolutely beautiful when done right. It does look like it's alot of work and maby it's a bit too much for a first WC loop. And im not really going to be able to get the best looking build with the components I have today, blue asus motherboard and red PCB graphics card (yes it was worth saving 10€) and an still unpainted TJ07. But how safe is something like primochills solution with acrylic tubing compared to "normal" tubing with compressions or barbs?

Can't say never used it but it looks just as safe

I used crystal link and never had any probs
And any acrylic tubing is better than normal tubing for your loop
It last longer and you won't need to Chang the water as often

 

[alpenwasser]

But how safe is something like primochills solution with acrylic tubing compared to "normal" tubing with compressions or barbs?

All of the rigid tubing systems I'm aware of use O-rings, which is probably one of the most
reliable inventions humanity has ever made (at least that's what one of our professors used
to tell us in mechanical engineering :lol: ). Point being, as long as you don't damage the rings,
fittings and tubing during handling them (avoidable by working carefully) and don't suffer any
material defects from manufacturing/transportation/bad build quality etc. you'll be perfectly safe.
You are right, however, that working with normal tubing is easier and less work.

 

[S_I_N]

currently using monsoons on my switch build prior to that it was 7/16 tubing over 1/2in barbs both work really well the monsoons just add a tad to the cost and bling factor. I'll be redoing my loops when I change over the the Enthoo Primo case from Phanteks later in the month and i plan on reusing my monsoons.