Hydraulics and Pressure Drop Testing

The most scientific way to determine a blocks hydraulic resistance is to test pressure drop. Pressure drop is a measurement of pressure loss across a block that varies with flow rate.  This is basically a measurement of energy loss, and directly influences how much flow rate you will have.

Equipment:

• Dwyer Digital Manometer 475 Mark III - Accuracy .5% of Full Scale.  Range 0-200" W.C., Resolution .1" W.C.
• King Instruments 7520 Series 0-5GPM, 250mm scale - Accuracy 2% of Full Scale.  Range 0-5GPM, Resolution .1GPM (can be interpolated to .02GPM)
• Water Source - Household water pressure - 50PSI at >5GPM - Because flow rate readings are instantaneous, household tap water and water pressure are a good and powerful source for pressure drop testing.

 

And if you're not familiar with what this means, I'm providing a relative chart below with several GPU waterblocks.  For increase flow rates, the lower pressure drop results will net the best flow rate results.  This is important for users with multiple block loops, as you need to keep an eye on flow rate and make sure you don't install too many high restriction blocks in the same loop to the point where flow rate is lowering to the point where your other blocks or radiators in the same loop begin to loose some thermal efficiency.

The EK FC88 (G92) is about average for pressure drop in the various GPU blocks I've tested and found other curves for. You should take that into consideration as well as thermal performance of the blocks.   It is also a block with an amazing attention to detail in the machining finish, extremely nicely finished block.