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Anyone here builds with 16mm rigid tubing? How come so rare?

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69K views 93 replies 25 participants last post by  XPLSV  
#1 ·
I've been searching this forum and im surprised that not too many people, if at all, build with 16mm OD tubing. It looks so much better in giant cases like S5s or 900D, as the 12mm tubing just look like straws.

I have an M-ATX case with a large window and i want to use the 16mm...just trying to see if anyone else on here have any comments about it. Thanks...found a few pictures on google, but nothing in here..

Here's one i found on google, 16mm OD tubing, notice how it flows so well with the fittings, mine just looks like a mushroom right now with the big primochill fitting and 12mm tubing.



 
#2 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by FXformat View Post

I've been searching this forum and im surprised that not too many people, if at all, build with 16mm OD tubing. It looks so much better in giant cases like S5s or 900D, as the 12mm tubing just look like straws.
Click to expand...
In a large case I find that the smaller tubing does look way too small and this is why I chose 16mm for my current build.

Also bear in mind that there is less variety when it comes to fittings for the larger sized tubing so that may keep some from using it.

Check out my build for more photos but here are a couple for this thread....[even 16mm tubing in my build can look small...
smile.gif



 
#3 ·
it all comes down to preference really. I actually prefer something in the middle. 14mm would be perfect for me but i don't like the fittings offered in anything but 12 and 16mm sizes. I ended up settling on 12mm for my upcoming tear down and hardline rebuild.
 
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#5 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by FXformat View Post

I just pulled the trigger on 16mm tubing and bitspower fittings. Sigh, this hobby is a money pit...just when i thought i was happy with my build i see another set up and i change my mind right away...when will this end?
Click to expand...
It never ends. I've been doing this sort of thing for a long time and I recently wanted to add my 980Ti to my loop. That was it. All of the sudden, I've purchased a new chassis, two new rads, a pile of fans, an Aquaero 6 Pro, all new fittings, PETG tubing, and I'm designing proto boards with relays and whatnot... It gets out of control quick.
tongue.gif


I suppose it ends when you run out of money or things to mod. (but you never run out of things to mod!)
 
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#6 ·
#7 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by bundymania View Post

I used 16mm hardtubing for my TT modcontest build "Yeti lives" I find the size ok for such a big case like the TT Core X9
smile.gif


http://community.thermaltake.com/index.php?/topic/1438-germany-andy-weber-bundymania/
Click to expand...
Only OK? Looks real good to me! The beefier tubing makes the build look good. Since i have a big case myself i think the 16mm is gonna look real good, i just like how it sits flush with the fitings that i'm getting. Everything should be here by saturday including the coolant and the monoblock...the computer will go under the knife once again, and i swear i'm done this time....
mad.gif
 
#8 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by FXformat View Post

I just pulled the trigger on 16mm tubing and bitspower fittings. Sigh, this hobby is a money pit...just when i thought i was happy with my build i see another set up and i change my mind right away...when will this end?
Click to expand...
This is one big reason why. Larger tubing is often more expensive than thinner tubing.

For practical reasons, there is one other reason against it. Larger tubing tends to be harder to work with and has a higher bend radius. I find that this can be a problem in tight spaces or places where tight turns are an issue. It's less of an issue in big cases, but the issue of tight bends around the motherboards remains. Unfortunately, function often must take precedence over form.

The advantage of lower temperatures is negligible (ex: the upgrade from 3/8" - or about 9.5mm to 1/2" or about 12.7mm is minimal.
 
#9 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by CrazyElf View Post

This is one big reason why. Larger tubing is often more expensive than thinner tubing.

For practical reasons, there is one other reason against it. Larger tubing tends to be harder to work with and has a higher bend radius. I find that this can be a problem in tight spaces or places where tight turns are an issue. It's less of an issue in big cases, but the issue of tight bends around the motherboards remains. Unfortunately, function often must take precedence over form.

The advantage of lower temperatures is negligible (ex: the upgrade from 3/8" - or about 9.5mm to 1/2" or about 12.7mm is minimal.
Click to expand...
It is more expensive you are right, but it's a drop in a bucket compare to what we spend on CPUs and GPUs...i just bought 8 feet of tubing for $13, that's enough for me to do at least 3 builds. I'm doing this purely for aesthetic reason, and to challenge myself. Lucky for my my bends are pretty easy, with the only hard thing one is the outlet bend to the rad. That's tucked behind the pump and i have no clearance because of the slim case.

I don't like how my fittings are so much bigger than the 12mm tubing, but once i get the 16mm tubing this should look a lot better. Friday the parts will be here and i will start the tear down, the white ice pastel cooland will be here as well.



I much rather have this look, the fitting is almost sitting flush with the tube..

 
#10 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by FXformat View Post

This is one big reason why. Larger tubing is often more expensive than thinner tubing.

For practical reasons, there is one other reason against it. Larger tubing tends to be harder to work with and has a higher bend radius. I find that this can be a problem in tight spaces or places where tight turns are an issue. It's less of an issue in big cases, but the issue of tight bends around the motherboards remains. Unfortunately, function often must take precedence over form.

The advantage of lower temperatures is negligible (ex: the upgrade from 3/8" - or about 9.5mm to 1/2" or about 12.7mm is minimal.
Click to expand...
It is more expensive you are right, but it's a drop in a bucket compare to what we spend on CPUs and GPUs...i just bought 8 feet of tubing for $13, that's enough for me to do at least 3 builds. I'm doing this purely for aesthetic reason, and to challenge myself. Lucky for my my bends are pretty easy, with the only hard thing one is the outlet bend to the rad. That's tucked behind the pump and i have no clearance because of the slim case.

I don't like how my fittings are so much bigger than the 12mm tubing, but once i get the 16mm tubing this should look a lot better. Friday the parts will be here and i will start the tear down, the white ice pastel cooland will be here as well.

Quote:
I much rather have this look, the fitting is almost sitting flush with the tube..

Click to expand...
I get that look in my sig rig with Barrow 14mm multi-link push in fittings and 14mm tubing. But your right 16mm needs to be in a big case and there is a slight change in the air right now with people downsizing their rigs and going with 12mm more for the SFF's.
 
#11 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Radnad View Post

I get that look in my sig rig with Barrow 14mm multi-link push in fittings and 14mm tubing. But your right 16mm needs to be in a big case and there is a slight change in the air right now with people downsizing their rigs and going with 12mm more for the SFF's.
Click to expand...
Different strokes for different folks, i have an MATX case...but it's a rather large MATX case, with a huge window and i want to be able to show off the water cooling. I like your rig a lot, i didn't even know there's such thing as a 14mm tubing until now. Good to know, your fittings are not compression correct? You just push them in? Are they stable? i got the push in type of fittings too and i hope they don't fall out and ruin my PC.
 
#12 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by FXformat View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by Radnad View Post

I get that look in my sig rig with Barrow 14mm multi-link push in fittings and 14mm tubing. But your right 16mm needs to be in a big case and there is a slight change in the air right now with people downsizing their rigs and going with 12mm more for the SFF's.
Click to expand...
Different strokes for different folks, i have an MATX case...but it's a rather large MATX case, with a huge window and i want to be able to show off the water cooling. I like your rig a lot, i didn't even know there's such thing as a 14mm tubing until now. Good to know, your fittings are not compression correct? You just push them in? Are they stable? i got the push in type of fittings too and i hope they don't fall out and ruin my PC.
Click to expand...
Thanks, I'm always still learning, but Barrow makes 14mm stuff, I love it, perfect size, good quality, and not overpriced yet. Only thing I wish I could get was 14mm petg, but haven't seen it yet.

The barrow hardline fittings use 3 o-rings so they are very secure in my experience. I have compressions on the actual components but the push-ins on the elbows. My next loop I'm going to use push-ins all the way around to give it that nice streamlined look with the tubing like you mentioned.

Barrow has also just released new hardline fittings in a bunch of colors. They are lower profile and slimmer so they give that push-in look but with the better security of compressions.
 
#13 ·
Does anyone know where to get 12mm diameter silicon bending insert? The bitspower one i got at performance PC is a piece of crap insert, it's only 11mm and the bends look like ass because it gets crushed at the bend. Not sure why they make 11mm diameter bending rod for 12mm tubing, and advertise it as 12mm bending insert...then in small print says 11mm in size, +- 3%...turns out i got the -3% because my insert was smaller than 11mm, it falls right through the tube.

I've been all over ebay, all over amazon, can't seem to find a silicon rod that is 12mm in diameter. Or should i just get 14mm insert and sand it down?

 
#14 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by FXformat View Post

Does anyone know where to get 12mm diameter silicon bending insert? The bitspower one i got at performance PC is a piece of crap insert, it's only 11mm and the bends look like ass because it gets crushed at the bend. Not sure why they make 11mm diameter bending rod for 12mm tubing, and advertise it as 12mm bending insert...then in small print says 11mm in size, +- 3%...turns out i got the -3% because my insert was smaller than 11mm, it falls right through the tube.

I've been all over ebay, all over amazon, can't seem to find a silicon rod that is 12mm in diameter. Or should i just get 14mm insert and sand it down?

Click to expand...
That sucks, i bought a bitspower 10mm silicone section along with their 10mm id tube. I think i'm gonna go test it today after seeing this post.

I would contact ppcs and see if they'll rma it even if you're past the return window. Or you could order the EK silicone tube. I would say try an find some automotive fuel line to do it but i know they don't make fuel hose in that size.
 
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#15 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Edge0fsanity View Post

That sucks, i bought a bitspower 10mm silicone section along with their 10mm id tube. I think i'm gonna go test it today after seeing this post.

I would contact ppcs and see if they'll rma it even if you're past the return window. Or you could order the EK silicone tube. I would say try an find some automotive fuel line to do it but i know they don't make fuel hose in that size.
Click to expand...
I did contact them, they say bitspower bending inserts are 11mm for 12mm ID tubing...which is so dumb, anyways i'm over it, shopping elsewhere for a 12mm size rod now.

as for your 10mm bending insert, mine was exactly 10mm, it fits super tight, you'd have to use soap and water to get the insert in there...this is what i prefer as you bend, the full thickness of the insert will retain the shape, or else it'll get crushed at the bend.

10mm insert

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Silicone-Rubber-Cord-3-8-0-375-9-525mm-for-Bending-Rigid-Acrylic-PETG-Tubing-/221774664407?hash=item33a2ccd2d7:g:exkAAOSwNSxVV8Bl

That's where i got mine from and it was an exact fit.
 
#16 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by FXformat View Post

I did contact them, they say bitspower bending inserts are 11mm for 12mm ID tubing...which is so dumb, anyways i'm over it, shopping elsewhere for a 12mm size rod now.

as for your 10mm bending insert, mine was exactly 10mm, it fits super tight, you'd have to use soap and water to get the insert in there...this is what i prefer as you bend, the full thickness of the insert will retain the shape, or else it'll get crushed at the bend.

10mm insert

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Silicone-Rubber-Cord-3-8-0-375-9-525mm-for-Bending-Rigid-Acrylic-PETG-Tubing-/221774664407?hash=item33a2ccd2d7:g:exkAAOSwNSxVV8Bl

That's where i got mine from and it was an exact fit.
Click to expand...
I just tested mine, not quite as bad as the pic you posted but the tube just slides right in. Its too small as well. Why do they even bother selling bending cord if its not the right size? What a bunch of crap. I would have been so pissed if i had started my hardline build in a couple weeks to find out the silicone bending cord is the wrong size. So glad i saw your post, i'll be ordering that bending cord today.
thumb.gif



 
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#18 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by FXformat View Post

Yeah mine has a much bigger gap, u can test bend it and see if you get a clean bend or not...the one i linked you fit like this



I used the Primo Chill 3/8" inner diameter 1/2" OD PETG tubing.

http://www.amazon.com/PrimoChilll-2in-Rigid-PETG-36in/dp/B00N56YYNK/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1456847572&sr=8-7&keywords=primochill+PETG
Click to expand...
yeah i'm gonna test bend today. One of my acrylic tubes shipped with a crack near the end of it, will make a good test piece. Unfortunately that ebay seller you linked won't ship to po boxes but only ships usps. Ugh. Usps forces us to have po boxes here since they won't deliver to physical addresses. Gonna have to find a different bending cord if this one doesnt work.
 
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#19 ·
cannot find 12mm anywhere, so i ordered 14mm and is going to sand it down until it fits just right...i have to redo these lines i'm not happy with it.

you see where the bend is? the tube collapses right here all the time and make it look skinny, i heat up a wide area too and get same result..

 
#21 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Radnad View Post

May be way out of the ballpark but can you buy some silicone from hardware store and pour it in a spare piece of tubing and let it cure to make your own?
Click to expand...
Not a bad idea but seems like a lot of work, I don't even know what the melting point of silicone is. Might end up releasing hazardous fumes in the process lol.

Anyways I went to the auto part store and got some fuel line hoses, 12mm and 13mm



I'll try it later when I get home
 
#23 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Edge0fsanity View Post

tried the bitspower silicone a few minutes ago, bends look like total crap. Collapsed around the bends. Ugh.
Click to expand...
Sorry to hear that brother, but it's a good thing, you are a perfectionist, and you have pride in what you do. Just need to get the proper stuff and make it look good. My OCD would not allow me to have uneven bends, so i'm waiting for the new insert to come in, sand it down and try again.
 
#25 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by SwishaMane View Post

Wasn't it "proven" years ago that efficiency wise, 3/8th" is about the best size you can get, and that anything larger isn't really helping? May look nicer, but really, it doesn't affect performance.
Click to expand...
Oh i know it doesn't do anything for performance, i'm doing this purely for aesthetic reasons. My case, is a large MATX case with a full sized tempered glass window so i just want to fill up the loop as much as possible.
 
#26 ·
Here is a pic from my rig, first time using hard line tubing,

Same issue as posted by others could only find 10mm silicon for 12mm ID tube.

Dont think my bends turned out so bad, but could have been perfect if I had a 12mm silicon tube



No way could I have gone with smaller tubing, would just look meh
 
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