1/2" ID <--> 3/8" ID water cooling?

I want to use the Koolance TMS-100K Interface Card to control my water cooling system.
The water blocks and radiator are 1/2" ID (DangerDen).
The TMS-100K works best with these 3/8" ID Koolance components:
- TNK-400-V10 (Reservoir & Pump)
- Coolant Flow Meter
- Temperature Sensor, Inline Coolant attached to a "Drain Valve"

What do I do? Yes, the easy answer is get 3/8" water blocks and radiator, or don't use the TMS-100K with the TNK-400-V10 Pump. I'm asking for other options.

Can the above Koolance parts have their tube fittings changed to support 1/2" ID tubing?
I've read that 3/8" ID tubing can be forced over 1/2" ID fittings. However, doesn't that defeat the purpose (increased flow rate) of having a 1/2" ID system?

Bottom line is I like the DangerDen stuff for its price point and quality. (Koolance is over-priced IMHO). I like the software control and monitoring of the pump/flow/temp with the TMS-100K + TNK-400-V10 combo. Is there anything else available with similar features with 1/2" ID fittings?

Thanks for the answer Hotfoot.

I was not as clear as I could have been. My concern isn't the ability to go from any given inner diameter (ID) to another. The concern is what impact that will have.

For example, if I want the flow rates of a 1/2" ID system and I put in one or more 3/8" parts will I in effect now have a 3/8" ID system?


Doing more reading and thinking I am guessing the bottom line answer is it doesn't matter. "ID" is a measurement of how big an opening the <b>tubing</b> has. It is for the nozzle the tubing fits over. Any given nozzle can have relatively any ID. A "1/2 inch" fitting/nozzle can have an ID of 1/4". This means the outside is 1/2" but the inside is 1/4". The fluid flow is passing through a 1/4" hole. Most don't do this but it <i>could</i> and that is the point.

It is true that one should consider all the various things in the coolant flow circuit and how they will impact flow-rate. However, they should not get overly concerned about using both 1/2" and 3/8" tubing in the same system. The parts the tubing connects to will be the bottlenecks (radiator, water blocks, etc.). Any step-down/step-up adaptors will cause less restriction on flow rate than the flow meter I <b>was</b> planning to use anyhow. (I'll have a new post regarding my current water cooling system palns.)