What brand/type of fittings to get?

[boiler1990]

It's been a while since I've been in the LC section, but this time I'm buying parts

System I'm cooling is my signature build. Only cooling the i5 and 6950. Budget ~ $350

LC Parts:
6950 Block - EK Full Cover Block + Backplate (purchased, $93)
CPU Block - Apogee XT Rev 2 or EK Supreme HF ($71 new)
Rad - HWLabs Black Ice Xtreme III (purchased, $50)
Fans - 3x Scythe Ultra Kaze 3000RPM (purchased, $35)
Pump/Res - XSPC X20 750 ($50 new)
Tubing - Primochill, White, 1/2" ID, 3/4" OD ($1.80/ft, 10 ft.?)

Total (less fittings) - $316.90


I need help with determining what fittings to get. I need 10 G1/4 1/2" ID, 3/4" OD fittings.
Are there any fittings that have been proven to be better than others (i.e. barbs vs. compression, plastic vs. metal, etc.)?

I was looking at getting the EK High Flow fittings (I know it says OD but the description says ID) and Primochill Clamps for $2.20/ea and $0.79/ea, respectively.
http://jab-tech.com/EK-High-Flow-Fitting-1-2-OD-pr-3713.html
http://jab-tech.com/PrimoChill-Black-Steel-Spring-Hose-Clamps-for-3-4in.OD-Tubing-pr-4762.html

However, there are XSPC compression fittings that are only $1/ea more than the barbs. If they're good, is it worth it?
http://jab-tech.com/XSPC-G1-4-to-1-2-ID-3-4-OD-Compression-Fitting-pr-4803.html

I also found these Koolance Quick Disconnect fittings, but they're too pricey to get 10 pairs of them. However, is there anywhere that these might be useful (i.e. for easy draining/maintenance)? I could afford to do like 2 - 4 pairs, so 1 or 2 components.
http://www.koolance.com/water-cooling/default.php?cPath=104

I am willing to accept any other advice! Thanks!

 

[delluser1]

Never read anything saying one fitting was better than the other.
I've used Swiftech, Bitspower, DD, Enzotech and EK barbs along with Feser and Enzo comps., never witnessed any differences.
At that price I'd get the comps, probably need extenders for the gpu blocks though.
http://jab-tech.com/Bitspower-G-1-4-Shining-Silver-Extender-BP-WTP-C40-pr-4417.html
$50-$60 a set for QDC's is crazy money, IMO they're only useful if you're going to be doing alot of rearranging of the loop.
A "T" line works fine for drainage.

 

[boiler1990]

I was leaning toward the compression fittings at that price. I'll look for some that are a bit longer rather than buying extenders for the GPU block.

If I get a Y or T fitting, how do I plug it? I haven't seen any plugs or anything like that.

 

[delluser1]

Just took a look at your block, it doesn't need the use of the extenders.

A piece of tubing and
http://jab-tech.com/Enzotechnology-1-2-Fillcap-NPH-ID1-2-G14-pr-4374.html

 

[boiler1990]

Gotcha cool beans!

 

[boiler1990]

Just as an update I ended up going with some Enzotech compression fittings. They were almost double the price, but I got 8 instead of 10 (was getting a few extra but decided not to; hope that wasn't a bad idea). It'll provide more contrast to my white tubing/cold cathodes that I ordered today.

http://jab-tech.com/Enzotechnology-Compression-Fitting-1-2-3-4-Matt-Black-pr-4686.html

Also randomly found a guy selling the plug and y-fitting for really cheap!

Thanks for the help!

 

[boiler1990]

Best answer selected by boiler1990.