Factorio Forums

So I know this sounds dumb but has anyone tried a 3x3 reactor? So 8-9 reactors in a square. With or without the middle reactor( my thinking would be the center would act as a booster to either jumpstart the whole system or to add additional heat when needed, and yes I know it would have to be loaded by the player). Would just like to see some concepts before I try and build my own.

And yes i know the standard setup is 2 rows, I just want something more visually appealing

Rjskeet wrote: ↑

Thu Jun 27, 2019 10:40 pm

I just want something more visually appealing

The problem with big reactors is they require a huge network of heat exchangers, turbines, and pipes. That is the real challenge to make look good, the reactor in the middle doesn't matter so much.

To compare how many support buildings you need, a fully fueled 3x3 produces a bit more power than a 2x4 reactor.

Well wouldn't a 3x3 be double the power of a 2x2?

Rjskeet wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 28, 2019 12:31 am

Well wouldn't a 3x3 be double the power of a 2x2?

In a 2x2, all reactors generate 300% power. In a 3x3, the corners generate 300%, the sides 400%, and the middle 500% - so the ratio of a 2x2:3x3 would be (theoretically) 4:11 - nearly triple. If the middle was omitted, it would be exactly double.

Of course, I've never actually built one, so a) this is all conjecture, and b) piping all the heat out of that thing would be a nightmare (as stated earlier).

On a 3x3 setup, you'd have to handfeed the central reactor, which is unFactoriesque.
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