H100i GTX might have a clogged loop?

ntoskrnl · May 5, 2020

My CPU temps have never been noticeably remarkable with this cooler. Yesterday I took the entire thing out, cleaned the CPU and waterblock surface, and remounted it (which I haven't done in probably a year, maybe two). When I put everything back together with new thermal paste and remounted it, the pump block started making a weird noise that sounded like it was either dry or had particles running around inside of it. The CPU was heating up several degrees per minute simply sitting in the BIOS, so it was clear it wasn't working. I took it out again and shook the entire thing nice and hard, but it still sounds like it's stuck. In testing, one tube is warm but the other is cold, which is quite confusing - the pump seems to be running (stuff is making noise), but water isn't flowing?

I've got the cooler plugged into my variable bench power supply, and I've tried shaking it, turning it in various orientations (maybe I can shake the blockage out of the waterblock?), giving everything a good whack to dislodge anything, but nothing is making it run normally. Right now it's just running by itself plugged in, and it's been making this noise for a few minutes. I've attached a sample of this noise. It sounds like the first moment of the clip constantly, I think something in windows is fading out the noise it's making.

Hence, I suspect something is either clogging the loop, or it's filled with particles. Any thoughts and advice?

CPU: AMD FX-6300

Cooler: Corsair H100i GTX

noise.mp3

bmx6454 · May 6, 2020

maybe the pump is shot. if it is clogged, you would have to flush it to get it going again, have you tried that?

Corsair Nick · May 6, 2020

Looks like you did all the basic troubleshooting steps, and the pump will need to be replaced. I would recommend not taking the unit apart as you probably can replace it under warranty. Those coolers came with a 5-year warranty, so you might still be in the period depending on when you purchased it. You will need to put in a support ticket on our website, and one of our Technical Support agents can help you out:

https://support.corsair.com/