Buying a used pc, the reservoir isn't full should i be worried?

[MrKillMe]

As the title says i'm worried that there isn't enough water going through the system. Should i be worried, and if I have to fill the reservoir should i just use normal distilled water?

[Dedayog]

In no way would I buy a used custom loop system from someone I do not know. 
 

Is there a leak?  Did that just evaporate?  Why wasn't it maintained?  Topped off?  Are they dumping off their water cooling issues on someone else?  Corrosion?  Performance?  etc.

 

 

[Kopaka]

Extra water in the reservoir has no actual use, in theory you could run without one (like an AIO does), having it just makes it easier to fill up the loop. That said you should still be worried if this is a symptom of something else, as mentioned by Dedayog.

[AnonymousGuy]

12 minutes ago, Dedayog said:

In no way would I buy a used custom loop system from someone I do not know. 

I wouldn't buy it if it was my first custom loop system like it seems to be for OP.

 

If this is opaque red fluid I'd be more concerned whoever built this thing doesn't know what they're doing at all...opaque fluids are *trash* and OP is going to have zero clue how to disassemble this thing to fix the inevitable clogging.

[Somerandomtechyboi]

27 minutes ago, MrKillMe said:

 

Why is there watermelon juice inside your loop?

[LogicalDrm]

Aren't supposed to clean loop as maintanence thingy? (not water cooling guy) That looks nasty as is.

[SorryBella]

4 hours ago, MrKillMe said:

Should i be worried

I mean that in of itself isnt concerning but that and everyone's statement pretty much enforced that the seller isnt taking a good care of it, or even care at all. Reservoir shouldnt be filled to the brim but not half empty. 

[Benji_w]

The Res doesn't need to be full, you need room for thermal expansion, every cooling system that uses liquid has an air gap to allow for this. I have bought loads of used and new parts over the years, but when i buy used I'm already expecting the worst case and pay according to that unless the person is experienced with liquid cooling and knows their stuff i'll pay a bit more.

 

The coolant still looks colourful, so long as the pump isn't dead it will flow and given its not straight water or distilled it will most likely have anti corrosion properties. If you're mega concerned ask if you can take it apart and inspect it. If you're new to watercooling then buy from a user who is advanced or new.