Refilling an AiO?

[Inception9269]

Not sure if this is an issue, but i think my AiO might be a little low on water or something (No, no leaks).

 

I have a Cooler Master Nepton 240m (bought it based on Linus' videos back then). I bought it december 2014 and built my pc jan. 1st 2015, so I been using it for just over a year now, and I think the water might be a little low, due to evaporation since I had it for a year now. It still works good though, good temps, although I don't think they compare as well to in the first few months of using it. And often times when i turn my pc on (or wake it from long sleep) I can hear (from a few feet away) the sound of water moving in it for a few seconds when powered on, which makes me think there's probably less water in there, it never making that sound until about 1-2 months ago.

 

I don't really want to buy a new AiO (since i just plan on building a new pc at some point this year and want to wait til then to get a Kraken x61), so I was wondering how would I go about refilling it? There is a cap on the radiator to do so (needless to say it would probably void any warranty, but like I said i plan on replacing it this year anyway).

 

Is refilling it something I should do? (it also giving me a good chance to clean the rad and fans of a little dust accumulated) and if so what all fluids should I use? (I never custom water cooled, but I do have a strong idea about the fluids and parts that go into it). Would distilled water be enough, or do I need anything in particular (also would an AiO need something like pt-nuke?).

 

Another thing about refilling an AiO would it be best to drain it first and refill it entirely, or just "top it off", and would an AiO need to be bleed, and how would I go about that?

[Oshino Shinobu]

Where would the liquid evaporate to? It's a closed loop, so the liquid can't leave it without leaks. It won't need refilling. 

[W-L]

-SNIP-

 

For sealed AIO's you do not need to fill them evaporation will be very minimal to none so it shouldn't cause any problems.

[Syntaxvgm]

The Asetek AIO I've had for some eyars now is presenting low water issues as well, and I'm thinking about filling it. It's not easy, and it's to the point I'm considering replacing the tubing and adding a t-line. 

But mine is like, idk one of the first H55s, so some years old. 1 year is too new for that kinda thing to happen in reason, and I strongly suggest RMA if it's still available. 

[Inception9269]

Where would the liquid evaporate to? It's a closed loop, so the liquid can't leave it without leaks. It won't need refilling. 

 

makes sense, that was just a thought I had.

[Syntaxvgm]

Where would the liquid evaporate to? It's a closed loop, so the liquid can't leave it without leaks. It won't need refilling. 

oh believe me it can happen. But not really in 1 year. 

[Inception9269]

The Asetek AIO I've had for some eyars now is presenting low water issues as well, and I'm thinking about filling it. It's not easy, and it's to the point I'm considering replacing the tubing and adding a t-line. 

But mine is like, idk one of the first H55s, so some years old. 1 year is too new for that kinda thing to happen in reason, and I strongly suggest RMA if it's still available. 

 

I probably won't refill it, mainly wondering if that's something I should consider.

I mainly plan on using it until I get a new one. After that I'll probably keep it in the original box and maybe use it for a different rig in the future.

[Syntaxvgm]

makes sense, that was just a thought I had.

it's normal. Does you PC move a lot? Because sometimes when the move it takes a minute to settle. MY PC is portable, and part of the water level problems I'm experiencing are actually from drastic temperate changes (taking outside in winter then heating it up, ect)

Also, what does the mounting look like orientation wise? 

(Also, try gently tilting case back and forth if you hear things)

[Syntaxvgm]

I probably won't refill it, mainly wondering if that's something I should consider.

I mainly plan on using it until I get a new one. After that I'll probably keep it in the original box and maybe use it for a different rig in the future.

that's best. They are meant to stay sealed. And if you mess it up, not only do you void the warranty, but you could risk a  leak. 

[r1Ns3]

It's sealed so you can't evaporate through that easily, if you think that you're AIO is super under performing I would call up your manufacturer and talk to them about your concerns, and see what they think because they know their products best... Also check that you control your radiator fan speeds and see if that makes any difference, though don't be surprised if it doesn't, my AIO makes no difference in performance whether max speed or lowest speed.

[r1Ns3]

BTW If it is just 1 year old RMA it

Edited January 17, 2016 by r1Ns3

[Inception9269]

it's normal. Does you PC move a lot? Because sometimes when the move it takes a minute to settle. MY PC is portable, and part of the water level problems I'm experiencing are actually from drastic temperate changes (taking outside in winter then heating it up, ect)

Also, what does the mounting look like orientation wise? 

(Also, try gently tilting case back and forth if you hear things)

 

If by move you mean take it to places I never do that. Although I sometimes move it around a bit if i'm working on something in it (like moving it around a bit if I drop a screw, tilting it side ways some), but it's been making that noise for months now so I doubt it's from me tilting it around a little a few times.

[Inception9269]

BTW If it is just 1 year old RMA it

 

i could do that, but then I'd have to use the shitty Intel stock cooler for like 2 weeks, and also pay to ship it.

[Syntaxvgm]

If by move you mean take it to places I never do that. Although I sometimes move it around a bit if i'm working on something in it (like moving it around a bit if I drop a screw, tilting it side ways some), but it's been making that noise for months now so I doubt it's from me tilting it around a little a few times.

what orientation is it in? Pic? 

Depend on the way it's mounted, we could try rotating it or something. 

[Enderman]

Where would the liquid evaporate to? It's a closed loop, so the liquid can't leave it without leaks. It won't need refilling. 

Yes there is actually always evaporation, even in sealed loops.

It is normal for AiOs to come with some air in them, and it is normal for more fluid to evaporate over time

 

They arent built to be refilled though so its risky to do so, and it would void the warranty and potentially increasing the change of leaks.

[Inception9269]

what orientation is it in? Pic? 

Depend on the way it's mounted, we could try rotating it or something. 

 

I tried to take a picture, but the lighting is just too bad in this room where the top half of the inside can't be seen that good. I basically have the rad at the top of the case (Fractal Design Arc XL (wish i got a different case back then. I like it, but it's ugly as fuck). The rad is at the top with the fans under it pulling air through it. (i think it would have been better to have them blowing up, but someone advised me it made no difference)

[Syntaxvgm]

I tried to take a picture, but the lighting is just too bad in this room where the top half of the inside can't be seen that good. I basically have the rad at the top of the case (Fractal Design Arc XL (wish i got a different case back then. I like it, but it's ugly as fuck). The rad is at the top with the fans under it pulling air through it. (i think it would have been better to have them blowing up, but someone advised me it made no difference)

try mounting it on the back, tubes down. If there's air, it should make less noise in this orientation, with the mini-res thing facing up.  

Random pic from google-

[Oshino Shinobu]

oh believe me it can happen. But not really in 1 year. 

 

 

Yes there is actually always evaporation, even in sealed loops.

It is normal for AiOs to come with some air in them, and it is normal for more fluid to evaporate over time

 

They arent built to be refilled though so its risky to do so, and it would void the warranty and potentially increasing the change of leaks.

True, the water can evaporate a little over a long period, but the vast majority of tubing used isn't very porous. so the difference it makes to the water levels is tiny. The time it would take for it to become noticeable is so long that the pump or fitting most likely would have failed beforehand. 

[r1Ns3]

i could do that, but then I'd have to use the shitty Intel stock cooler for like 2 weeks, and also pay to ship it.

Oh yea that's also why I don't want to send back mine for a better cooler.... Well GL fixing it dude

[Inception9269]

try mounting it on the back, tubes down. If there's air, it should make less noise in this orientation, with the mini-res thing facing up.  

Random pic from google-

 

My rad is a dual rad, so it wouldn't be able to fit like that. the tubes might be long enough to have it mounted at the front, but then i'd have to remove my hdd racks (I have the top rack removed since I don't need it.

 

For my next build I want to get a black Phanteks Evolv Atx which looks so fucking beautiful. I saw it in Hardwarecanucks videos and fell in love immediately.

[Enderman]

True, the water can evaporate a little over a long period, but the vast majority of tubing used isn't very porous. so the difference it makes to the water levels is tiny. The time it would take for it to become noticeable is so long that the pump or fitting most likely would have failed beforehand. 

my 5 year old H100i has clearly lost several mL of fluid, and no, the pump and fittings are in perfect condition