AIO mods? replacing radiator on AIO coolers

[kamjakevin]

Hello. Just had a quick question about AIO radiators. I have a 120mm AIO cooler and I was just wondering how plausible it may be to replace the 120mm radiator to a 240mm or larger later on. I understand that these AIO aren't meant to be taken apart and such, but has anyone ever tried to do so? 

 

Thank you

[Enderman]

No.

[kamjakevin]

1 minute ago, Enderman said:

No.

So like, don't do it you'll ruin everything? or don't do it it's not possible? 

[RollinLower]

Just now, kamjakevin said:

So like, don't do it you'll ruin everything? or don't do it it's not possible? 

it is actually pretty easy to do. if you are confident enough in your own DIY skills and make sure your AIO's pump is strong enough to support larger rads, then you could do this easily.

[Hackentosher]

I would imagine you could do it, but it would be one hell of a hassle. If you wanted a larger radiator, you would have to figure out how to attach the pre-existing tube to the new rad, and get the fittings to clamp on said tube, figure out how to fill the damn thing, pray there's no leaks, try to bleed it, it would be easier (and maybe cheaper) to just buy a 240mm AIO or custom loop.

[Enderman]

1 hour ago, kamjakevin said:

So like, don't do it you'll ruin everything? or don't do it it's not possible? 

Well first of all, it voids warranty, so when it does leak you will probably lose hundreds of dollars.

Second, the tubing and fittings are non-standard, so you would need to DIY a solution for adapters and barbs to fit a real radiator.

Third, Depending on the metals used in the AIO you may get corrosion by replacing the radiator.

Fourth, AiOs don't have fill ports, and making sure all the bubbles got out of your loop with no reservoir will be extremely difficult.

Fifth, depending on how large a radiator you add, the pump in an AIO will not be enough.

[kamjakevin]

55 minutes ago, Enderman said:

Well first of all, it voids warranty, so when it does leawak you will probably lose hundreds of dollars.

Second, the tubing and fittings are non-standard, so you would need to DIY a solution for adapters and barbs to fir a real radiator.

Third, Depending on the metals used in the AIO you may get corrosion by replacing the radiator.

Fourth, AiOs don't have fill ports, and making sure all the bubbles got out of your loop with no reservoir will be extremely difficult.

Fifth, depending on how large a radiator you add, the pump in an AIO will not be enough.

Aight. I think this is enough convincing for me not to do it. Haha Thanks everyone

[Cunning linguist]

No you can do it easily. the barbs are usually just 3/8 or 1/4. measure with calipers. Cut the tubing on the AIO down the side of the barbs, have extra caution on the block side because those are plastic. then just slip new tubing over the barbs(or cut the old one down a bit). secure with clamps, zipties or glue. 

[Phate.exe]

My current loop started as a really old AIO from an Alienware of some sort (Thanks AMD for using the same CPU cooler attachment method from socket 939-ish up through AM3+).  The pump it used was separate from the CPU block, but everything just used 1/4in ID tubing and hose barbs.

 

Basically, pull the thing off your computer, cut the tubing at a low spot to drain the system, then go to the hardware store and find temperature/material-appropriate tubing that's the right size.

 

While it's apart, it wouldn't be a bad idea to buy/make a drain port and add a reservoir to the system at the highest point so it will be much easier to refill and self-bleed the loop.

 

I replaced the weak original pump with a stupidly overpowered Danger Den pump, keeping the original 140mm rad and CPU block.  For a while I had a block on my GPU and an additional 240mm rad in the loop.

[FaithfullyEzura]

Yes I'm aware I'm 5 years late, however for the one or two people who decide to scroll down this far into this thread [I was one of them], I have some advice as I just did this with my AIO.

Don't.

It's custom water cooling, however you lose the benefit of your biggest tool, an actual reservoir. Without a reservoir, you have to submerge the radiator of choice into your cooling liquid, and connect the tubing from there. 

As said from Enderman (above me in this thread) "the tubing and fittings are non-standard", you can get lucky like I did with my radiator supporting my pump, however that's sheer luck, there is always a high likelihood that you won't be as lucky, and be just a few mm's short, which can ruin your project

 

If you do decide to jump into customizing your AIO, always keep an air cooler on standby, as the chances of you completely destroying your AIO are SUPER high.

[thrasher_565]

23 hours ago, FaithfullyEzura said:

Yes I'm aware I'm 5 years late, however for the one or two people who decide to scroll down this far into this thread [I was one of them], I have some advice as I just did this with my AIO.

Don't.

It's custom water cooling, however you lose the benefit of your biggest tool, an actual reservoir. Without a reservoir, you have to submerge the radiator of choice into your cooling liquid, and connect the tubing from there. 

As said from Enderman (above me in this thread) "the tubing and fittings are non-standard", you can get lucky like I did with my radiator supporting my pump, however that's sheer luck, there is always a high likelihood that you won't be as lucky, and be just a few mm's short, which can ruin your project

 

If you do decide to jump into customizing your AIO, always keep an air cooler on standby, as the chances of you completely destroying your AIO are SUPER high.

 

[crooked windows]

If you have built your own PC and are reading this, "Just Do It"  lol  it's easier than watching Linus wearing sandals. I've taken a CM Seidon and added a EKWB 420. tip: when adding anti freeze, heat it to about 60 degrees before funneling it into the rad as this reduces bubbles from clinging to the inside tubes. Also add a clear plastic or glass top up T at highest part of loop (upside down T , it's not on a QWERTY KB) so any air bubbles will eventually go into this and from time to time you can take the cap off and check / top it up. It will never leak if it is carefully done.