Risks?

Armakar · October 16, 2016

So, I know there is a risk of open-loop cooling. But, past the test phase, what is the risks? Where do they come from?

If you run a 48hr test and the loop doesn't leak, why would it leak a month later? Do you have to routine maintance them or something? Why do leaks occour, is it from human error ( ie not checking them ) or just random chance? I guess im asking, can it be completley avoided?

Also, how big is the risk? As far as I can see, no matter where it would leak in the build, the GPU and potentially PSU ( i have a psu shroud ) would surely be the only damaged components, as the water can only fall downwards , or am I wrong?

Thanks!

Lurick · October 16, 2016

99% of all leaks are from human error, there is that small chance that you do get a defective product but almost all the time it's because you forget to tighten a fitting on the radiator, or you over-tighten a fitting on the acrylic GPU block and crack it >.>

You need to change the coolant every couple of years and with some flexible tubing it's advised to change it every couple of years as well just because it can look nasty, this is mostly for clear tubing.

done12many2 · October 16, 2016

18 minutes ago, Armakar said:

So, I know there is a risk of open-loop cooling. But, past the test phase, what is the risks? Where do they come from?

If you run a 48hr test and the loop doesn't leak, why would it leak a month later? Do you have to routine maintance them or something? Why do leaks occour, is it from human error ( ie not checking them ) or just random chance? I guess im asking, can it be completley avoided?

Also, how big is the risk? As far as I can see, no matter where it would leak in the build, the GPU and potentially PSU ( i have a psu shroud ) would surely be the only damaged components, as the water can only fall downwards , or am I wrong?

Thanks!

I'm not sure that it's possible to squeeze any more questions into three sentences.

If the systems is thoroughly tested and the parts were installed properly, the risk of leaks is very low. Most issues with leaks arise from improper install and on occasion are the result of a defective part. You obviously can't do anything about a defective part, but you can definitely make sure that you install the parts correctly.

You're asking us to speculate a lot. There are no studies done in area of custom loop failure rates so you'll only receive onions, which provide you no guarantee either way. Nobody can assure you that water won't ride down a tube and end up in a place that you didn't expect.

Bottom line is, if you install everything correctly with quality parts, you're going to be fine. Does the chance of a leak remain? Absolutely, but it is not likely if done correctly.

johnny5c · October 16, 2016

With the quality of fittings, tubing, and blocks these days there's very little chance of having a issue. I've had custom loops going on 15 years and the only leak I had was my fault from forgetting to fully tighten a GPU bridge but everything survived.

Armakar · October 16, 2016

1 hour ago, done12many2 said:

I'm not sure that it's possible to squeeze any more questions into three sentences.

If the systems is thoroughly tested and the parts were installed properly, the risk of leaks is very low. Most issues with leaks arise from improper install and on occasion are the result of a defective part. You obviously can't do anything about a defective part, but you can definitely make sure that you install the parts correctly.

You're asking us to speculate a lot. There are no studies done in area of custom loop failure rates so you'll only receive onions, which provide you no guarantee either way. Nobody can assure you that water won't ride down a tube and end up in a place that you didn't expect.

Bottom line is, if you install everything correctly with quality parts, you're going to be fine. Does the chance of a leak remain? Absolutely, but it is not likely if done correctly.

Thanks for the reply. How can I double-check i've tightened everything properly? If I do the 48hr test does that assure i've done it all properly?

Also, I know nobody can give me definite statistics. I was maybe comparing it to an AIO for example, if it's all properly setup, does it match the risk of an AIO?

Lurick · October 16, 2016

10 minutes ago, Armakar said:

Thanks for the reply. How can I double-check i've tightened everything properly? If I do the 48hr test does that assure i've done it all properly?

Also, I know nobody can give me definite statistics. I was maybe comparing it to an AIO for example, if it's all properly setup, does it match the risk of an AIO?

Most of the time you're going to find leaks within the first few minutes of testing, there is the possibility of a small leak from a slightly loose fitting occuring but that will show up in the first few hours.

To make sure you've tightened everything enough turn it by hand until you can't easily turn it and then apply just a little more pressure, if that makes sense. The only time I can think of right now to be careful is when dealing with acrylic or other easily breakable materials that can crack from stress, in which case tightening by hand until it's very snug is usually optimal.