Retaining Radiator from AIO setup

[normality]

Hi There,

I recently purchased a Gamerstorm Genome AIO case for my sister, but I've had some issues with the built-in AIO and now that the case houses a system, I'd rather not tear the whole thing down to do an RMA. Essentially I think we ended up with a bad pump as, whilst it was whisper quiet initially, after a week the pump noise is unbearable, temps are rather high, and no amount of rotation, shaking or mucking around with the loop seems to be able to shift bubbles. Honestly, it sounds to me like an issue with the pump motor as their is now a fair deal of consistent vibration through the whole system seemingly emitted by the pump. Whilst I probably could keep messing around with it, I'd rather just look for a replacement solution. 

I've uploaded an image of the loop (courtesy of MNPC Tech) to the thread, but essentially its a Captain-Style AIO with the addition of a decorative helix which resides at the front of the case (The whole damn reason my sister insisted we build in this case. Anyway, I've also found out that the radiator has a built-in fill port, and it appears that the helix-tube-thingy is just barb fittings too. So, my question is ... (As the rad is alloy) Could I simply look at getting a new EK Liquid gaming pump and block and still utilise the radiator and the helix reservoir, or are there similar options for replacing this AIO pump/block. 

Thanks for the help!

 

(Edit: Alternatively, could I disconnect the power connector from the pump, essentially leave it as a passive block and then purchase a dedicated pump unit? I'm essentially thinking of leaving the block side water cooling hoses as they are, but adding a pump unit between the rad and the helix-reservoir-thingy)

-Lauren

Edited October 23, 2017 by normality
Added an additional question

[W-L]

20 minutes ago, normality said:

-SNIP-

Theoretically as long as the components are all aluminum as in the fluid gaming lineup it should work since the radiator is aluminum based. 

[normality]

So, I think I've found a pump that might work with the idea of retaining the Deep Cool water block as a passive unit:

https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-xtop-spc-60-pwm-plexi-incl-pump

If someone more wise to water-cooling than I could tell me if this pump has a suitable flowrate/head pressure for a 360mm rad setup that would be excellent. If that works, then I just have one further worry: The fittings.

It seems like most fittings i can see that use the G1/4 thread and convert to a 10mm barb (To keep all the barb sizes/hose diameters consistent), are made of nickel plated copper or brass. I'm aware that mixing aluminium and copper is a massive no-no, but should nickel plated brass work okay? Or am I best off looking for a plastic/nylon barb that would suit my needs. 

Thanks again guys and gals!

[W-L]

13 hours ago, normality said:

-SNIP-

Any mixing of metals is not good your going to need to get aluminum fittings or plastic ones, ideally your going to want to replace the block.