Closed-loop water cooling water question

[rj808x]

I tried to google an answer, but so far nothing shows up...

Does anyone know if the liquid inside the closed-loop system eventually evaporates? I've seen regular water cooling system and eventually you have to top it off, but I'm a bit cynical in thinking that the water inside a closed-loop can remain at the same levels for a long time.

 

[HillBillyAsian]

closed loop means the water has nowhere to escape. what eventually happens is the air bubbles inside the loop eventually end up in the res, so naturally water is taking its place in the loop making the water level drop slightly. Other times there is a small leak just enough to where you don't notice but over the course of a few month could drain enough water to make it noticible.

 

[Deuce65]

I tried to google an answer, but so far nothing shows up...

Does anyone know if the liquid inside the closed-loop system eventually evaporates? I've seen regular water cooling system and eventually you have to top it off, but I'm a bit cynical in thinking that the water inside a closed-loop can remain at the same levels for a long time.

It will evaporate, but it will take years before there is any noticeable issue.

 

[rj808x]

closed loop means the water has nowhere to escape. what eventually happens is the air bubbles inside the loop eventually end up in the res, so naturally water is taking its place in the loop making the water level drop slightly. Other times there is a small leak just enough to where you don't notice but over the course of a few month could drain enough water to make it noticible.

Thanks for your reply.
This brings up another question, when it does leak/loses water over time, is there an indicator when the system is below an acceptable level? Being closed loop, I'm assuming you cannot visually see your water levels much like the refillable water cooling systems.

 

[Deuce65]

I don't know of any closed loop systems that would have a visual indicator for evaporation. As I said though, it would take quite a few years for there to be any issue. I am fairly sure the pump would burn out long before. Of course, a leak is an entirely different story, you would definitely know if you had a leak.
If you wanted a visual indicator, there are semi closed loop systema like the cooler master glacer\swiftech h--- system. They are closed loop by default but you can open the loop to add to them.

 

[rj808x]

I don't know of any closed loop systems that would have a visual indicator for evaporation. As I said though, it would take quite a few years for there to be any issue. I am fairly sure the pump would burn out long before. Of course, a leak is an entirely different story, you would definitely know if you had a leak.
If you wanted a visual indicator, there are semi closed loop systema like the cooler master glacer\swiftech h--- system. They are closed loop by default but you can open the loop to add to them.

Thanks for your response. I've been a traditionalist where I was taught water and electronics shouldn't mix. I've been told by a lot of my friends that water cooling is the way to go. But from what I've seen so far, the closed loop system is convenient but flawed in its design. I guess now i'm stuck between high end air or full water system.

 

[Deuce65]

That is how I see it too; high end air or full water. Closed loop coolers are nice if you have space constraints and can't fit a good air cooler, but don't want to do full water. Other than that though, air typically outperforms them at the high end, and is cheaper and quieter.

 

[rj808x]

That is how I see it too; high end air or full water. Closed loop coolers are nice if you have space constraints and can't fit a good air cooler, but don't want to do full water. Other than that though, air typically outperforms them at the high end, and is cheaper and quieter.

I'll go conservative and stick with air. Cheers!