Pre-built Watercooling: When to change fluid

[bhavik210]

http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/N2h7qs

Hello everyone,

I know I should probably just search deeper and find out the answer to this question but I wanted a specific answer based on the cooler I have: the Swifttech H220, I had it for like 5 months now and ITS AWESOME, super quiet and looks fantastic.

In terms of changing the liquid coolant, when will I have to change it? People say 6 months, does it apply to not just custom loops but these types of water coolers too?

 

[DarkSable]

That type of cooler is essentially a custom loop, yes.

And it depends entirely on what you're running, how long you're running it, and the conditions it's being used in. You can easily go for a year or more, but depending on your tubing, might have to replace it after about that time anyways.

 

[mcnumpty23]

i had the h320--after 1 year it hadnt lost any fluid--but i drained it anyway--took the cpu plate off and there was an awful lot of debris in there--probably plasticizer

 

[newtowatercooling]

i dont have that cooler i believe its a year - year and a half before you have to drain it . if you dont see any problems and temps are fine no alge/corrosion then leave it be . i change my loop every six months since microcenter has silly replacements on ek fluid .76 per bottle

 

[bhavik210]

i dont have that cooler i believe its a year - year and a half before you have to drain it . if you dont see any problems and temps are fine no alge/corrosion then leave it be . i change my loop every six months since microcenter has silly replacements on ek fluid .76 per bottle

How would you detect algae or corrosion? would the fluid color change?

 

[mcnumpty23]

its not likely to have algae or corrosion--pretty sure the swiftech coolant has inhibitors in it

but the back of the cold plate is likely to have a plasticizer build up

i spent a lot of time talking to bryan at swiftech when i had a pump problem--really helpful guy

pretty sure he said check coolant level after 1 year--i did and it hadnt lost any

best place to ask is overclock.net forum they have a h220/320 section and bryan and sometimes even gabe the ceo will answer anything for you

 

[mcnumpty23]

oh and with bryans say so opening my pump didnt void the warranty--he even offered to video link me through it if i wasnt sure how to--but its straight forward as long as you watch the tiny ceramic washers