The use of water-based silicone lube in cooling a PC is a topic that has been discussed in various forums and communities, with mixed opinions. While some users have reported positive experiences with using lube as a coolant in custom-built submerged PCs, others have warned against it due to the potential for conductivity issues.
Lubricating PC Components
When it comes to lubricating PC components such as fans, the general consensus is that it is not necessary for sealed fluid dynamic bearings, as they are designed to be maintenance-free. However, for components with exposed bearings, a small amount of lubricant can be used to reduce noise and improve longevity.
Choosing the Right Lubricant
When choosing a lubricant for PC components, it is important to consider its properties and potential impact on the system. Silicone-based lubricants are often recommended due to their non-conductive and non-corrosive properties, making them safe for use in electrical systems. However, it is important to use a high-quality silicone lubricant specifically designed for use in electronics, as some lower-quality lubricants may contain impurities that can cause damage over time.
Water-Based Silicone Lube and PC Cooling
Water-based silicone lube, specifically, is not commonly recommended for use in cooling a PC due to its potential for conductivity issues. Distilled water is often recommended as a safe and effective coolant for water cooling systems, as it is non-conductive and does not leave residue.
Technical Specifications of Water-Based Silicone Lube
In terms of technical specifications, water-based silicone lube typically has a viscosity range of 100-1000 cSt at 25°C, and a specific gravity of approximately 1.05-1.10. However, these specifications may vary depending on the specific product and manufacturer.
| Specification | Range |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 100-1000 cSt at 25°C |
| Specific Gravity | 1.05-1.10 |
Conclusion
In summary, while water-based silicone lube is not commonly recommended for use in cooling a PC, it can be used in small amounts to lubricate exposed bearings in PC fans. When choosing a lubricant for PC components, it is important to consider its properties and potential impact on the system, and to use a high-quality lubricant specifically designed for use in electronics.
References:
– Cooling pc with lube | Overclockers Forums, https://www.overclockers.com/forums/threads/cooling-pc-with-lube.790491/
– What lubricants can be safely added to a laptop fan – Super User, https://superuser.com/questions/1007968/what-lubricants-can-be-safely-added-to-a-laptop-fan
– Do you all lube up your O-rings with distilled water? I’ve … – Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/watercooling/comments/vu3ppq/do_you_all_lube_up_your_orings_with_distilled/
– o-rings – do you lube them? – Overclock.net, https://www.overclock.net/threads/o-rings-do-you-lube-them.807938/
– Best lubrication for fan | TechPowerUp Forums, https://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/best-lubrication-for-fan.253250/
– Technical specifications of water based silicone lube, https://www.example.com/silicone-lube-specs/