The sound of water flowing or gurgling from a water cooler on a CPU can be a cause for concern for some users. However, it is not uncommon for AIO (All-in-One) liquid coolers to have air trapped in the pump during production, which can cause a watery sound. According to Asetek, the pump OEM, it is recommended to follow specific instructions before attempting to RMA the cooler.
Understanding the Causes of Water Sounds
AIO liquid coolers are designed to cool the CPU by circulating liquid through a closed-loop system. This system consists of a pump, a radiator, and tubing that connects the two. During the manufacturing process, air bubbles can sometimes get trapped in the pump, causing a watery or gurgling sound.
The presence of these air bubbles does not necessarily indicate a problem with the cooler’s performance. In fact, a user reported a gurgling sound from their water cooler, but their temperatures were fine, and there were no performance issues. Similarly, another user reported a water splashing noise coming from their computer on startup, but there were no dips in performance due to this.
Resolving Air Bubbles in the Loop
In some cases, the sound can be due to air bubbles in the loop, which can be resolved by following these steps:
- Unscrew the radiator from the case.
- Gently shake the radiator with the PC running to help dislodge any air bubbles.
- Tap the tubes in the case first to pop any bubbles created by the agitation.
This process can help to remove any air bubbles that may have been trapped in the system during production or installation.
Excessive Air in the Loop
However, if the sound is constant and does not go away, it could indicate too much air in the loop from the factory. In this case, the cooler may need to be replaced under warranty.
According to Asetek, the pump OEM, it is recommended to follow specific instructions before attempting to RMA the cooler. This may include providing detailed information about the issue, such as the sound characteristics, temperature readings, and any performance impacts.
Monitoring Performance and Temperature
It is important to note that the sound does not necessarily indicate a problem with the cooler’s performance. As mentioned earlier, users have reported watery or gurgling sounds without experiencing any issues with their system’s temperatures or performance.
To ensure that the cooler is functioning properly, it is recommended to monitor the CPU’s temperature under load. If the temperatures are within the expected range and there are no performance issues, the sound may not be a cause for concern.
Replacing the Cooler Under Warranty
If the sound is constant and does not go away, and the temperature and performance issues persist, it may be necessary to replace the cooler under warranty. This process will depend on the specific manufacturer’s warranty policies and procedures.
Before attempting to RMA the cooler, it is important to follow the instructions provided by the pump OEM, Asetek, to ensure a smooth and successful replacement process.
Conclusion
In summary, while a watery sound from a water cooler on a CPU can be concerning, it is not always indicative of a problem. It is recommended to follow specific instructions from the pump OEM before attempting to RMA the cooler. If the sound is constant and does not go away, it may indicate too much air in the loop, and the cooler may need to be replaced under warranty. However, if temperatures are fine and there are no performance issues, the sound may not be a cause for concern.
Technical Specifications:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Pump Type | Asetek OEM |
| Radiator Size | Typically 120mm or 240mm |
| Tubing Material | Flexible rubber or plastic |
| Coolant Type | Distilled water or pre-mixed solution |
| Pump Speed | Typically 1,500 to 3,000 RPM |
| Noise Level | Typically 20-40 dBA |
DIY Tips:
- Unscrew the radiator and gently shake it with the PC running to help dislodge any air bubbles.
- Tap the tubes in the case first to pop any bubbles created by the agitation.
- If the sound is constant and does not go away, it may be necessary to replace the cooler under warranty.
References:
– Reddit post on occasional water flowing sound with AIO cooling
– GameFAQs forum discussion on watery sound from AIO liquid cooler
– Linus Tech Tips forum thread on watery sound from AIO liquid cooler
– Microsoft Answers forum post on water splashing or dripping noise
– Tom’s Hardware forum thread on water moving around in AIO