Removing Graphics Card Liquid Cooling

[wolo]

Hi all.

A couple of years ago I purchased a liquid series PC from PC specialist.

I haven't changed the coolant in that time, so I really need to do that, and I'd like to upgrade the graphics card to a 2080 TI. I was all ready to cop out and let PC Specialist do the upgrade for me, but they have limited stock on the new cards so said there might be a delay, so I figure I'm going to try and level up my feeble hardware skills and do this myself (don't laugh).

The thing I'm unsure on is that my current card (a 1080) is liquid cooled. So there's a tube going from my reservoir, to the graphics card waterblock, and then on to the processor. If I remove this card to change it I'll also need to remove the waterblock and I presume add a new tube from the reservoir to the processor (I think I'm not bothered about liquid cooling the new card).

So I think what I need to do is, follow the instructions/YouTube videos for draining the coolant ready to change it, then run a new piece of tube from the reservoir to the processor, before refilling the system with new coolant.

First of all, is this something I should even be attempting myself? I've not done anything with liquid before. How much of a risk is there I'm going to destroy my machine?

Does anyone know which type of tubing I should buy to match the PC Specialist one? From what I've seen it looks like I'd need to cut it myself to size.

Anything else I should beware of?

Thanks all

 

[Shepard]

Hi there,

I strongly recommend you send the support team some pictures of the inside of the system. I don't think you have a drain in your loop, to be honest, but if you could send us some pictures and your order number, we're happy to check and talk you through it. Without a real drain in the system, trust me, it's going to be a full days job to get the current coolant out without making a mess. And if a mess happens and the liquid for example damages other parts, we most likely won't be able to coverthem under warranty and/or the manufacturer won't either as they class it as "customer induced damage". That would basically mean, you have to buy new components, if you damage them.

 

[wolo]

Ah brilliant I'll do that, thanks.

Appreciate the warning too - mostly the internet is full of people saying how easy this stuff is.

 

[wolo]

Okay, so support said there's no drain loop and that I can send it back and have them change the coolant for a fee. I'll do that if I need to, but I'd prefer to not have to be without my PC for a while.

Is it totally unrealistic to do this myself? If so which replacement tubing would I buy?

How about removing the liquid cooling altogether?

Thanks.

 

[Tony1044]

You would really need to provide more information than that, I am afraid.

What cooling system is it? The pics you sent to PCS would help, as well.

It's kind of like asking how easy it is to fix your car - it's a Ford - can you tell me the details

 

[Rakk]

What cooling system is it? The pics you sent to PCS would help, as well.

Well there's only a choice of 5 since it s a Liquid Series machine - so I'd assume it's one of: entry, mid, high, rgb high or extreme. Though there is also the tubing choices and the gpu cooling choices as well.

 

[Tony1044]

Well there's only a choice of 5 since it s a Liquid Series machine - so I'd assume it's one of: entry, mid, high, rgb high or extreme. Though there is also the tubing choices and the gpu cooling choices as well.

But you know what they say about assume...

 

[wolo]

It's a liquid series mid, bendy tubing rather than the straight edges ones (that wasn't available at the time). Graphics card is a GTX 1080 with a waterblock (EK?) on it.

I'm happy to either change the coolant or remove the liquid cooling altogether. Thanks.

 

[Shepard]

I wouldn't recommend it - at all. You would literally have to cut one of the pipes open or unscrew a fitting and let the water flow out. In a bowl or something like that. In most cases, to get all the water out, you will literally have to move/swivel/tip the case around.
This will void your warranty with us. So if it works out, great for you. If not, if anything gets damaged, you are on your own. I am very sorry to be so straightforward to you, but I feel I should warn you about the warranty part.

 

[wolo]

I wouldn't recommend it - at all. You would literally have to cut one of the pipes open or unscrew a fitting and let the water flow out. In a bowl or something like that. In most cases, to get all the water out, you will literally have to move/swivel/tip the case around.
This will void your warranty with us. So if it works out, great for you. If not, if anything gets damaged, you are on your own. I am very sorry to be so straightforward to you, but I feel I should warn you about the warranty part.

Okay thanks for taking a look. At least the decision is pretty simple then.

Frustrating to have to be without my machine for a couple of weeks but defs preferable to wrecking it.

Is there a technical reason not to include a drain in the liquid systems?

 

[wolo]

Have booked her in for collection next week for the professionals at PCS to sort out.

Thanks again for your help.

 

[Shepard]

Is there a technical reason not to include a drain in the liquid systems?

I have spoken to our technicians. We only do drains by special request, as each case-pipe-combination is different. In some of them is literally not enough room to have a drain. But once your system is with us, give us a ring, for an extra fee we're happy to fit a drain now so you can do it yourself the next time.

Did you book our Service Pack? It does include new pipe as well, as they might have been discolored with time, not just changing the coolant as you said earlier.
I hope my colleague on the phone explained that for you.

• Collection & Return of the Liquid Series PC
• Full drain of the loop
• Flush & Clean of the loop (Including pumps, blocks, reservoirs & fittings)
• Replace all tubing and refill loop with new coolant
• 24 hours leak & stress test

 

[wolo]

But once your system is with us, give us a ring, for an extra fee we're happy to fit a drain now so you can do it yourself the next time.

Did you book our Service Pack? It does include new pipe as well, as they might have been discolored with time, not just changing the coolant as you said earlier.

I asked about these in an email. I couldn't see how to request them via the upgrade form.

Cheers.