Same loop for > 2 years?

[Odai]

Hello,

I am currently running two water cooling loops in my system, but I assembled and filled the loops in January 2012.

The problem is, I have been wanting to rebuild my current system for a while (based on the aging LGA1366) - since a year ago in fact. Therefore, I have repeatedly put off draining and cleaning my loops as I consistently felt it would be a waste given that I would be carrying out a complete revamp of my system within a short period of time (which never actually came) anyway - necessitating the dismantlement of the loops again. So now, I have been running the same loops with no maintenance whatsoever for over two years.

I have a solid plan to carry out the upgrade in June. Would I be OK to wait until then? I haven't actually noticed any problems temperature wise, or any other obvious issues. I'm just concerned there could be some hidden latent problem.

Any thoughts? In case it's relevant, these are the components in each of the loops:

-EK Supreme HF
-Swiftech NB Block
-Koolance RP452X2 res with D5 pump @ setting 1
-TFC Xchanger 360 radiator

-EK FC560
-EK 120mm radiator (forget the model name)
-XSPC RX120 radiator
-Koolance RP452X2 res with D5 pump @ setting 1


Thanks

Odai.

[washu9]

I had the same tendency to postpone maintenance time and again.
Although in my case, it doesn't extend to more then 1 year.

If you are leaving your loop for an extended period without maintenance, I'd recommend using some kind of corrosion inhibitor - ph stabilizer instead of pure distilled water.

But at this point, I don't think it would matter much if you want to postpone it a few more months.
Any damage would already be taking place. They are most likely on the nickel plating on the inner lining of the fittings.
Just remember to get them inspected when you do the complete upgrade and replace as you deem necessary.

Depending on the quantity of contaminants in the loop, you might also want to get it cleaned up with some dilute vinegar/alcohol. Although I really don't find it necessary in most case, especially with the newer blocks having such large channels.

[aussie-revhead]

I have a loop that has been together about that long and I have noticed my temps seem to be going up slowly, could my blocks be getting dirty? My coolant still looks clear (distilled water with silver coil)...

[aerial]

Most likely cpu block getting clogged. As the new blocks are really sensitive for any kind of dirt in the coolant.

[JargonGR]

I have the same loop running for 4 years but I use really clean water through a Reverse Osmosis filter (5 stage) that I have for my aquarium.

I know, I know....I must clean it! A long overdue system upgrade (Q9550 CPU) is on the way this summer so I will completely revamp water cooling as well then.

[washu9]

Most likely cpu block getting clogged. As the new blocks are really sensitive for any kind of dirt in the coolant.

Older blocks with pins configuration are the ones most prone to having performance deterioration from blokage.
Newer blocks no longer uses pins and just have channels.
Thus, most of them are not prone to blockage.
There are always a few exception to this of course. I know a few blocks with channels so narrow that this particular problem is still applicable.

Any veterans would highly recommend regular maintenance to ensure a problem-free operation.

I have the same loop running for 4 years but I use really clean water through a Reverse Osmosis filter (5 stage) that I have for my aquarium.

I know, I know....I must clean it! A long overdue system upgrade (Q9550 CPU) is on the way this summer so I will completely revamp water cooling as well then.

While reverse osmosis does remove mineral content, it doesn't remove it completely.
You really would be better off with distilled water.

Your upgrade is long overdue.
You'd see massive jump in performance.
So much you might get vertigo.

[JargonGR]

My RO filter also has a D/I resin chamber as a last stage and when measured at the outlet through a TDS meter the water is 000 particles. Nonetheless, I have tested it for a long time and never had algae issues or gang. Before that I was using WFI (water for injection).

Now to add more insult to injury as far as the upgrade is concerned, I am not even using the system on my signature since it was sold long ago when I decided I have different needs. My Q9550 is on an Asus P5Q3 Deluxe and my VGA is an Nvidia 9500 hooked on a 30" HP monitor (oh yeeeeess). I have changed to 8Gb RAM however and a Samsung 840 Pro SSD not to be completely last century. It is also overclocked to 3.4GHz and it contains 16 Hard Disks (in a MM UFO case) since my data needs are getting larger by the day (will go to server storage too).

Recently, the need for demanding software such as Revit, 3D Studio Max and several apps from Adobe have made the need for a new system so profound that it is not even funny anymore.
The amount of value derived from this system however is unprecedented in my computer history. I can't wait to enjoy the jump to a new high-end platform (waiting for X99 platform). Till then I will upgrade graphics and HD subsystems.

[Sparky]

Depending on how clean the loop was when first assembled it may not really be an issue anyway. I had a loop together for a tad over a year and everything was still perfectly clean and clear inside.

Conversely, I've had ongoing issues with contamination in my main loop causing it to always grow things no matter what I do, so... yeah yuck lol.

Never any corrosion issues because frankly it won't happen if you haven't mixed any metals in the first place. You don't, so I wouldn't worry about that. Too many people fret over it on all brass/copper loops and I really don't understand why. There is nothing to corrode in a non-mixed loop.

[relttem]

in my case, the only thing I seem to be cleaning out on a regular basis is the radiator so the air flow isn't restricted.

[Pisklink]

What a coincidence because I'm facing a similar question now.
I'm looking to upgrade as well for about a year but my system performance still satisfies me.
At this moment I was thinking to upgrade to the Haswell refresh but in the end I think I will keep waiting until the release of Skylake and Intel 100-series release.

My watercooling system is running for approx. 4 years now on Aqua bidest water (double-distilled water) together with a silver coil.
I still don't see any rising of CPU temperature or dirt in my reservoir.
I assume it is possible to run a cooling system for so long then.

As Relttem says, I'm also only cleaning my radiator frequently to get rid of the dust.

[ggdh]

I am at about 2 years without any maintenance. My temperatures seem to be ca. 10*C higher. It may be a time to tear it down and check what is going on inside.

[GargaZol]

I have 2 systems.

1) About 12 years old. Only change is an added cooling head after 6 years and a new pump to get it more quiet. Fanless, so no cleaning of anything. Little water added once a year. Noticed no change in temp.
2) About 4 years old. Dust cleaned once a year. A couple of degrees higher then when new.

I see no reason to disasemble and change water etc.

[zeroibis]

I use non conductive coolant and thus there is nothing to clean or worry about growth b/c nothing can grow in there. Still using the same 2 loops of coolant 6 years later.

[0xdeadbeef]

Five years and counting for me. I'm using all copper blocks, Tygon R-3400, and distilled water with Petra's silver coils. The water is crystal clear in my reservoirs.