I recently got a CPU AIO cooler as part of a PC build my boyfriend did for me, and we're both new to water cooling. He mentioned that installing an AIO on the bottom is basically a bad idea and wants to swap it with the side fans when he comes over on Wednesday. I'm wondering how serious the risk of air bubbles is in this setup. Should I flip my PC sideways to help? Can I leave the AIO on the bottom without immediate issues for a week?
3 Answers
Yeah, you can probably get away with having the AIO on the bottom for a week. However, it's typically pretty simple to just unscrew the radiator and move it to the front or top of the case if you're concerned. Also, I noticed you paid only $10 for your AIO—what model is it? That price raises a few eyebrows.
I picked up a Deepcool Castle 360EX for cheap too. The guy I bought it from just wanted to get rid of it since he gave up on his build.
Generally, AIO coolers draw in air over time, but a new one might go a long time without issues, especially pricier models. It's best to mount the radiator so the pipes are at the bottom, allowing air to accumulate at the top and not in the pump. If your temperatures are stable, everything should be fine for now.
An air bubble can increase the chances of your pump failing and can also make it louder! It's usually a quick fix, so if you have about 30 minutes, it's worth doing while you're around. The risk level is pretty unpredictable; it might run fine for years or it could fail today – just depends on that pump's situation.
I got a Keaken X61 that lasted 4 or 5 years and only cost me €20, so maybe it's a good deal depending on the condition!