I recently got a new bequiet Silent Loop 3 240mm AIO cooler for my Coolermaster Silencio 452 case. The issue is that the only recommended way to install it has the tubes positioned on top, which might be at or below the pump. I've heard this could be problematic for the cooling performance. Is it safe to install it this way for now, or should I consider changing the case sooner rather than later? I'm aiming for this setup to last around 5 years, especially since I've been using this case for over 8 years and only recently upgraded to a Ryzen 9 5900x. Any advice would be appreciated!
5 Answers
AIO coolers look great, but a good air cooler might give you better performance and reliability without the hassle of potential failure. Just something to think about!
If you haven’t purchased the AIO yet, consider sticking with a good air cooler. It looks like installing an AIO in that case might not work well.
It’s generally not ideal to have the pump higher than the radiator because it can trap air bubbles in the system. This can lead to inconsistent flow which might eventually damage the pump or cause overheating. If you can, consider changing your case sooner rather than later, it’ll save you a lot of headaches down the line!
Honestly, whoever decided on that official picture probably didn’t think it through. You ideally want the tubes either sloping down from the pump or higher than the pump. If weight or aesthetic concerns don’t matter to you, flipping the case upside down could be a temporary fix, but I’d still say consider a better case.
Lol, I had that thought too! An upside-down setup might just be a temporary gig until I upgrade.
I wouldn’t recommend that install method. Having the tubes on top can cause air bubbles to get trapped, leading to noise and even a dead pump. You might want to look into getting a case that allows for better airflow and fitting.
Exactly! Sometimes it's better to just invest in sufficient cooling rather than risking damage.
Thanks for the insight! Sounds like getting a better case is the safer route.