PC enthusiasts utilize liquid-cooled solutions for their systems to maximize performance.
However, most people who have lately used liquid cooling are unaware of how frequently they should change the liquid within their cooler.
So, in this article, I’ll explain how frequently and when you should change the coolant in your cooler.
Let’s get started.
How Frequently Should I Change My PC’s Engine Coolant?
You should change the coolant in your liquid cooler every 6-12 months to reduce particle buildup and maintain thermal efficiency. Depending on the coolant you use (pastel, color, or clear), you should change the fluid every 3, 6, or 24 months.
A CPU cooler is an essential component of a PC, like a coolant. So changing the CPU coolant is thus a necessary task because it helps to ensure a lower CPU temperature.
You must change your coolant based on the type of coolant you use. Because each type of coolant has a different density and becomes useless after a specified amount of time.
Bacterial growth is slow in low-density water. Therefore changing it every 3-6 months is not harmful to the liquid cooler.
On the other hand, if you use a high-density coolant, such as pastel water, bacteria proliferate quickly and can be detrimental to your liquid cooler. So the time to change your coolant will vary depending on the type of coolant you use.
When Should I Replace My PC’s Engine Coolant?
When you find that your processor temperature is higher than usual and your coolant color is discolored or changing, it is time to replace the coolant in your liquid cooler. Before changing the cooler’s coolant, you should also clean all of its components.
Different densities of coolant exhibit various symptoms, and depending on the symptoms, you must understand when it is necessary to change the liquid inside your cooler.
There are two methods for determining when to change your coolant. The first is to examine the color of your coolant, and the second is to check the temperature of your processor.
If you see your coolant color is changing or it got discolored, it is time to change the coolant of your liquid cooler. When you use clear distilled water as a coolant, the color will not alter as much as it would with pastel or colored water.
So you’ve determined the quality of your coolant by looking at the temperature of your processor. If the temperature rises above average, you must change the liquid in your cooler.
The CPU can become quite hot. So you should monitor its temperature on a regular basis to avoid damaging the CPU. I’ll use a free program called HWMonitor to monitor the CPU temperature. Other software can also be used.
Here are the steps to check CPU temperature:
- Download HWMonitor.
- Install the program by following the on-screen instructions.
- Open HWMonitor.
- Observe the CPU section for temperature.
If you notice that the temperature is excessively high or higher than usual, you should change the coolant in your cooler; otherwise, you can continue to use the cooler for a few months longer.
How to Replace PC Coolant
Using a wrench, a filling assists such as a funnel, and flexible tubing, carefully drain the water from the cooler. Then, replace the cooler with new coolant and double-check that everything fits precisely and there are no loose ends.
You can replace your cooler with any type of coolant, but picking the best coolant for your gaming PC will boost your cooling performance. You will get the best performance out of your PC if its cooling performance is good.
Note: This procedure applies to open or bespoke loop coolers. If you have a close loop cooler, you must replace the entire cooler because the liquid cannot be changed in a close loop cooler.
Additionally, remember to carefully clean all of the cooler’s components during the cleaning procedure, including the drain valve, joints, and radiator.
The procedure to replace the liquid in a PC is as follows:
- Disconnect all power sources from the PC.
- Using a wrench to loosen the draining section’s joints.
- Drain all of the old coolants.
- Apply some rubbing alcohol to the cooler’s joints to clean them.
- Rejoined the parts.
- Using a funnel, pour in the new coolant.
- Tighten all the joints.
- Using a cloth, wipe up any excess liquid.
Before turning on the computer, ensure that all components have been cleaned. Considering the fact that even a tiny amount of liquid on any component could cause it to short circuit and damage your computer.
Don’t forget to go through our guide on how to tell if the CPU pump is running.
FAQs
Is Water Cooling PC hard to maintain?
Cooling systems need no service if your setup is being cleaned out for a fluid flush. If you’re washing out your pumps, ensure that you run purified water through them to rinse before putting in new coolant.
Can you use water instead of coolant PC?
Freshwater from the tap can be used in an emergency, but it should not be used for an extended amount of time on your computer. Even with heterogeneous catalysts, the ions in tap water diminish quickly from your device’s metal.
Can coolant damage a computer?
If not cleaned or detected early, all forms of fluid can cause harm to components. This is why it is essential to check your system 24 hours before utilizing it.
Conclusion
Changing your coolant on time is critical for your computer since you get the best performance out of your computer when the thermal performance is good.
So, in this article, I’ve described how frequently and when you should change your coolant.
I hope you find the answer you’re looking for. Leave a remark in the section below if you have any questions or feedback.