How do you setup leak-test for brand new custom WC kit?

[kuangs168]

as title. i just got all the parts for my WC setup.

the parts are:

Apogee CPU block
Maze 4 GPU block
D5 pump
dual 3.5" reservior
blackice xtreme 2
some hose clamps and tube
2 120mm fans

should I setup it in my emtry case first. if so how do I power up the pump without the motherboard?

if I mount everything to the motherboard, it is risky if there are leaks?

how long to run the setup to make sure leak-proof? leak-testing with water only ok?

thanks

 

[Tu13erhead]

I'd run the system outside of your case for at least a couple days to make sure there are no leaks.

 

[imported_Graeme]

Another way is to setup the system inside the case exactly like it will be once its complete. Then simply unplug the power supply connection from the motherboard and either jump the main power supply so it will power the pump. Let that run for 12-24 hours or use an old AT power supply which doesnt require jumping to test your loop for leaks.

How to jump a power supply

The reason I suggest testing a loop inside the case while mounted in its 'final' setup is fairly straight forward. Every time you move your loop around or disconnect/reconnect to remount it inside the case you introduce a new chance of a leak. By testing inside the case mounted on the hardware as its going to normally operate you can actually test it under 'live' circumstances with adding a chance of leak later on. Make sure you do not power up your motherboard during the test by removing the power connection to the board and you will be able to recover if there is a leak.

 

[JEDIYoda]

not be little the OP...but it sounds as if he is totally green concerning WC....
As I am also...he probably needs to be told the easiest way to do this so he doesn`t go and really screw something up...such as his computer....
Just a suggestion!!

 

[Greenman]

You can also test with air. A trip to the hardware store will get you the fittings you need and a cheap pressure gauge.

 

[0roo0roo]

u fill it with urine and wait for a smell

 

[Elfear]

Originally posted by: Graeme
Another way is to setup the system inside the case exactly like it will be once its complete. Then simply unplug the power supply connection from the motherboard and either jump the main power supply so it will power the pump. Let that run for 12-24 hours or use an old AT power supply which doesnt require jumping to test your loop for leaks.

How to jump a power supply

The reason I suggest testing a loop inside the case while mounted in its 'final' setup is fairly straight forward. Every time you move your loop around or disconnect/reconnect to remount it inside the case you introduce a new chance of a leak. By testing inside the case mounted on the hardware as its going to normally operate you can actually test it under 'live' circumstances with adding a chance of leak later on. Make sure you do not power up your motherboard during the test by removing the power connection to the board and you will be able to recover if there is a leak.

:thumbsup:

That's the easiest way I've found too. I use an old PSU with a switch connected to it to so it doesn't need a mobo attached to it to work. Probably the most useful thing I have as it has saved me numerous times when I thought I had everything tight; but, after leak testing, found that I needed to stop being such a pansy and really crank things down.

OP- If you don't know how to mod an old PSU yourself, than see if a local shop will do it. Well worth the money spent.

 

[1sikbITCH]

Just do it inside the case. I tested mine outside of the case, then hooked them up (2 loops). While hooking them up, I found that some of the tubes were too short for my liking, and ended up retesting inside the case once I replaced the tubes.

I have my watercooling permanently hooked up to an outside power supply anyhow, so running it with the PC off is easy. As a matter of fact, it's a necessity since I'm cooling a TEC.

 

[Doctorweir]

Originally posted by: Graeme
Another way is to setup the system inside the case exactly like it will be once its complete. Then simply unplug the power supply connection from the motherboard and either jump the main power supply so it will power the pump. Let that run for 12-24 hours or use an old AT power supply which doesnt require jumping to test your loop for leaks.

How to jump a power supply

The reason I suggest testing a loop inside the case while mounted in its 'final' setup is fairly straight forward. Every time you move your loop around or disconnect/reconnect to remount it inside the case you introduce a new chance of a leak. By testing inside the case mounted on the hardware as its going to normally operate you can actually test it under 'live' circumstances with adding a chance of leak later on. Make sure you do not power up your motherboard during the test by removing the power connection to the board and you will be able to recover if there is a leak.

That's what I did too. It's the best way to figure leaks out in the final configuration and is the least extra work...
If you test it outside and move it again, you introduce new chances for leaks...

 

[1sikbITCH]

Also using 7/16 tubing over 1/2 fittings goes a long way to eliminate leaks. Just be prepared to cut the tubing off every time you need to disconnect something.