Warning: Gigabyte Liquid Cooling System

[AsusP5N32]

Do not buy this. I purchased one on 10/24/05 and installed in into my system.
The system performed outstanding keeping my Pentium D 830 @ 28deg C.

Everything was working great, until I noticed the coolant getting low, alot lower than it should be in such a short time. I remove the side of the case to see the Reservoir forming cracks in serveral places and leaking all over the bottom on my case. Luckily I had it installed on the bottom of my 3D Aurora case, and so the coolant didnt actually get on any components.

This occured from just normal wear and tear, as the device appeared to have no defects when i inspected it before installing. I placed a call to Gigabyte to try and get a replacement Reservoir, and they are not able to do so. They will only replace the entire system, and I of course no longer have all the oringal packaging to send back, meaning i'm screwed. All I want is a replacement reservoir/pump unit, oh well.

Once again, I recommend to NOT buy this item regardless of how well it performs!
Picture 1
Picture 2

 

[johnnqq]

thanks for the heads up.

you bought the 4d aurora?? there aren NO reviews out. how do you like it?

 

[AsusP5N32]

The case is absolutely fantastic. Very quiet, and has a very sleek look. I went with the silver variety over the black. Everything mounts with plenty of space. There are a few problems however. If you do plan on mounting a liquid cooling system at the bottom of the base, then the normal PCI slots will interfere, and the $130 soundcard I bought was useless since it could not be installed in the case, but you dont have to mount the pump/reservoir if you didnt want too.

Since I've had the problems with my liquid cooling system, i'll be switching over to an active based cooling solution, but as of this time, i'm going to have to go with the case has a better design than any competitor for a similar price. I'd have no problems recommending it over a similar product such as the Thermaltake Shark.

 

[cheesehead]

Uh...wow. That's pretty scary.
I'm not buying any more Gigabyte stuff, that's for sure...

Edit:
You should see if it's possible to just replace the resivoir. I've seen 'em for 20$ online.

 

[kamranziadar]

Thanx for the heads up. That is why i like Thermaltake Big Water SE there is not a slight possibility of leakage.

 

[ribbon13]

I haven't seen much in the ways of cases like the Aurora, but I don't see why you'd bad mouth the case when it's their watercooling kit that's to blame. I'm planning on getting the same case but a DIY watercooling kit.

 

[Doctorweir]

Originally posted by: kamranziadar
Thanx for the heads up. That is why i like Thermaltake Big Water SE there is not a slight possibility of leakage.

Thankfully no component got hurt. :thumbsup:
My bigwater also sits under the desk ready to be installed this weekend (can't wait). But as the whole thing has to be disassembled for this (new retention bracket) it needs time. I don't expect more overclock, but more silence...the Zalman is just too noisy

 

[Shadrack]

Originally posted by: Doctorweir

Originally posted by: kamranziadar
Thanx for the heads up. That is why i like Thermaltake Big Water SE there is not a slight possibility of leakage.

Thankfully no component got hurt. :thumbsup:
My bigwater also sits under the desk ready to be installed this weekend (can't wait). But as the whole thing has to be disassembled for this (new retention bracket) it needs time. I don't expect more overclock, but more silence...the Zalman is just too noisy

I`m using the Zalman Reserator 1 and I will tell you don`t know what you are talking about.
There are no fans it is dead silent.

You Big Water is very noisy for having One fan.....

There is no comparison between the 2.
Your Big water can`t compete when it comes to silence.

 

[Elcs]

Originally posted by: Shadrack

Originally posted by: Doctorweir

Originally posted by: kamranziadar
Thanx for the heads up. That is why i like Thermaltake Big Water SE there is not a slight possibility of leakage.

Thankfully no component got hurt. :thumbsup:
My bigwater also sits under the desk ready to be installed this weekend (can't wait). But as the whole thing has to be disassembled for this (new retention bracket) it needs time. I don't expect more overclock, but more silence...the Zalman is just too noisy

I`m using the Zalman Reserator 1 and I will tell you don`t know what you are talking about.
There are no fans it is dead silent.

You Big Water is very noisy for having One fan.....

There is no comparison between the 2.
Your Big water can`t compete when it comes to silence.

I dont see where he mentioned having the Reserator, he may have been talking about the 7000/7700/9500 in which case you dont know what your talking about.

I have a slight distrust for Gigabyte since my awful Slot A board. It seems strange that they wont replace 1 defective part and will only replace the entire set.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Back on topic.

OP, from looking at your posted pics cafefully, I would have to say someone over tightened
the covers screws.

With a Dremel, a 3/32" drill bit and some Devcon 5 minuet epoxy a very satisfactory repair can be done.

...Galvanized

 

[Doctorweir]

Originally posted by: Shadrack

Originally posted by: Doctorweir

Originally posted by: kamranziadar
Thanx for the heads up. That is why i like Thermaltake Big Water SE there is not a slight possibility of leakage.

Thankfully no component got hurt. :thumbsup:
My bigwater also sits under the desk ready to be installed this weekend (can't wait). But as the whole thing has to be disassembled for this (new retention bracket) it needs time. I don't expect more overclock, but more silence...the Zalman is just too noisy

I`m using the Zalman Reserator 1 and I will tell you don`t know what you are talking about.
There are no fans it is dead silent.

You Big Water is very noisy for having One fan.....

There is no comparison between the 2.
Your Big water can`t compete when it comes to silence.

Indeed I meant the CNPS7700Cu I currently have.
Also considering you fine (12 year old?) gentleman had the urge to PM me calling me dip ******, this conversation is over.

 

[Ripper294]

Very sorry to hear have your problem . I to agree looks like the screws were overtightened.
I love that case . Almost bought it . Instead I opted for the Exps. 2 premounted on a V1000 lian li case And I love it . I am howerver very concerned about the Plastic res. being mounted on the top of the case. The nose on this is almost completely silent . If I manually set the fans to highest settings it is noisey but less than my old air cooled settup.
I have it on auto and it never spinns the fans up that high.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

My further 2 cents.

I do not have nor is it in the budget to go WCed at this time. But if i had a system with a hard plactic reservoir, this is what i would do, based on my long term automotive experiances.

All sharp 90s would be rounded with a smooth file, as they are loaded with stress risers were a crack can/will generate from.

All sharp 90s at any hole would be lightly chamfered for the above reason.

All cover screws would use a washer with a small O-ring between the washer and cover. Much like after market board heat sinks use. The O-rings would maintain pressure w/o over tightening.


All pipe threads would use Teflon paste sealent and only be hand tightened. No pliers or cresent wrench would be used, only the hand.

The tank mounting bolts would have rubber washers on both sides of the tabs used to secure the tank. These bolts would only be screwed down enough to secure the tank.
Clear nail polish on the threads would keep the nuts from ever loosening up.


...Galvanized