If you own a liquid cooling system, you may have contemplated whether or not it requires regular maintenance and how frequently it should be performed. However, one aspect that may not have crossed your mind is the potential impact of summer heat on the system’s operation, specifically regarding evaporation.
In this article, we will explore the possibility of this issue and identify situations where caution is necessary.
Does my liquid evaporate?
This matter presents an intriguing aspect, given that the liquid circuit of a liquid cooling system is designed to be entirely sealed and watertight, which means it should not experience leaks or water loss.
However, it is important to recognize that nothing lasts forever, and similar to the gas in a car’s air conditioning system that can become compromised over time, the liquid in our PC can also undergo changes.
The rate of liquid loss in a liquid cooling system can be influenced by various factors. Firstly, the type of liquid used plays a significant role. Using water as the coolant differs from using specialized liquids, as their evaporation temperatures, densities, and other factors may vary.
Additionally, the location and usage of the computer are important considerations. If the PC is situated in a city where summer temperatures do not exceed 25 degrees Celsius, the impact will differ from a scenario where temperatures reach 35 degrees Celsius in the shade. Increased ambient temperature leads to greater heat generation within the computer, subsequently increasing the likelihood of liquid evaporation. This basic principle is akin to what occurs with the water in an aquarium.
Lastly, usage patterns have a substantial impact. If we conclude that liquid evaporation is a consequence of heating, increased PC usage will result in greater liquid consumption over more hours. This is akin to the wear and tear experienced by most objects—more usage leads to increased consumption.
If the computer remains unused for a prolonged period of around two years, unless it is subjected to extremely high temperatures, the evaporation rate would be close to zero. Thus, evaporation does not occur solely due to the passage of time but is primarily driven by heat.
Therefore, when considering questions such as “How much liquid can my computer lose after a year?” or “Do I need to refill the fluid regularly?” it is advisable to assess your computer usage and the temperature conditions under which it operates.
As a general guideline, it is recommended to refill the fluid annually to prevent any shortages and potential problems. It would be ideal to perform the refill after the summer season. However, the frequency may vary depending on the type of cooling system employed. If your system allows for convenient addition of liquid, consider refilling whenever you observe a deviation from the original fluid amount, even if it is a small quantity like a thimbleful. This practice will ensure optimal performance consistently.
Now that you are aware of the fluid consumption aspect, you can monitor it more attentively. Rest assured that the amount of liquid consumed will not be excessive, and your PC will not be at risk of damage. However, it is a factor to keep in mind, which you may not have previously considered.