Failed AIO cooling system. Questions about alternatives to replace it, specs, compatibility etc

[flyingsquirrel]

Apologies for the very long message with lots of questions. This is beyond me, but I want to figure it out and fix the issue myself as opposed to sending the pc somewhere for repair.

A somewhat loud clicking/scratching type noise showed up on the ibuypower today. Upon opening up the case and having a listen, I am 95% certain it’s coming from the iBUYPOWER 240mm Liquid Cooling System. The sound is loudest at the top of the case where the cooling radiator and fans are (and/or might be coming from the pump / hoses). I am fairly certain that the cooling pump or something in that system has failed.

I’m assuming I’d have to send my pc back to ibuypower if I wanted to use the warranty and have them to replace it with a new one of the same type. I’d rather replace it with something new in another brand. I don’t particularly like the idea of trying to take apart the ibuypower cooling system to clean or repair it.

I have a moderate amount of knowledge of computers and components and am comfortable doing some basic part installation and swapping, but I am not an expert and get uncomfortable when it comes to figuring out new or additional wiring for different components. If things are an easy swap in/out or replacement of a similar item, I can handle it. If it requires new cables from the power supply and stuff like that, I am not sure I can get things routed correctly (especially with the professional cable management that was set up with my computer upon building)

A few details on my pc:

Processor:
Intel® Core™ i9-10900K Processor (10X 3.70 GHz /20MB L3 Cache)

Motherboard:
ASROCK Z590-C AC - WIFI, ARGB Header (2), USB 3.2 Ports (1 Type-C, 6 Type-A ), M.2 Slot (3)

Current cooling system (the one that failed / is making a horrid sound)
iBUYPOWER 240mm Liquid Cooling System

Do you have recommendations for any other specific brand / models of 240mm AIO cooling systems that are good quality and would be a relatively easy swap with the ibuypower one currently installed? preferably with the same exact power cable needs and connections, so I don’t have to figure much out.

I was looking at the Corsair iCUE H100i RGB Pro XT, 240mm Radiator, but one of the reviewers said “Be prepared to power this from your main power supply on a SATA power line. Also this needs a constant 12V from the CPU fan header to power properly. On top of all that you have to plug the pump into a USB 2.0 header on the motherboard to get the iCUE app to detect it and control the fans/LEDs.” .. I’m not sure if those connections are the same as the ibuypower cooler I have now, or if the corsair icue would require some new cabling. (what connections and power cable type does the iBUYPOWER 240mm Liquid Cooling System unit use?)

Would the Corsair iCUE H100i RGB Pro XT, 240mm Radiator be compatible with my mobo and processor (noted above)?

How are the fans on the ibuypower cooling system controlled? How does the computer know when to turn the cooling fans or or speed them up? Is it connected to usb and has software or something? if I swap the corsair in, could the fans be controlled through all the same features, or would it still need the usb connection and icue software? I don’t need to customize anything. Just want things to work how the ibuypower one works.

Lastly, there’s a small black rectangular component (1.75" x 2" x 0.5") with a thin black wire coming out of it, positioned between the top of the case and the radiator (so, above the radiator). What is that and what’s it used for? Does it have anything to do with the cooling system?

Thanks for any help you can give regarding my questions about the technical side of things, and about any specific cooling systems you recommend that would be a simple swap out for the ibuypower one.

[Bruce]

how old is the build?
I’ll assume it is still under warranty.

you really should take it back to the retailer for replacement if under warranty still, after all, it is a hidden cost that you have already paid for!
plus, the manufacturer needs to know that their parts are failing and to address a design or manufacturing fault.

have you poked a soft bristled brush into each of the fans to 100% identify the cause?

as to the small black component, an attached picture may be best.

as to compatibility, whatever brand you go for, make sure it’s suitable for your processor socket type, in your case a socket 1200. and get the dimensions on your current radiator and check those with the size of the new one to make sure it’ll fit within the chassis.

[flyingsquirrel]

how old is the build?
I’ll assume it is still under warranty.

you really should take it back to the retailer for replacement if under warranty still, after all, it is a hidden cost that you have already paid for!
plus, the manufacturer needs to know that their parts are failing and to address a design or manufacturing fault.

have you poked a soft bristled brush into each of the fans to 100% identify the cause?

as to the small black component, an attached picture may be best.

as to compatibility, whatever brand you go for, make sure it’s suitable for your processor socket type, in your case a socket 1200. and get the dimensions on your current radiator and check those with the size of the new one to make sure it’ll fit within the chassis.

Thanks for the reply. Not interested in warranty for so many reasons. Too much of a hassle, risk of damage/loss in shipping, waiting weeks / months to get the computer back, get the same piece of junk cooler as the one that broke, etc. They must know by now that it’s a POS since reports online for that brand are plentiful.

I didn’t use the brush test you mentioned (never heard of that / don’t know what it is - can you please elaborate?). However the sound I heard is consistent with other reports of failed coolant pumps.

I took the failed coolant system out today. The little black box I asked about is actually the coolant pump for the system.

Thanks for noting the processor socket type - that was one of the things I couldn’t figure out on my own.

I ordered a Be-Quiet! AIO cooling system today and will try to install it when it arrives tomorrow.

[Bruce]

no worries - each to their own.

let us know how you get on with the BeQuiet!

[Rustys]

Abandoned thread closed