A Viewer Sent Me This Broken AIO...

In this video, the host discusses a problematic AIO (All-In-One) liquid cooler unit sent in by a viewer named Dennis. The unit, a Lee Galahad AIO-240 RGB, was reported to have issues with overheating, which was suspected to be due to a clogging issue within the loop. The host praises the manufacturer for their prompt replacement policy but criticizes the delay in their public acknowledgment of the problem. After testing the unit and confirming the overheating issue, the host disassembles the AIO to reveal significant blockages in the micro fins, which impede fluid circulation and heat dissipation. The video concludes with a comparison of Lee's response to similar issues faced by MSI, highlighting the importance of proactive communication and customer support in such situations.

Takeaways

• 📦 The video discusses a broken AIO (All-In-One) cooler sent by a viewer named Dennis, who is also a Patreon supporter.
• 🌟 The AIO cooler in question is a Lee Galahad aio-240 RGB, which has been reported to have issues with clogging, affecting its performance.
• 🔥 The clogging issue leads to the AIO cooler running hot, which can cause overheating problems for the CPU.
• 💻 The manufacturer of the AIO cooler offered to replace Dennis's unit for free, without asking for the old one back.
• 🌐 The problem seems to be widespread, affecting multiple users across the globe.
• 🛠️ The video includes a detailed inspection and testing of the AIO cooler to diagnose the overheating issue.
• 📈 The tests show that even at idle, the CPU temperature increases significantly when using the clogged AIO cooler.
• 🔧 Disassembling the AIO cooler reveals a significant amount of gunk clogging the micro fins, which hinders the circulation of the coolant.
• 📢 Lee responded to the issue by stating that it originated from a residue corroding with the coolant over time, and they have fixed the manufacturing process.
• 🛑 The video criticizes Lee for the delay in publicly addressing the issue and leaving users in the dark.
• 🔄 Lee is offering replacements for affected units, and they have prioritized the RMA process for affected users.

Q & A

What was the issue with Dennis's AIO unit?

Dennis's AIO unit was running exceptionally hot, which was not the case when it was initially used. It was suspected that there was a leak, a pump failure, or something had clogged the loop.

How did the manufacturer respond to Dennis's issue with the AIO unit?

The manufacturer offered to replace Dennis's unit completely for free without asking for the old unit back.

What is the general issue affecting the Lean Lee Galahad AIO-240 RGB units?

The general issue affecting the Lean Lee Galahad AIO-240 RGB units is a clogging problem, which is similar to what happened with the MSI AIO units.

How does the AIO unit's pump location affect its functionality?

The Galahad AIO units have their pumps mounted inside the block, which is typical of most Asetek designs. This location can affect the circulation of the fluid and the overall cooling efficiency of the unit.

What was the initial test performed on the AIO unit?

The initial test was an open air test to see if the overheating issue Dennis described could be replicated.

What was the temperature reading of the AIO unit after a certain period of testing?

After a certain period of testing, the temperature reading of the AIO unit was 84 degrees Celsius, which is considered very high and indicative of a clogged loop.

What was discovered upon disassembling the AIO unit?

Upon disassembling the AIO unit, a significant amount of gunk and debris was discovered, which was clogging the micro fins and preventing fluid from circulating properly.

What was the manufacturer's response to the clogging issue in their AIO units?

Lean Lee acknowledged the issue and stated that they became aware of it in Q1 of 2022. They fixed the manufacturing process to prevent corrosion from soldering flux and enforced a zero tolerance policy for second time soldering of the radiator. They also prioritized the RMA process for affected units.

How did the response from Lean Lee differ from MSI's response to a similar issue?

Lean Lee provided replacements free of charge without requiring the old unit to be sent back, without regional stipulations, and continued the quick replacement policy until every affected user was taken care of. MSI, on the other hand, limited their advanced RMA to just the US and Canada and required users to send back their old units after receiving a replacement.

What was the main criticism towards Lean Lee's handling of the issue?

The main criticism was the delay in making a public statement regarding the clogging issue, leaving many users in the dark about the problem with their AIO units.

What advice was given to users who suspect their AIO unit might be clogged?

Users are advised to check their idle and load temperatures to verify if their unit might be clogged. Even if temperatures aren't extremely high, being proactive and reaching out to the manufacturer is recommended.

Outlines

00:00

📦 Unboxing and Introduction to the AIO Issue

The video begins with the host expressing gratitude to Dennis, a viewer and Patreon supporter, for sending in an All-In-One (AIO) liquid cooler that has been experiencing problems. The host outlines the plan to investigate the AIO's issues, which are suspected to be related to clogging, similar to a previous issue with MSI AIOs. The manufacturer's response to the problem is also discussed, highlighting their decision to replace affected units without requiring the old unit back. The video promises a deep dive into the problem, starting with a physical inspection and followed by an open-air test to replicate the overheating issue.

05:01

🔍 Investigating the AIO's Clogging Problem

The host conducts a thermal test using the AIO and observes that temperatures are rising, indicating a clogging issue within the loop. The video provides evidence of the clog through thermal imaging, which shows a significant disparity in temperature between different sections of the loop. The host criticizes the use of tamper screws in the AIO's design, which are seen as an attempt to deter users from opening the unit. Upon disassembly, the host finds a substantial amount of gunk inside the micro-fin channels of the AIO block, confirming the clogging issue. The host explains how this clog severely restricts the flow of coolant, leading to a buildup of heat within the block.

10:05

🤔 Addressing the Manufacturer's Response to AIO Clogging

The host discusses the manufacturer's delayed response to the AIO clogging issue, expressing disappointment at the time it took for them to publicly acknowledge the problem. A comparison is made to MSI's handling of a similar issue, where they provided a quicker and more proactive response. The host reads out the manufacturer's statement, which explains the cause of the clogging as a result of soldering flux residue that corroded over time. The manufacturer's commitment to a replacement policy for affected units is highlighted, but the host emphasizes the importance of a timely public statement to inform users of the issue and the available remedies.

15:07

🌍 Global Replacement Policy and Comparison to MSI

The host praises the manufacturer for their global replacement policy, which does not stipulate regional limitations for affected users. This approach is contrasted with MSI's more limited Advanced RMA policy, which was restricted to the US and Canada. The host encourages companies to be proactive and transparent about issues and to offer solutions that minimize downtime for users. The video concludes with a call for companies to learn from these incidents and handle similar situations more effectively in the future.

20:08

🏁 Conclusion and Thanks

The host wraps up the video by thanking Dennis for sending in the AIO unit for review. He invites viewers to share their thoughts on the issues discussed, particularly concerning the recent spate of AIO clogging problems. The host expresses his diminished faith in AIOs due to these issues and encourages viewers to like, subscribe, and engage with the content if they found it informative.

Keywords

💡AIO (All-In-One)

An All-In-One, or AIO, refers to a liquid cooling system that is self-contained, typically consisting of a pump, radiator, and fan(s), all in one unit. In the video, the AIO is central to the issue being discussed as it is the component that is malfunctioning and causing overheating problems.

💡Overheating

Overheating is a condition where a system or component generates more heat than it can dissipate, which can lead to performance issues or damage. In the context of the video, the AIO is causing overheating due to a clogged loop, which is a significant problem for the user's computer.

💡Clogging

Clogging refers to the blockage of a passage or channel, often due to the accumulation of debris. In the video, the AIO's cooling loop is clogged, which prevents the coolant from circulating effectively and leads to overheating. The script describes the discovery of a clogged tube within the AIO.

💡Thermal Paste

Thermal paste is a compound applied between a heat source (like a CPU) and a heat sink to improve thermal conductivity. In the video, the use of thermal paste is mentioned in the context of ensuring consistent temperatures during testing with an air cooler.

💡Tamper Screws

Tamper screws are designed to prevent unauthorized disassembly of a product by breaking or deforming when an attempt is made to remove them. The video discusses the use of tamper screws on the AIO, which the presenter finds inconvenient and indicative of a design that doesn't encourage user servicing.

💡RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization)

RMA refers to a process where a customer returns a product to the manufacturer for repair or replacement under warranty. The video discusses the RMA process as a solution for customers with clogged AIOs, highlighting the manufacturer's response to the issue.

💡Soldering Flux

Soldering flux is a material used in the soldering process to clean and protect the metal surfaces being joined. In the video, it is mentioned as a residue that can corrode and cause clogging when left in the radiator of the AIO, contributing to the overheating issue.

💡QC (Quality Control)

Quality Control is a process that ensures manufactured products meet certain quality standards. The video mentions QC in the context of the manufacturer's checks for soldering flux residue, which led to the clogging issue in some AIO units.

💡Patreon Supporter

A Patreon supporter is an individual who provides financial support to a creator on the Patreon platform. In the video, the viewer who sent the broken AIO is identified as a Patreon supporter, which is a way of acknowledging their contribution to the channel.

💡Thermal Grizzly

Thermal Grizzly is a brand known for producing thermal interface materials, such as thermal paste and carbon pads. The video mentions using a carbon pad from Thermal Grizzly to ensure consistent testing conditions.

💡Wraith Prism Cooler

The Wraith Prism Cooler is a type of air cooler used for cooling CPUs. It is mentioned in the video as part of the testing process to establish normal CPU temperatures for comparison with the AIO's performance.

Highlights

Viewer Dennis sent a problematic AIO unit for examination.

Dennis covered shipping costs and is a Patreon supporter.

The AIO unit, a Lean Lee Galahad, exhibited overheating issues.

Manufacturer replaced the unit for free without asking for the old one back.

The issue with the AIO unit is suspected to be a clogging problem.

Lean Lee's handling of the issue is compared to MSI's approach.

The AIO unit will be tested on an open air test bench.

No leak is detected in the system, ruling out that as a cause of the thermal issue.

The pump is confirmed to be working, indicating the problem lies elsewhere.

Temperatures rise rapidly during the idle test, indicating a clogged loop.

Thermal imaging reveals a significant disparity in temperature between tubes.

Disassembly of the AIO unit reveals clogging and buildup of debris in the micro fins.

Lean Lee acknowledges the issue and provides a statement regarding the clogging loops.

The manufacturing process has been corrected to prevent future issues.

Lean Lee offers a proactive RMA process for affected Galahad AIO units.

Lean Lee's response is contrasted with MSI's regional limitations for their RMA process.

The video concludes with a call for companies to be more proactive in addressing issues.

Greg, the presenter, thanks Dennis for sending the unit and invites viewer engagement.