So many people get this WRONG!

Summary

In this video, the creator debunks the myth that water pumps in PC cooling systems should always be set to 100%. Through testing various pump speeds, the results reveal that lower pump speeds, particularly around 80%, provide equally effective cooling while preserving pump lifespan. The video emphasizes that running pumps at full speed accelerates wear and tear, offering valuable insights for water cooling enthusiasts. The creator discusses the differences between AIO and custom open loops, and encourages viewers to share their own experiences with pump speeds, highlighting the importance of balancing efficiency and longevity in cooling setups.

Takeaways

• 😀 Running your water pump at 100% is a common myth in the water cooling community that is not necessarily true for achieving better cooling.
• 😀 Pump speed has a direct impact on the longevity of the pump; running it at higher speeds accelerates wear and tear.
• 😀 Lower pump speeds, like 80%, can achieve similar cooling results to 100% while extending the pump's lifespan.
• 😀 A water pump's lifespan is affected by its usage at higher speeds, with the rated lifespan being the time it takes for half of the pumps in a test group to fail.
• 😀 Comparing automotive cooling systems with CPU cooling loops is misleading due to the vast differences in temperatures and cooling dynamics between the two.
• 😀 In automotive systems, thermostats are used to prevent overcooling, while CPU cooling loops do not require such mechanisms.
• 😀 Using PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) allows pumps to adjust their speed based on system load, making them more efficient and extending their lifespan.
• 😀 Tests showed that 80% pump speed provided the best balance between cooling and pump efficiency, with temperatures around 87°C, similar to higher pump speeds.
• 😀 The pump's performance is influenced by its motor speed, with lower speeds yielding less wear and more efficient energy use.
• 😀 Air cavitation may occur at 100% pump speed, potentially leading to less effective cooling and premature pump failure.
• 😀 Open-loop water cooling systems, such as those using D5 pumps, may show different results due to higher coolant flow rates, which will require separate testing for comparison.

Q & A

Why do some people recommend setting the water pump speed to 100%?

Many people believe that running the water pump at 100% will improve cooling by circulating coolant faster and cooling the system more effectively. However, this is a myth, as higher pump speeds do not necessarily improve cooling and can shorten the lifespan of the pump.

What are the reasons why running a pump at 100% might not be ideal?

Running a pump at 100% puts it into its fastest degradation cycle, reducing its lifespan. Pumps, like other motorized components, have a finite lifespan, and running them at full capacity accelerates wear and tear. Additionally, higher pump speeds can result in less time for the coolant to cool down in the radiator.

How does pump speed affect cooling performance?

Pump speed influences how quickly coolant flows through the system. At lower speeds, the coolant has more time to dissipate heat in the radiator, leading to more effective cooling. However, running the pump at higher speeds doesn't significantly improve cooling and may even reduce efficiency.

What is the 'sweet spot' for pump speed in a water cooling loop?

According to the testing, the sweet spot for pump speed is around 80%. This provides optimal cooling performance while maintaining a longer lifespan for the pump. Pump speeds of 90% and 100% were found to yield nearly identical results but put more strain on the pump.

What role does cavitation play in the effectiveness of a pump at 100% speed?

Cavitation refers to the formation of air bubbles within the pump, which can occur at higher pump speeds, such as 100%. These bubbles can disrupt the flow of coolant, potentially leading to pump failure and slightly higher temperatures. At 80% pump speed, the likelihood of cavitation is lower.

What factors should be considered when determining the optimal pump speed for a custom water loop?

Factors include the type of pump (e.g., D5, DDC), the size of the system, the cooling requirements, and the volume of coolant. For example, large custom loops with manual pumps might have different optimal speeds compared to small AIO systems.

How do PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) pumps differ from manual pumps in terms of performance and longevity?

PWM pumps are controlled by the motherboard, allowing them to adjust speeds based on system load. However, constantly varying the speed can accelerate wear on the pump. Manual pumps, on the other hand, allow users to set a consistent speed that can balance cooling efficiency and pump longevity.

What is the main difference between automotive cooling loops and CPU water cooling loops?

Automotive loops deal with much higher temperatures, often reaching 215-225°F (about 102-107°C) in engines. In contrast, CPU water cooling systems operate at much lower temperatures, typically around 80-90°C for the CPU and 20-30°C for the coolant, making the two systems fundamentally different in terms of design and function.

How does the ambient temperature affect water cooling performance?

Ambient temperature can influence the cooling performance of a water cooling system. The cooler the room temperature, the better the radiator can dissipate heat from the coolant. A higher ambient temperature can lead to less effective cooling, as the radiator is less efficient at expelling heat.

Why is it important to monitor and maintain the fluid levels in an AIO system?

AIO systems can lose coolant over time due to evaporation. When coolant levels drop, the pump has to work harder to move the remaining fluid, which can lead to cavitation and increased wear on the pump. Regularly topping off the system helps maintain optimal performance and extends the lifespan of the pump.