Cooler Leaking Fluid: What to Do?

Quick Answer

If your AIO or custom loop is leaking, shut the PC off immediately, disconnect power, and remove the cooler before any liquid touches your motherboard or GPU. Most modern AIOs from Corsair, NZXT and Lian Li carry warranties covering collateral damage when you can prove a manufacturing defect.

First Steps the Moment You Spot a Leak

Power down hard at the PSU switch. Do not wait for a graceful shutdown. Tilt the case so the leak drips away from the motherboard if possible, then unplug every cable. Pull the cooler off carefully, keeping fittings upright. Use lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol at 99 percent to wipe affected components. Let everything air dry for at least 24 hours before testing power again. Coolant is mostly distilled water with glycol and biocides, so it is non-conductive in small amounts but corrosive over time.

How to Tell If Your Hardware Survived

Inspect the CPU socket pins under bright light. Look for green or white residue around VRMs and PCIe slots. Boot the system on a test bench before reinstalling everything in the case. If the board posts and runs Cinebench cleanly for thirty minutes, you probably escaped damage. GPU components are usually fine if you caught the leak early. If you see corrosion or burn marks, file a warranty claim immediately.

Replacing the Cooler in SA

Evetech stocks a full range of replacement AIOs and air coolers from Corsair, NZXT, Cooler Master and Deepcool, priced from around R899 for solid 240mm units up to R5,499 for premium 360mm AIOs with LCD displays. Local stock means you avoid the three to four week wait of overseas RMAs. Most units carry three to six year warranties, and Evetech can guide you through the claim process for the failed unit if it is still in cover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cooler leaking fluid: what should I do first?

Cut power instantly, disconnect cables, remove the cooler, and clean any liquid with isopropyl alcohol. Let parts dry for a full day before retesting.

Where can I buy a replacement cooler online in South Africa?

Evetech stocks AIOs and air coolers from all major brands with same-day Joburg dispatch and two to four day national delivery.

What cooler is best value in SA in 2026?

The Deepcool LT720 360mm and Corsair H100i Elite 240mm sit in the sweet spot, offering excellent thermals from R1,899 to R3,499 with strong long-term reliability records.