Cooler Leaking: Troubleshooting Guide

Quick Answer

If your AIO or custom loop cooler is leaking, power off immediately, unplug the PSU, and don't run the system again until the affected hardware is dried, inspected, and the cooler is replaced or repaired. Coolant on a live board is a recipe for shorting your CPU, GPU, or motherboard.

How to Spot a Leak Before Damage Spreads

Telltale signs are crusty residue around the CPU block fittings, damp spots on the radiator, sudden jumps in CPU temps, or a fan that smells faintly chemical. AIOs leak most often at the pump head, the tube crimps, or the rad end-tanks. Pop the side panel, shine a torch, and check every fitting and tube run. Any moisture, even a streak, is a hard stop signal. Don't reboot "just to test" because liquid plus 12V rails will fry components in seconds.

Step-by-Step Cleanup and Inspection

Disconnect the PSU at the wall, hold the power button for 10 seconds to drain residual charge, then remove the cooler. Unmount the GPU, RAM, and any PCIe cards that sat under the leak. Wipe everything down with 99% isopropyl alcohol on a microfibre cloth, working from the centre out, and let parts air-dry for at least 24 hours in a dust-free spot. Check the motherboard VRM area and CPU socket pins under bright light for corrosion or coolant pooling.

Replacement, Warranty, and SA Buying Tips

AIO coolers carry warranties of 3-6 years from most brands, and reputable retailers in SA honour RMA on leaks where the unit clearly failed. Hold onto your invoice and serial sticker. When choosing a replacement, look at sealed AIOs from Corsair, NZXT, or Cooler Master, or step up to an air cooler if you'd rather skip liquid altogether. Evetech delivers replacement coolers nationwide with next-day options to Joburg, Cape Town, and Durban for around R150-R200.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a leaking AIO damage my CPU permanently?

It can, especially if the system was running when the leak happened. Coolant is conductive enough to short LGA pins or BGA traces. Power off fast, dry thoroughly, and inspect under magnification before testing.

Is a custom loop or AIO more prone to leaking?

Custom loops have more fittings and joints, so the failure surface is bigger, but they also use higher-quality tubing. AIOs are sealed but can fail at the pump or tube crimps over time. Both are reliable when bought from trusted brands.

How do I claim warranty on a leaking cooler in South Africa?

Keep your Evetech invoice, photograph the leak before cleanup, and lodge an RMA through the supplier. Most brands will either replace the unit or refund through the retailer, provided there's no physical damage from user error.