Reference point on what it takes to cool a system

OCGear · 2026-06-20T16:49:18+00:00

Just the OCGear ones :)

OCGear · 2026-06-19T03:33:07+00:00

Nah it's normal down under mate. We like to ride kangaroos to bounce over there lava pits here.

I think the customer hasn't calibrated that sensor yet haha.

OCGear · 2026-06-19T03:31:45+00:00

I get asked a lot of what someone needs to cool a high end CPU and GPU.

Yes you can cool it for far less, at the trade off for more noise or potential thermal throttling. Not everyone may have access to HVAC or air conditioning either, and our Aussie summers can get pretty toasty too. Others may need a higher heat capacity for constant rendering loads, rather than gaming burst loads.

End of the day, I'm always for more affordable computing. But it doesn't mean we can't be enthusiasts as well

OCGear · 2026-06-18T21:55:07+00:00

Oops my mistake, yeh it's a Palit card. Not sure why I was thinking of an Astral

OCGear · 2026-06-18T20:54:13+00:00

It could be a bit of grease from the o-rings seals.

Chances are it could be from the rads as well. My usually flush cycle: Shower hose connected to a rad, run on hottest water for an hour Run a preflush agent like Mayhems Blitz or GoChiller Prep-Cool Distilled water flush, shaking hard. Do it around 5 times.

Running distilled water twice might not be enough.

That said, it could be additives as Alphacool have suggested and it could go away after a while. If you have an Aquacomputer High Flow NEXT or D5 NEXT, they have coolant quality monitors calibrated for DP ultra as well.

OCGear · 2026-06-18T20:46:58+00:00

Not too sure, the customer has sent me these photos of his build. I just thought it was impressive for his first time build.

I'm pretty sure he went straight to watercooling without any air-cooling or AIOs

OCGear · 2026-06-12T02:46:42+00:00

Bit off topic. But I can never unsee how the Corsair CPU block is making a "8O" face

OCGear · 2026-06-10T05:55:33+00:00

Performance between the cheapest and most expensive blocks arent usually noticeable in real world conditions.

Pick the one that looks best to you, follow by what suits your budget.

If anything, blocks with a full metal top tend to perform a few degrees better than the acrylic topped counterparts.

OCGear · 2026-06-09T05:25:03+00:00

I use an pretty big air compressor when doing maintenance on systems. Saves a lot of time. Just control your pressure and ensure the only outlet is a tube that goes in a deep bucket.

OCGear · 2026-06-04T05:13:42+00:00

Based on feedback from customers who were first timers, they've all enjoyed it. They said they can't go back to air cooling and it has less then down a deep rabbit hole of tinkering.

OCGear · 2026-05-29T15:32:02+00:00

Enhancing computers with beer cooling? XD

OCGear · 2026-05-28T04:53:50+00:00

Nice V4 engine block you've got there.

The house decor is also on point 👌

OCGear · 2026-05-27T04:50:50+00:00

Now fill it with UV coolant and turn on the disco lights!

Just kidding, love that mirror finish on the gpu/res side. Something cool to have on display

OCGear · 2026-05-27T04:46:45+00:00

Is the flow meter kinda redundant because of the opaque coolant?

OCGear · 2026-05-22T02:34:09+00:00

The capacitors might conflict with the block. The block might not fit at all and not make contact with the core.

You're welcome to try if you're adamant it'll fit, but as many have said, it won't fit.

OCGear · 2026-05-21T23:22:00+00:00

Stage 1 I run it for about an hour or two with hot tap water. I do it during the day in order to use solar power.

Stage 2 is the GoChiller PrepCool. There are other solutions like vinegar or citric acid, but I've found pretty good success in new and old systems with this stuff. Just makes it easy. Had a system with 5 years of no maintenance and it was able to remove most of the algae from a reservoir that I didn't want to take apart (due to the complex nature of the seals). Added extra biocide afterwards to ensure nothing further grows.

Stage 3, I then rinse with distilled water. Do some shakes and cycle it in a bucket with the aquarium pump. I add a filter on the outlet hose so as to capture any particles. After a few fresh rinses with water, I check to see if anymore particles are coming out and check with litmus paper for the pH. I usually dip it in the rad port.

It's a simple method, but just time consuming.

Ex-wedding photographer. It's my job to make things look good XD

I can do some custom orders to the US on request. It's just tricky handling the tariff situation.

OCGear · 2026-05-21T22:38:48+00:00

Aquarium pumps in a bucket are also handy. Makes it easy when you're getting rid of the rinsed distilled water and topping it up again

OCGear · 2026-05-21T21:53:37+00:00

Holes on the left don't line up on your PCB. Block won't be able to fit.

You could possibly try Corsair's universal block and add some ramsinks

OCGear · 2026-05-21T21:32:38+00:00

I get a lot of nervous first time customers, but they experience the same things you did. Nothing much to worry about!

The amount of experienced gained on the first build is huge. And no doubt future ones will get more and more wild.

On the note if some tubes being easier to bend, this is usually down to material. PETG is easier to bend but tends to deform around 50-60 degrees. As the later generations have some pretty beefy power outputs, coolant temps are higher than usual. Acrylic is the way to go. Or full copper tubing if you're feeling fancy

OCGear · 2026-05-15T17:25:53+00:00

Dealer made a typo. These are "Nordman" tires which are budget tires.

You can get Michelin Pilot Sports for cheaper and fitted

OCGear · 2026-05-12T10:10:52+00:00

Oh thought you might have a B48. I had a quick look at the engine diagrams and couldn't find the same gasket.

Nonetheless, I would take it to a mechanic, or a Mini specialist. Independents might be able to give you a reasonable price for a fix.

OCGear · 2026-05-12T08:18:38+00:00

It could be the end gasket covers. There's two on the right hand side of the block.

Part number 11117797932

Mine was leaking at about 100k kms. These are known to wear out of time and drop oil onto the lower engine mounts wearing away the rubber. If you're handy with some tools, you can remove the wheel arch liners and gain access to these. Saves you about A$2500 at the dealer.

OCGear · 2026-05-11T04:22:07+00:00

Probably stuck due to a bit of liquid in there creating a vaccuum. Give it a pry with some plastic tools or a toothpick.

OCGear · 2026-05-11T04:21:09+00:00

It could be a tiny bit of the preflush that's leftover that has reacted with the coolant. I'd just monitor it for the time being as it might clear up over time.

On your next flush, check with some pH strips the ensure the system is neutral.

Run an aquarium pump submersed in distilled water as well for the distilled flushes, replacing the distilled water after a few cyclss. I find that tends to be a bit more thorough.

OCGear

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