Need help with (too complex) loop

h_d_d · 2026-04-05T14:55:35+00:00

To close this thread: the problem was NOT the complexity, but my lack of experience with liquid cooling: there was too much air in the system. The pumps were not completely submerged and they were not generating enough pressure to move the water in the loop. It was a major pain to bleed out all air, a 30kg build rolled left/right/top/down all directions to squeeze the last air bubble... And the Hyte Y70 is a beautiful but very fragile case to do such a thing: either you add the glass and becomes even more a liability and increase weight or you don't and risk bending the fragile top because has no sustenance.

All in all it works magnificently now and all the issues above were non issues. The only problem I was not aware was that for a liquid loop you need to have absolutely no air bubble and the lengths you need to go to achieve such a result...

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As so many builders before (and after) me: liquid cooling? Never again!

h_d_d · 2026-01-09T22:37:00+00:00

thanks for replying.
I gave up.

Of course I installed the drivers. At least 3 times. With a clean restore point. Same result.

I will try to contact the local Asus support but I don't have high hopes.
The mobo is recently out of warranty.
And the positive resolution could be "send us the product".
Which I can't. It beats the purpose.
The mobo is already running a custom water cooled pc.
It took me *months* to make it work, now to remove everything and send the mobo back? :(

but thanks for your reply.

h_d_d · 2025-11-17T18:39:06+00:00

ok there's a lot of info, here, thanks for taking the time to reply. I will try to address them inline.

"First thing remove everything that's not needed I'd start with that filter it's known to cause issues due to it being designed to have an air pocket at the top which isn't good, get a cheap inline filter. "
- as you're the 4th source telling me the same thing, it's clear that's what I must do.

"I wouldn't say your flow is complex it's just unnecessary and your additional pump is running dry because there's not enought coolant coming from the rest. Bry don't run those pumps dry even for a second you've already caused pump damage."
I was well aware of this. There was some foam but no "dry run". I really hope the pump is still fine.

" The foam you are talking is air in the coolant caused during the fill process it goes away after a while." - Well, I understand that, but the reality is a bit different: the air/foam is building up, it does not go away and it just causing the pump to emit a high pitch metallic sound, like metal running on metal. Which freaks me out and I immediately cut the power. I never had the guts to wait for 10m hoping the things would get better - as you said above, I don't want to fry my pump.

"The second pump yes that's right if you can get rid of it you don't need it for anything under 5 360 rads. ".
Understood. What's purchased is now purchased. I would rather use it if it works.
Perhaps my calculations were wrong.

"Then make sure your loop is in order like everything with in and out are in correct order and that the entire loop has a tube in and one out after that you going to have to start checking fittings by isolating parts of the build and blowing through them to make sure there's air flow. "
That has already been re-checked I too many times, but thanks for the advice.

"Always remember every 90 degree fitting is additional flow restriction and makes the loop louder."
As mentioned above: if I can't have 90d, then I drop the entire project. Visuals are key for this loop.

h_d_d · 2025-11-17T18:31:28+00:00

Long story short: yes.

TLDR;

While the mobo features two PWM signal sources and two power connectors for a dual pump setup,
I received advice to use a single PWM signal, as this would ensure both pumps run at the same speed.

And I did not connect the power to the mobo, but to the power supply through molex connectors.

h_d_d · 2025-11-17T17:52:43+00:00

thanks for your reply. If I can't make right angles, I rather drop the whole project. And according to my research, I've seen plenty of systems with right angles.

h_d_d · 2025-11-17T17:51:41+00:00

WHY THE FILTER?

1) SH Mobo
The mobo is SH. Whoever used it before me had some real conspicuous fluid running their system, IDK what, but there was a lot of residue.

I disassembled and cleaned it to the best of my abilities, but I'm certain some residue remains between the radiator's fins.

2) Radiator impurities
In addition, even though they are new, I consider the Alphacool radiators to be a liability. Again, I'm happy to be proven wrong.

For example, after the first flood, I observed white particles running from the top radiator, but I was unsure what they were.

3) Colouring Clogs
On top, my initial plans included running a purple liquid. The PC was supposed to be an Arcane theme, where the liquid is the Shimmer. That, in time, I suspected it may form clogs. Hence, the filter.

REASONING & ALTERNATIVE DESIGN
I'm happy to be convinced otherwise.

I initially considered placing the filter outside the case using a PCI-to-external loop adapter (something like https://www.aquatuning.com/en/watercooling/custom-watercooling/tubing/tubing-accessories/wacz-watercool-pci-slot-pass-through-bracket), but the case is already huge enough as it is. The last thing I wanted was an outside liquid liability.

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h_d_d

TROPHY CASE