Normal for water-cooling to be bubbling???...

T-800 · 17 Sep 2008 at 16:21

Is it normal for water-cooling systems to make occasional bubbling sounds? To the extent whereby you're convinced you have an aquarium in the room, even though you don't? I've had this machine since 2006, and have never heard it do that before... It will bubble away for a day or two, then just stop.

I've always been a little dubious over water-cooling systems, ever since I had to have the previous one replaced after receiving my ALX with all its water-cooling tubes broken, and the fluid splashed all over the internal components.

ANDARIAL · 17 Sep 2008 at 17:21

Sounds like air bubbles
Bleed the system mate

Sharpedge · 17 Sep 2008 at 18:59

I think its time to get your hands dirty and figure out where the air is getting into the system. If air is getting in, chances are that water is getting out.

T-800 · 24 Sep 2008 at 19:37

Any way of doing either without risking bad stuff from happening?

Jokester · 24 Sep 2008 at 19:39

The easiest way is to take paper tissue and put it round every joint and leave it for a few hours running. Then take it off and see if any of the tissue has absorbed anything.

T-800 · 25 Sep 2008 at 01:55

Just got off the phone from Alienware tech support, and they suggested that the "bubbling" noise could be attributed to my cooling-fluid levels running low, and that I'll need to top them up. I've been given instructions on how to check the reservoir, so I'll do that in the morning.

If indeed my cooling-fluid levels are running low, can I top them up with *any* cooling-fluid, or must it be the exact same type used by Alienware?

T-800 · 25 Sep 2008 at 12:02

Anyone?

sir-les-mp · 25 Sep 2008 at 12:06

i would say you would be better to use the same cooling fluid as already there.
if you use another type it might not mix properly and you will have to drain the system and start again

T-800 · 25 Sep 2008 at 12:20

sir-les-mp said:
i would say you would be better to use the same cooling fluid as already there.
if you use another type it might not mix properly and you will have to drain the system and start again

Darn... Guess I'm going to have to interrogate Alienware.

Any chance anyone knows what cooling-fluid they use in their ALX machines?