Corsair H50 Time to replace?

Kyo

Kyo

Kyo

Soldato
Joined
11 Oct 2003
Posts
9,215
Hi

I have been using my trusty Corsair H50 for around 4-5 years now and it been great and cooling my cpu without any problems.

However i always been a little concerned when is the time to replace and how will i be able to tell. The temps are slightly higher than when i first installed it.? What the highest temp my cpu should run before it starts having problems??

Is it a case of just reseating the cpu with fresh thermal paste or is this a telltale sign of needing replacing. Not really sure how long u can run the H50 with as i couldnt find anything on the net of when you should replace etc.

If i did need replacing what a good recommended replacement?

Thanks
Kyo
 
Replacing the thermal compound wouldn't be a bad idea, but if you're looking to replace the cooler, you may as well just do it.

Are you looking at a single 120mm AIO unit? H80i?
 
snips86x said:
Replacing the thermal compound wouldn't be a bad idea, but if you're looking to replace the cooler, you may as well just do it.

Are you looking at a single 120mm AIO unit? H80i?
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yeah that sounds good. I dont think i want to move back with them giant heatsinks as the Corsair H series take little room. The H80i looks good option. Might try replacing the thermal compound as i havent touched it in a good while. Are you meant to renew the thermal compound once in a while.?
 
Kyo said:
yeah that sounds good. I dont think i want to move back with them giant heatsinks as the Corsair H series take little room. The H80i looks good option. Might try replacing the thermal compound as i havent touched it in a good while. Are you meant to renew the thermal compound once in a while.?
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I don't really know but would think 4-5 years it would be in need of replacing. You may find it's solidified or broken down.
 
My H50 is still running strong, cooling a friends Q6600 which is toasty when overclocked. Reapply thermal paste, clear radiator of dust, check tubing for any obvisious weaknesses.

I replaced my H50 with a H80 (Double thickness radiators) and there was marginal difference.
 
If you haven't changed the TIM for a long while, then I'd definitely recommend that you reapply a new one. Keep in mind that TIM has a thermal conductivity that decreases overtime, so that's probably the reason why there is a slight increase on your CPU temp.

Major issues with these AIO coolers are rather apparent, you would really know if your unit is completely broken or simply out of commission. For example, If your pump has ceased to function, your temps will no where be near your current temp right now. Coolant leaking is another major problem that can be easily detected by visual inspection. If these are the things that you are dealing with, then there is no point of keeping the cooler. Otherwise, ride it until the wheels fall off.

In your case, I'd simply re apply fresh TIM and that should take care of it. Just make sure that you have a good contact between the cold plate and CPU to get the same performance you have been getting over the years.
 
Greybeard said:
If you haven't changed the TIM for a long while, then I'd definitely recommend that you reapply a new one. Keep in mind that TIM has a thermal conductivity that decreases overtime, so that's probably the reason why there is a slight increase on your CPU temp.

Major issues with these AIO coolers are rather apparent, you would really know if your unit is completely broken or simply out of commission. For example, If your pump has ceased to function, your temps will no where be near your current temp right now. Coolant leaking is another major problem that can be easily detected by visual inspection. If these are the things that you are dealing with, then there is no point of keeping the cooler. Otherwise, ride it until the wheels fall off.

In your case, I'd simply re apply fresh TIM and that should take care of it. Just make sure that you have a good contact between the cold plate and CPU to get the same performance you have been getting over the years.
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Thanks for great advise Greybeard much appreciated. No leaks or problem with the pump at the moment as far as I am aware. Will reapply thermal paste as suggested and take it from there cheers
 
Greybeard said:
If you haven't changed the TIM for a long while, then I'd definitely recommend that you reapply a new one. Keep in mind that TIM has a thermal conductivity that decreases overtime, so that's probably the reason why there is a slight increase on your CPU temp.
Click to expand...

Have you thought about pinging an email over to Intel's CPU engineers to remind them of this? ;)
 
Greybeard said:
If you haven't changed the TIM for a long while, then I'd definitely recommend that you reapply a new one. Keep in mind that TIM has a thermal conductivity that decreases overtime, so that's probably the reason why there is a slight increase on your CPU temp.

In your case, I'd simply re apply fresh TIM and that should take care of it. Just make sure that you have a good contact between the cold plate and CPU to get the same performance you have been getting over the years.
Click to expand...


Wow - Greybeard spot on - Reapplied some fresh Arctic Silver 5 and temps down by 10c to 20c from each core.

Idle
===
C1 - 39
C2 - 36
C3 - 38
C4 - 35

Very impressed.!! Will do this more regularly, how often do u recommend?
 
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Kyo said:
Wow - Greybeard spot on - Reapplied some fresh Arctic Silver 5 and temps down by 10c to 20c from each core.

Very impressed.!! Will do this more regularly, how often do u recommend?
Click to expand...

Nice! its good to see those significant drop in your temps :D

I normally do it once a year to keep it fresh and for performance consistency.. but like what the others suggested, every 2 years is totally fine as well.
 
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