H100 noise fix

Munimentum

Munimentum

Munimentum

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Joined
24 Dec 2007
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736
Hi, so I've noticed recently that my H100 makes a loud noise (grinding sort of noise) at startup and at a much lower volume at idle. I've read that this is a power supply compatibility issue (which is fixed on new models) which can be fixed by running the pump from a fan controller and adjusting it's speed that way. Is this correct?

If so, would I need a 3pin to molex adapter too or would I be able to run it straight away from say, a Bitfenix Recon?

Thanks!
 
usually happens when the pump is running at too low a RPM. You should be able to run it straight to a bitfenix recon but remember to check whether your mobo bios has an alarm/settings for the CPU fan as some mobo's have a default setting where they alarm or stop booting if they detect the CPU fan has failed.
 
I don't believe you can adjust the speed using the 3 pin header, that's just for monitoring the RPM of the pump - the power is drawn from the molex connector.

I experienced the same issue on an original H80. The noise was due to the pump drawing >12 volts which caused the pump's RPM to be too high (~2200 instead of 2000). There were huge threads on Corsair's forums at the time and Corsair's advice was to RMA, but like many others I cba. There are guides floating around that instruct on how to add a resistor to the molex connection to achieve a lower voltage.

Rather than RMA, I used a Zalman Fan Mate modded to output to the H80's molex and ran the pump at ~11V resulting in around 1800RPM and perfect silence.

I'd imagine a 3 pin to molex adapter should work as long as the fan headers can output the required power, but it's not something I've tried myself. A Recon would work, but you'd still require a 3 pin to molex adapter to power the H80.
 
My suggestion in this situation is to RMA the unit and get the replacement. That grinding noise coming from the pump is considered to be a defect which will qualify the H100 for an upgrade to H100i. You are always welcome to initiate that process here, Corsair.force.com. When you decide to do an RMA, let me know so I can help with the shipping arrangement.

Having said that, you could also try what has been suggested above. The pump is drawing more than 12v causing it to run at a higher rpm than it's technical spec, hence, the grinding noise. Many have opted to tone the pump's rpm down by tweaking the voltage down to get rid of the noise. A fan controller would be one option to do this and proven to be effective.
 
Greybeard said:
My suggestion in this situation is to RMA the unit and get the replacement. That grinding noise coming from the pump is considered to be a defect which will qualify the H100 for an upgrade to H100i. You are always welcome to initiate that process here, Corsair.force.com. When you decide to do an RMA, let me know so I can help with the shipping arrangement.

Having said that, you could also try what has been suggested above. The pump is drawing more than 12v causing it to run at a higher rpm than it's technical spec, hence, the grinding noise. Many have opted to tone the pump's rpm down by tweaking the voltage down to get rid of the noise. A fan controller would be one option to do this and proven to be effective.
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Yeah that would normally be my first choice but I unfortunately don't have a replacement cooler at hand at the moment so I'm stuck either trying this remedy or buying a new one and RMAing to sell which isn't ideal either.

Thanks though!
 
Munimentum said:
Yeah that would normally be my first choice but I unfortunately don't have a replacement cooler at hand at the moment so I'm stuck either trying this remedy or buying a new one and RMAing to sell which isn't ideal either.

Thanks though!
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You can always request for an Express RMA to avoid system downtime. You'll just need to phone in to set that up.

It's totally up to you on how you want to handle this, I'm just providing you alternatives where you can fully take advantage of your warranty.
 
ebilcake said:
I wouldn't bother, I've returned coolers to them for the exact same reason and the replacements were exactly the same.
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That's unfortunate, you should have went for another replacement. You'll be surprise how many people got a replacement that did not exhibit any nose pump ;)
 
Greybeard said:
You can always request for an Express RMA to avoid system downtime. You'll just need to phone in to set that up.

It's totally up to you on how you want to handle this, I'm just providing you alternatives where you can fully take advantage of your warranty.
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Yeah I know, thank you :)

I completely forgot about Express RMA actually. I remember I tried that with my M65 and ended up cancelling it as it took so long and I hadn't received anything. Is there an English number to set that up? I remember having loads of trouble contacting Corsair back when I tried that as all the numbers they provided were US contact numbers and I would've had to buy Skype credit or something to contact them.
 
As a potential RMA might result in a H100i these days, I should mention I've got two of these and the pumps have been perfect out of the box on both.
 
Munimentum said:
Yeah I know, thank you :)

I completely forgot about Express RMA actually. I remember I tried that with my M65 and ended up cancelling it as it took so long and I hadn't received anything. Is there an English number to set that up? I remember having loads of trouble contacting Corsair back when I tried that as all the numbers they provided were US contact numbers and I would've had to buy Skype credit or something to contact them.
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No problem at all :)

Unfortunately, just US contact number and none outside the US. Let's start with a ticket and I'll see what I can do with regards to your Express RMA arrangement.

zola25 said:
As a potential RMA might result in a H100i these days, I should mention I've got two of these and the pumps have been perfect out of the box on both.
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Very pleased to hear that zola.. Thank you very much for sharing your wonderful experience with both coolers :)
 
Greybeard said:
Very pleased to hear that zola.. Thank you very much for sharing your wonderful experience with both coolers :)
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No problem at all, I know many people on techie forums only post when they have a bad experience, so it's always reassuring when someone is able to provide some balance to this :)
 
Was just about to send off the RMA request when I remembered my H100 is the OCUK refurbished stock so it only has 90 days warranty :(

Ah well, guess I'll have to do the fan controller method, or buy an H100i I guess.
 
Munimentum said:
Was just about to send off the RMA request when I remembered my H100 is the OCUK refurbished stock so it only has 90 days warranty :(

Ah well, guess I'll have to do the fan controller method, or buy an H100i I guess.
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But you have a 1 year warranty from us (Corsair) if you have a refurbished Corsair AIO cooler :)

I say take advantage of that and submit an RMA request. You can also send me your ticket #, that way I can assist with the process.. and to prove that I am not BSing ;)
 
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