Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should I use a Koolance system, and not build my own?
2. Do you sell your products directly? Where can I purchase your products outside of the U.S./Canada?
3. How much heat can your systems dissipate? What temperatures can I expect to see?
4. Which processors does Koolance support? Do your systems support multiple cores and processors?
5. Which motherboards does Koolance support?
6. Which power supply does Koolance recommend? How much wattage is required?
7. What coolers and components come with your systems?
8. What are the noise levels of your systems?
9. Can I add your cooling system to an existing case?
10. Which nozzle and hose diameter should I use?
11. Where can I get more information on the installation of a Koolance system?
12. How many liquid coolers can I place into the system?
13. Do you have any problems with condensation?
14. What type of maintenance does the system require?
15. How do you avoid biological growth?
16. Wouldn't glycol, alcohol, or oil be better than a primarily water-based coolant?
17. I am interested in overclocking my system. How high can I get my chip?
18. If your coolers are chained in series, wouldn't hot liquid from the CPU hinder the next cooler's performance?
19. Can I replace your cooling fans with another type/brand?
20. I have another company's product that uses 8mm (5/16") ID tubing. How can I incorporate this?
21. If I modify my Koolance case, will it void the warranty?
22. Can I use peltiers with a Koolance system?
23. Do your coolers work with the ATI or Nvidia video cards?
24. How far away can I place the Exos from my computer system?

• Why should I use a Koolance system, and not build my own? [Top]

  DIY (do it yourself) kits have been on the market for quite some time. Individuals have made arguments for better temperatures or costs, but let's face it: ultimately, some people just like doing it themselves. Mounting the radiator, adapting the pump, splicing wires... if a bit of drilling and cutting doesn't phase you, installing a kit from scratch can be fun. Koolance offers all manner of individual components for just this type of application.

  Until Koolance, it was necessary to order a separate CPU cooler, pump, and radiator (often from different companies), and modify your chassis as needed to accommodate these parts. Although our systems come pre-modified, the individual is still responsible for laying tubing and installing cooler kits. Essentially however, we take the guess work out of fitting components into the chassis.

  As for performance and cost? Well, you'll have to make up your own mind on that one. Many customers simply don't have the time, or appreciate a complete system with warranty from a well-established company (with products on the market since 2000).

• Do you sell your products directly? Where can I purchase your products outside of the U.S./Canada? [Top]

  Koolance.com sells most products directly, but also through existing sales channels. Please see our Dealer Page.

  Koolance and many online resellers and distributors (both in North America and elsewhere) ship internationally. Please check with the individual dealer to inquire into international shipping.

  We realize that the demand is very high for our systems, and although it can be difficult to acquire them in some areas, establishing world-wide distribution is a high priority.

• How much heat can your systems dissipate? What temperatures can I expect to see? [Top]

  Koolance Exos-2 and PC3-700 series systems are designed to accommodate a total heat generation of approximately 700-750W at an ambient temperature of 25° (77°). The PC4-1000 series is designed up to 1000W (1kW). Compact systems, such as the Aquian/ICM and Exos-LT, are designed for a total heat load of 400-500W.

  Power consumption can be used to roughly estimate a system's maximum thermal requirements. However, continuous heat generated by each component is considerably less (even at 100% hardware load). Here is an example of maximum heat output:

  CPU

  130W
  Dual Video Cards

  320W
  Dual Hard Drives

  16W
  Motherboard Northbridge

  12W

  Total:

  478W

  If liquid cooling all of the above items, a Koolance 700W or 1000W solution would suffice, but a higher thermal capacity (1000W) should provide better average temperatures for each component. It will also reduce average noise levels if using an automatic cooling mode. Also keep in mind the possibility for future expansion of the cooling system. Please see How to Build a Koolance for more information.

  Actual system temperatures can vary based on many factors. In general, your CPU die temperature will be 5-10°C (9-18°F) above the Koolance LED display (coolant temperature), depending on the processor type. The liquid coolant will be 4-14°C (7.2-25.2°F) above ambient, depending on power duration, system stress, and the Koolance cooling "mode" selection.

• Which processors does Koolance support? Do your systems support multiple cores and processors? [Top]

  Processor compatibility depends on the Koolance CPU block model. Please see our Product Wizard for details.

  All Koolance systems can potentially support multiple processors and cores. It's simply a matter of choosing a compatible CPU cooling block, and a system that provides adequate heat dissipation for your total hardware load (see How to Build a Koolance).

• Which motherboards does Koolance support? [Top]

  Koolance has integrated chassis solutions to support most ATX and Extended ATX mainboard sizes. Each chassis specifies its maximum allowed motherboard size under "Specifications". Koolance also offers chassis independent systems that can be used with proprietary cases. For water block compatibility, please see our Product Wizard.

• Which power supply does Koolance recommend? How much wattage is required? [Top]

  Koolance offers specialized liquid-cooled power supplies. The power requirements for Koolance cooling systems are relatively low:

  • 8-10W for Exos-LT and ICM systems
  • Less than 17W for Exos-2 and PC3-700 series systems
  • Less than 30W for Exos-2 LX and PC4-1000 series systems

• What coolers and components come with your systems? [Top]

  Because you are allowed to choose which cooler combination you wish to install in your case, Koolance systems do not typically come with any cooler kits. Koolance also offers multiple CPU cooler models, so systems do not normally include these items. However, individual resellers may bundle cooler kits with their systems, so please check the product description before making a purchase.

  Every complete Koolance system includes the heat exchanger (radiator), reservoir & pumps, top cooling module with fans, power control board, and front LED temperature display pre-installed. You are responsible only for installing your chosen cooler kits (CPU, hard drive, motherboard/video chipset). This topic is covered in greater detail on the How to Build a Koolance page.

• What are the noise levels of your systems? [Top]

  Liquid cooling offers the potential to remove all regular fans in a computer system. Koolance's actively cooled heat exchangers feature quiet & reliable dual ball-bearing fans. Cumulatively, they are typically quieter than the average CPU/case fan system.

  • 28-32dBA for Exos-LT and ICM systems (avg.)
  • 26-34dBA for Exos-2 and PC3-700 series systems (avg.)
  • 26-38dBA for Exos-2 LX and PC4-1000 series systems (avg.)

• Can I add your cooling system to an existing case? [Top]

  For customers who do not wish to replace their current chassis to benefit from liquid cooling, Koolance offers various drop-in and external solutions. Koolance also offers the individual components used in full chassis systems for separate sale.

• Which nozzle and hose diameter should I use? [Top]

  Koolance recommends 10mm (3/8") internal diameter tubing and nozzles for most moderate to high-end cooling systems. 13mm (1/2") ID is also available from Koolance. On the smaller side, 6mm (1/4") ID is sufficient for low to moderate level cooling systems. It is also ideal for low-profile servers and other hardware with space constraints like small form-factor (SFFPC) and home theater (HTPC) computers. Please see How to Build a Koolance for more information.

• Where can I get more information on the installation of a Koolance system? [Top]

  We highly recommend that users download our illustrated User Manuals to get an idea of the installation process. There is also an introductory page available on assembling a Koolance system. If you upgrade or build your own computer, you will likely have no difficulty.

• How many liquid coolers can I place into the system? [Top]

  The maximum number of coolers allowed in a system will depend upon your specific thermal requirements and hose configuration. Please see How to Build a Koolance for more information.

• Do you have any problems with condensation? [Top]

  None whatsoever. Our systems do not use refrigerants or thermoelectric devices of any type, so the coolers are always above or equal to ambient temperature.

• What type of maintenance does the system require? [Top]

  Very little. The reservoir level should be checked every 6-12 months, and refilled if necessary (which tends to be rare). We also recommend replacing the liquid in your system every 2-3 years, or if it becomes murky or discolored. Additional Koolance liquid coolant can be purchased inexpensively from Koolance.com, or your local dealer.

• How do you avoid biological growth? [Top]

  The liquid coolant included with each Koolance case includes a small amount of additional chemicals to address biological growth and corrosion. It is important to add only Koolance-approved coolant in filling your system. Regular tap water, bottled drinking water, or "purified" water may eventually cause organic growth or corrosion, which is bad for temperatures, can be messy to clean up, and can even cause permanent hardware damage.

• Wouldn't glycol, alcohol, or oil be better than a primarily water-based coolant? [Top]

  Water-based solutions are the most effective liquids at conducting heat (after mercury)-- better than alcohol, better than glycol, and far better than oil. Oil in particular has three aspects against it: low thermal conductivity, high density, and high cost.

• I am interested in overclocking my system. How high can I get my chip? [Top]

  We do not actively test the overclocking potential of processors with our systems-- only their heat output. It is not guaranteed that a particular processor will run at a specific speed, but if you are overclocking, you'll certainly have better odds with liquid cooling. (Of course, the user assumes responsibility for operating their own equipment at the speed they want.)

• If your coolers are chained in series, wouldn't hot liquid from the CPU hinder the next cooler's performance? [Top]

  The prime focus is on moving the liquid through each component as quickly as possible, but in optimal relationship with the heat exchanger's dissipation potential. There are ways to utilize both series and parallel designs effectively.

  The temperature difference of the liquid between the CPU cooler and the next cooler is typically less than 2°C, and generally quite close to ambient. For most liquids, thermal conductivity falls with increasing temperature, but this occurs only above 130°C in liquid water. Liquid returning to the heat exchanger after completing an entire loop is generally under 10°C higher than when it exited. This makes cooling dual processors, a motherboard chipset, dual video card chipsets, and dual hard drives entirely possible with capable Koolance systems. Naturally, the more cooling blocks added to the system, the more benefit a higher thermal-rated Koolance system can help. (Please see "Why Liquid" for more information.)

• Can I replace your cooling fans with another type/brand? [Top]

  Koolance systems are designed to utilize the included dual-ball bearing, variable-speed fans. Replacing or altering the default fans will void the system warranty, and can result in hardware damage due to increased load requirements. Regardless, if you are replacing the fans on a Koolance system, they must operate in the full range of 4.5-12VDC @0.2-1A. (NOTE: Many 12V fans do not operate below 5V!) Technical support on warranty-voiding modifications is not provided.

• I have another company's product that uses 8mm (5/16") ID tubing. How can I incorporate this? [Top]

  8mm (5/16") ID tubing and nozzles are used in some liquid cooling systems, particularly in Europe and Asia. When incorporating Koolance products into these, it is recommended to use Koolance 10mm (3/8") ID hose barbs. Most 8mm tubing can easily be stretched over these larger barbs by holding the last 6mm (1/4") or so in hot water prior to pushing it down over the nozzle.

• If I modify my Koolance case, will it void the warranty? [Top]

  We realize that a significant number of Koolance owners wish to add a more "personal" touch to their systems. Technically, self-modifications such as windows, handles, mounting neon lights, blow holes, etc. do run in opposition to the chassis warranty, but we also like to encourage uniqueness among Koolance owners. If the modifications do not involve altering the liquid cooling system itself, we may still support a repair/replacement warranty on the cooling system. Some modifications can require us to make a judgment call, so we do reserve the right to refuse coverage of systems which we feel have been altered in an operationally non-safe manner. (Please remember, that adding foreign liquids or dyes will void the warranty coverage of the cooling system.)

  If you have a question on modding or warranty coverage, please contact our Technical Department.

• Can I use peltiers with a Koolance system? [Top]

  Thermoelectric devices can bring the initial chip surface down a few degrees, but the heat output they produce for this effect (not to mention the required power consumption) is substantially greater than the cooling produced. Peltiers can also suffer from heat migration to the cold side after extended use due to this inefficiency. Nonetheless, using them should not provide any difficulty with Koolance products if the water block mounting bracket will allow an object to be inserted above the heat source.

• Do your coolers work with the ATI or Nvidia video cards? [Top]

  Please see our Product Wizard for more information on compatible video coolers for these cards.

• How far away can I place the Exos from my computer system? [Top]

  We have successfully tested Exos systems up to 10 meters (33 ft) from the system with a single CPU cooler. However, the number of coolers and environment can affect the total acceptable length. In general, placing the Exos anywhere within 10 feet of the computer should work well, as long as it remains in an upright position.