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So for a few months now I have been seeing a WAVE of failing CPU AIO loops coming into the shop. A CPU AIO (all-in-one) is a pre-packaged device that will liquid-cool your CPU. It's a CPU water-cooling solution, that can be easily installed into a system without having to heat/bend tubing, install/test fittings, etc. The AIO combines the water block, radiator, tubes, fans, fittings, and pump into an all-in-one (AIO) package.
At first, most of the failing CPU AIO loops I was seeing, were related to iBuyPower systems using their own self-branded water-cooling loops. More recently, however, I am starting to see other CPU AIO loops, from other brands, failing as well. What gives? Why are these loops dying all of a sudden?
That's when it hit me; they all had one particular characteristic in common.
I noticed that instead of the pump for the AIO being a part of the assembly that is directly attached to the CPU, the pump was actually installed in the RADIATOR!?!
But why would the pump for AIO be in the radiator and not on top of the CPU itself!?
Having the pump directly on the CPU itself is the most efficient method for moving hot liquid away from the CPU! So what gives?!
Well after doing some research, I have found that the Danish company Asetek, actually developed and owns the patent(s) on what would be considered a modern-day CPU AIO water cooling loop. So when you see CPU AIO loops from Corsair, CoolerMaster, etc. The fundamental loop design is actually licensed from Asetek! Manufacturers may make some modifications, make some improvements, add some features, and add their own brand to the product. But that's it!
The core functions and design of a modern "CPU AIO Water Cooling Loop" are all patented by Asetek.
So what can manufacturers do to increase their profits and not have to pay Asetek any licensing fees??
Well, some manufacturers are deciding to switch to a different design of CPU AIO water cooling loop altogether. Not because it's more efficient, but likely just to avoid licensing feed. So by moving to a design where the main components have been moved around (more specifically the pump) manufacturers don't have to license the AIO functionality from Asetek, and more profits are to be had.
Brilliant! *shakes head in disappointment*
Because of this little money-making move? I am now seeing custom computers that are using these radiator-pump-based CPU AIO loops, and they are clogging/dying left and right.
So when you are buying a custom-ordered system from a manufacturer, try to pay close attention to the design of the CPU AIO Loop they are using/installing, and make sure the pump used in the loop is located on the CPU itself, and not in the radiator. Even if you have to pay a little more for an upgraded AIO CPU water cooler... It will be worth it in the long run.
