Koolance RM2-4U User Manual

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Superior Liquid Cooling Systems

UNIVERSAL MANUAL

Protected by U.S. Patents 5,731,954; 6,234,240; 6,313,990

Other Technology Pending U.S. & World-Wide Patents

English v2.00

This User Manual is updated regularly. Please be sure to check our support page for a newer version of this guide:

www.koolance.com/support

GENERAL PRECAUTION

Please read this manual carefully before beginning the installation of your Koolance system. This manual assumes the user has basic experience in building and configuring computer systems. Information referring to traditional hardware assembly is intentionally brief.

ABOUT SIGNS Throughout this document, critical information is highlighted in gray-colored boxes. The following symbols are intended to prevent you from any situation which may cause personal injury and/or damage to equipment:

WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not

avoided, could result in personal injury or be life-threatening.

CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not

avoided, may result in damage to equipment.

PROHIBITED: Indicates a prohibited action.

PROHIBITED USE

This product is designed, developed and manufactured as contemplated for general use, including without limitation: general office use, personal use and household use, but is not designed, developed and manufactured as contemplated for use accompanying fatal risks or dangers that, unless extremely high safety is secured, could lead directly to death, personal injury, severe physical damage or other loss, including without limitation: nuclear power core control, airplane control, air traffic control, mass transport operation control, life support, or weapon launching control. If these products are used in such hazardous environments, Koolance Incorporated does not warrant them.

TRADEMARKS

The Koolance name and logo, and the Exos name and logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Koolance, Inc. Other company and product names used in this publication are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

iUser Manual

WARNING: The Koolance liquid & coolant pack contain chemicals

which may be harmful or fatal if swallowed. KEEP THIS AND ALL DANGEROUS CHEMICALS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. If ingestion has occurred, seek medical attention immediately . Give two glasses of water. Do not induce vomiting. In the case of eye contact, flush eyes immediately with water for 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses. Call a physician if irritation persists. Some individuals may have an allergic skin reaction with the solution, although generally mild. Avoid contact as much as possible, and wash exposed area with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation persists, or if contact has been prolonged, get medical help. For further information, please visit our website at: www.koolance.com

CAUTION: Koolance Incorporated can not be held responsible for any damage to your system due to misconfiguration or incorrect installation. If there is any point of installation that you do not understand, please contact our Technical Support Staf f at: tech@koolance.com, or visit our website at: www.koolance.com

CAUTION: Liquid cooling systems are not yet universally supported by hardware manufacturers. In some situations, adding liquid coolers and other components to computer hardware might void the manufacturer’s original warranty. Procedures which may impede on hardware warranty will be indicated in the manual by gray-colored Caution boxes. Installation of the device is ultimately done at the user’s own risk. If you have any specific questions on warranty coverage, please contact your component or computer manufacturer .

KOOLANCE CONT ACT INFORMATION

Koolance Inc. (USA) Address: 1111 344th St. Ste. 202, Federal Way, WA, USA 98003

Telephone: +01-253-839-8999 Fax: +01-253-839-3307 Sales Email: sales@koolance.com Tech Email: tech@koolance.com Web: www.koolance.com

Table of Contents

Introduction............................................................................................1

PC2 System Diagram .................................................................4

IPC System Diagram ..................................................................5

ExosTM System Diagram ..............................................................6

LED Display Panel ......................................................................7

Reservoir & Pumps.....................................................................8

Heat Exchanger .......................................................................... 9

Power Control Board.................................................................10

Connecting PC2 & IPC Systems......................................................... 11

Power Control Board.................................................................12

Cooler Arrangement.................................................................. 13

Cutting Tube Lengths................................................................ 14

Connecting Tubes..................................................................... 15

Clamping .................................................................................. 16

Disconnecting ........................................................................... 17

Connecting Exos

Systems................................................................ 18

Positioning the ExosTM...............................................................19

External Quick-Release Nozzles & Power Cable ......................20

Slot Interface Adapter ............................................................... 21

Cooler Arrangement.................................................................. 24

Cutting Tube Lengths................................................................ 25

Connecting Tubes..................................................................... 26

Clamping .................................................................................. 27

Disconnecting ........................................................................... 28

Installing Coolers.................................................................................29

Chipset Cooler on a Motherboard .............................................30

CPU Cooler...............................................................................32

Chipset Cooler on a Video Card................................................35

Hard Drive Cooler .....................................................................37

Filling & Maintenance..........................................................................40

Testing & Filling.........................................................................41

Draining & Maintenance............................................................ 44

Troubleshooting.....................................................................................45

Limited Warranty ...................................................................................48

iiiUser Manual

Included Hardware

PC2 Series Systems:

- motherboard standoffs & insulating washers

- motherboard, slot card, 5.25” drive, and floppy screws

- hard drive mounting screws

- ATX power jumper wire

- refill funnel

- liquid coolant mixture

- extra PVC tubing

- drive mounting rails

- user manual

Required Tools

During installation, you may need the following tools:

flat-head screw driver

phillips-head screw driver

pliers

needle-nose pliers

scissors

Chapter1

Introduction

1User Manual

Congratulations on your purchase of a Koolance system! As the most sophisticated product of its kind, Koolance offers many unique

features found nowhere else in the realm of computer cooling. In addition, you can expect to enjoy all of the advantages that water-cooling technology brings with it.

Advantages of W ater Cooling

Water transfers 30 times faster, and holds over 4 times more heat than air.

With this thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity, it’s easy to see why liquid cooling is getting a lot of attention from hardware manufacturers.

Heat-producing devices in a typical computer are cooled by air. Generally , this involves mounting a heat sink and fan to each component. For example, heat generated from your CPU is transferred into a metal heat sink, where a fan blows air across its wide surface area.

While altering a heat sink’s size and makeup can improve the effectiveness, it is still limited because air absorbs and transfers heat very slowly . To help compensate for this, the fan is often run at a higher speed. Many people have therefore come to equate high performance with high noise. As systems continued to be upgraded, the required heat sinks simply got larger and louder.

Liquid cooling greatly reduces the noise issue. A larger amount of heat is withdrawn from the components more quickly , and less airflow is required to cool them.

The heat exchanger is also located remotely from heat-producing devices, so airflow can be controlled. This considerably reduces dust accumulation on sensitive hardware and can result in a cleaner overall system.

Advantages of Koolance Systems

Koolance was the first company to offer fully-integrated, consumer-level PC liquid cooling systems to the world-wide market. Our products are designed and built to look and operate professionally. You will not need power tools or a tape measure to install your Koolance system, and it should even be less difficult than assembling your own computer.

Koolance offers liquid coolers for every major hardware device. Providing enormous flexibility , you can customize your system to fit your specific needs— cool dual processors in a server, multiple hard drives in a RAID configuration, or add video cooling to a gaming rig.

2 Introduction

The heart of a liquid cooling system is the pump. This device pushes liquid through each cooler and into the heat exchanger. Koolance systems use dual pump s to increase reliability and liquid pressure. If one pump should fail, the second can help prevent potential damage caused by heat increase.

Every Koolance system includes built-in hardware safety features. Our proprietary power control board constantly monitors liquid temperature, sounding an alarm if it should get too high, and even turning-off your computer if you are not there to do so.

But Koolance’s innovations extend beyond just cooling features. Our safe, patent- pending CPU Retention Clip places even pressure across the CPU, protecting the chip and simplifying installation. There’s even a ratcheting tension screw for precise contact pressure.

Finally, Koolance systems allow coolers to be easily exchanged and upgraded to address future hardware compatibility .

3User Manual

PC2 System Diagram

Heat Exchanger

Power Control Board

Air Duct

80mm Fan

Holders

LED Display Panel

Reservoir &

Pumps

Chassis Stabilizers

Liquid Refill T ap

4 Introduction

IPC System Diagram

Heat Exchanger

Power Control

Board

Reservoir &

Pumps

LED Display Panel

Key Lock

Front USB Ports

5User Manual

Exos System Diagram

Reservoir & Pumps

Heat Exchanger

Power Control Board

LED Display Panel

Power Connection

Liquid Quick-Release

V alves

6 Introduction

LED Display Panel

The front control panel is a convenient display which will allow you to monitor liquid temperature, set the fan mode, and toggle temperature display settings (ºC or ºF).

Mode 1 operates your system at 45% power until the temperature reaches 45ºC (1 13ºF), then increases to 100% power.

Mode 2 operates your system at 45% power until the temperature reaches 35ºC (95ºF), then increases gradually to 100% at 40ºC (104ºF).

Mode 3 runs the cooling system at 100% power. While this will provide the best temperature range, it is not the most silent, and largely unnecessary in operating your Koolance system.

The “Accelerated” light indicates that your system is running above 45% power .

100%

Audio Alarm

45%

Fan Power

35ºC 40ºC 95ºF 104ºF

CAUTION

automatically be shut-off to the entire computer . Unsaved files and documents may be lost. Always make regular backups of your files.

: If the LED temperature reaches 53ºC (127ºF), power will

45ºC

113ºF

LED T emperature

50ºC

122ºF

Auto-Shutdown

53ºC

127ºF

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Reservoir & Pumps

The coolant tank includes many features which are distinctive to a Koolance system. It is also translucent for easy liquid-level monitoring. Dual pumps carry a flow rate of approximately 1030cc/min. Redundancy also provides higher system reliability; if one pump should fail, the other will maintain an acceptable temperature, or gradually bring the system to shut itself down (see LED Display Panel).

Intake Nozzle

8 Introduction

Outlet Nozzle

Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger, or radiator , is located beneath the fan cooling module. This is the primary cooling element, specifically designed for liquid cooling, and provides high thermal dissipation in a relatively small area. Inside, an aluminum mesh (Louver fin) is webbed between 13 horizontal liquid paths.

Below the heat exchanger is a plastic Air Duct. This guide helps shield hardware from dust accumulation. It also directs airflow over the Power Control Board to assist with cooling.

CAUTION: The plastic Air Duct beneath the Heat Exchanger in PC2

Systems assists with air separation and cooling. It should not be removed.

Air Duct

9User Manual

Power Control Board

Near the heat exchanger, the Power Control Board is responsible for a number of tasks, including: powering the pumps, LED display , heat exchanger fans, and operating the audio alarm and shutdown modes.

CPU T emperature Probe

LED Display

12V Power Supply

Connection

Heat Exchanger Fans

ATX Power Switch

Pass-Through Connections

Pumps

(NOTE: The Power Control Board connections and layout may vary depending on the system model.)

Introduction

(NOTE: Please skip to the next chapter if you have an Exos System)

Chapter2

Connecting PC2 &

IPC Systems

11User Manual

Power Control Board

Y ou may begin the installation of your Koolance system by mounting a power supply in the chassis. The liquid cooling system requires approximately 8-10W from any standard A TX power supply .

Connect a 12-volt 4-pin Molex plug from the power supply to the Power Control Board. Without this important connection, the Koolance system will NOT operate.

CAUTION: The Power Control Board is vital to system operation. A

12V 4-pin plug from the power supply must remain connected to the circuit at all times while the computer is in use.

Connecting PC2 & IPC Systems

Cooler Arrangement

The components in your Koolance system are connected in series. Each system contains a heat exchanger and reservoir , but you must choose which coolers you wish to install in between, for example:

CPU Cooler, Motherboard Chip set Cooler, V ideo Chipset Cooler

CPU Cooler, 2nd CPU Cooler , Video Cooler , Hard Drive Cooler

Although it is possible to use up to eight (8) coolers in a Koolance system, a maximum of six (6) is recommended due to a reduction in liquid pressure. Coolers can also be added or removed later as required.

Typically, a cooler sequence will be:

1. Heat Exchanger

2. CPU Cooler

3. CPU Cooler (for dual-processor systems)

4. Motherboard Chipset Cooler

5. Video Card Chipset Cooler

6. Hard Drive Cooler

7. Reservoir (which connects back to the Heat Exchanger)

However, this order is optional and you may connect your coolers in an alternate sequence if desired.

13User Manual

Cutting Tube Lengths

Before securely clamping the coolers, you must cut appropriate lengths of tubing to connect each device. It may be easier to temporarily lay your motherboard and video card inside the case to better estimate the required amounts.

The system will come with two ends of tubing with which to attach your coolers. These tubes are already connected and clamped to the Heat Exchanger and Radiator.

Tube from Heat Exchanger

CPU Cooler Thermal Sensor

Tube to Reservoir

Additional tubing has been included with your system should you require it, and more can be purchased from your Koolance dealer.

With one of the connected hoses, roughly estimate the length you will need to your first cooler (usually the CPU cooler), and cut it.

Cut the second hose with enough length to connect with the last cooler that will be in your system.

Using the leftover tubing, cut shorter pieces to link between each individual cooler.

14 Connecting PC2 & IPC Systems

Connecting Tubes

Each cooler kit contains clamps to secure tubing to the cooler’s nozzles. Thread a clamp onto each tube before connecting it to the cooler nozzle.

Attach by squeezing the tube while pushing firmly over the nozzle. The tubing should completely cover the nozzle.

If you are finding it difficult to connect some tubes (such as to the CPU cooler), try temporarily stretching-out the tube end by inserting need-nose pliers.

Continue connecting all of your coolers in the system until there are no longer any open tube ends.

Although it is most common for tubing from the heat exchanger to go directly to the CPU cooler, liquid may circulate in either direction through the coolers.

15User Manual

Clamping

After every cooler is connected, you may tighten the clamps to secure them. Clamping is done by positioning the reusable clamp just behind the cooler nozzle, and slowly applying pressure on the adjustment lobe with pliers until it locks.

CAUTION: The clamp should be tightened behind the widened portion

16 Connecting PC2 & IPC Systems

of the cooler nozzle. Do not tighten a clamp over or on this nozzle section, as damage may occur to the cooler.

Disconnecting

Inevitably , a connection will need to be undone, either because you are adding another cooler, or because something did not go properly during assembly . Be sure there is no liquid within the system before unclamping a component (see Draining for more information).

Clamps can be unlocked by inserting a small flat screw driver into the center of the adjustment lobe and twisting. If done correctly , the clamp will snap open and can be used again.

Unlocking

Cooler nozzles are designed to grip very tightly to the tubing. If you find it difficult to remove a tube after unlocking a clamp, try leveraging it off with needle-nose pliers. (As a last resort, it can also be carefully cut length-wise along the cooler nozzle.)

Each time a metal clamp is removed, it will have distorted the tube beneath it. This last portion (about 1cm, 7/16”) should be cut off to ensure a perfect fit with the next connection.

17User Manual

(NOTE: Please skip to the next chapter if you have a PC2 or IPC System)

Chapter3

Connecting Exos

Systems

18 Connecting Exos Systems

Positioning the Exos

As an external unit, the Exos is designed to operate in various locations. Based on testing, Koolance has found the Exos to function adequately up to 10 meters (33 feet) away from most computers, depending on the system configuration and environment. (Excessive distance can lead to pump pressure drop and undesirable temperatures, however.)

The Exos must be operated upright. The pumps and reservoir are less effective when running sideways, and it is difficult to maintain air filtration in this manner.

Rubber foot pads, or alternatively , self-adhesive velcro strips are included to attach the Exos to your computer chassis. If you are frequently transporting your computer system, Koolance recommends the “Exos Attachment Belt” (purchased from your Koolance dealer) to firmly strap the unit to your computer chassis.

Rubber Foot Pad

Exos Attachment Belt

Velcro Adhesive Strip

19User Manual

External Quick-Release Nozzles & Power Cable

There are two segments of blue external tubing with your Exos system. You will need to install a white quick-release nozzle on one end of each.

Thread a metal valve bolt over the end, and slide the tube over the narrow portion of the nozzle. Tighten the metal bolt by firmly screwing it to the plastic nozzle.

Once completed, connect both quick-release nozzles and the external power cable to the Exos.

If you are having difficulties inserting quick-release nozzles into the rear connections, press the top valve button to close the valve. The nozzle will not fit into the Exos if the valve is open.

NOTE: Once filled, it is normal for the quickrelease nozzles to leak a small amount of liquid upon disconnection.

20 Connecting Exos Systems

Slot Interface Adapter

The Slot Interface Adapter allows the Exos to connect with any computer through an available card slot. It is responsible for both input and output tubes, along with the external power cable connection. This prevents the computer chassis from requiring any modifications.

Install the Interface Adapter from the inside of the case, guiding the tension springs out the back of the slot. The Interface Adapter may be installed into any available rear card slot in your computer.

Screw the Interface Adapter in place as you would a normal device.

From the rear of the case, carefully feed both ends of the liquid tubing through the tension springs and into the chassis.

Plug the remaining end of the Exos external power cable into the Slot Interface Adapter.

21User Manual

CPU Temperature

Probe

Case ATX Power Switch

Motherboard Power Switch

Optional Fan Connections

Exos External

Connection

There are 4 main connections to the Slot Interface card which must be made. The Exos may appear to operate without some of these connections, but the hardware safety features will be deactivated.

Power Supply 4pin 12V

The Exos cooling system requires approximately 8-10W from any standard A TX power supply . Since it is adapted internally , the Exos does not need a dedicated external AC power cable.

Connect a 12-volt 4-pin Molex plug from the power supply to the Slot Interface Adapter . Without this important connection, the Exos system will NOT operate.

CAUTION: The Slot Interface Card is vital to system operation. A 12V

22 Connecting Exos Systems

4-pin plug from the power supply must remain connected to the circuit at all times while the computer is in use.

The black CPU temperature probe is the reading displayed by the front LED panel. Y ou will position this thermal probe later during the installation of your CPU cooler .

There are 2 power switch connections on the Slot Interface Card. Instead of connecting the chassis power switch to your motherboard, it will meet with a wire to the Slot Interface Adapter .

Unplug the chassis A TX power switch lead from the motherboard. The power switch is typically labeled “PWRSW”, “PWSW”, or “PWBT”.

Connect this lead to the pronged male connection from the Exos Slot Interface Adapter.

The second lead from the Slot Interface will connect to your motherboard where the power switch was originally located.

The new A TX power switch connection originates from the Slot Interface Adapter . All other wire leads to your motherboard should remain connected.

23User Manual

Cooler Arrangement

The components in your Koolance system are connected in series. Each system contains a heat exchanger and reservoir , but you must choose which coolers you wish to install in between, for example:

CPU Cooler, Motherboard Chip set Cooler, V ideo Chipset Cooler

CPU Cooler, 2nd CPU Cooler , Video Cooler , Hard Drive Cooler

Typically, a cooler sequence will be:

1. Exos

2. CPU Cooler

3. CPU Cooler (for dual-processor systems)

4. Motherboard Chipset Cooler

5. Video Card Chipset Cooler

6. Hard Drive Cooler

7. Exos (which connects the reservoir and heat exchanger)

However, this order is optional and you may connect your coolers in an alternate sequence if desired.

Connecting Exos Systems

Cutting Tube Lengths

Before securely clamping the coolers, you must cut appropriate lengths of tubing with scissors to connect each device. If you are building a new computer system, it may be easier to temporarily lay the motherboard and CPU inside the case to better estimate the required amounts.

The Exos external (blue) tubing connects to the first and last coolers in your system. St andard (clear) tubing is used in between each individual cooler.

Additional tubing has been included with your system should you require it, and more can be purchased from your Koolance dealer.

With one of the connected hoses, roughly estimate the length you will need to your first cooler (usually the CPU cooler), and cut it.

Although it is most common for tubing from the heat exchanger to go directly to the CPU cooler, liquid may circulate in either direction through the coolers.

Cut the second hose with enough length to connect with the last cooler that will be in your system.

Using the standard clear tubing, cut shorter pieces to link between each individual cooler.

Heat Exchanger Output

Reservoir Input

25User Manual

Connecting Tubes

Each cooler kit contains clamps to secure tubing to the cooler’s nozzles. Thread a clamp onto each tube before connecting it to the cooler nozzle.

Attach by squeezing the tube while pushing firmly over the nozzle. The tubing should completely cover the nozzle.

If you are finding it difficult to connect some tubes (such as to the CPU cooler), try temporarily stretching-out the tube end by inserting need-nose pliers.

Continue connecting all of your coolers in the system until there are no longer any open tube ends.

Connecting Exos Systems

Clamping

CAUTION: The clamp should be tightened behind the widened portion

of the cooler nozzle. Do not tighten a clamp over or on this nozzle section, as damage may occur to the cooler.

27User Manual

Disconnecting

Clamps can be unlocked by inserting a small flat screw driver into the center of the adjustment lobe and twisting. If done correctly , the clamp will snap open and can be used again.

Unlocking

Each time a metal clamp is removed, it will have distorted the tube beneath it. This last portion (about 1cm, 7/16”) should be cut off to ensure a perfect fit with the next connection.

28 Connecting Exos Systems

Chapter4

Installing Coolers

29User Manual

Chipset Cooler on a Motherboard

The chipset cooler is used for both motherboard northbridge and video card chipsets. If installed, the motherboard must be partially removed from the chassis in order to install the chipset cooler . (The mounting screws are inserted from the back side of the board.)

CAUTION: Removal of the original heatsink my void your

manufacturer’s hardware warranty. Please consult the manufacturer if unsure, and keep all original parts in case of a return/RMA. Koolance does not recommend using a liquid cooler on video cards or motherboards that lack standard mounting holes, or have heat sinks that are attached with only an adhesive (rather than screws or bolts).

Beneath the motherboard, the plastic tabs must be squeezed together with needlenose pliers in order to free the original heat sink. (Some tabs have locking center pins which must first be removed from the top.)

Once loosened, remove the original heat sink. Apply a thin layer of thermal interface compound onto the chipset if necessary .

Installing Coolers

Remove the protective tape from the bottom of the chipset cooler .

Through the original motherboard mounting holes, insert both plastic mounting screws from the back of the board.

T o help keep them secure, place rubber washers over the plastic screws from above the board.

Use the metal attachment nuts to fasten the mounting bracket chipset to the motherboard. Hand-tighten all motherboard components.

31User Manual

CPU Cooler

The most prominent liquid cooler is also the easiest to install.

Apply thermal interface compound directly to the CPU die. Do not add more than is necessary to cover it with a very thin layer.

Remove the protective film from the bottom of the CPU cooler.

Insert the temperature sensor into either bottom groove on the CPU cooler.

Apply metal tape to keep the temperature probe in place. Do not stick metal tape to the the raised (polished) portion of the CPU cold plate.

Y ou can use a zip-tie to further secure the temperature probe to the CPU tubing.

CAUTION: Be sure to attach the Koolance temperature probe to the

CPU cooler during installation. The safety features of your system may not function properly without the correct placement of this probe.

Installing Coolers

Assemble the CPU mounting bracket using the appropriate clips. The longer pair are for Intel P-4 processors; the shorter are for AMD Athlon/XP and Intel P-III processors.

Clips for P-4 socket 478

Fit the cooler and mounting brackets onto the CPU socket. The bracket clips slide inward and outward to hook to the socket.

Check that the bracket clips are aligned before installing the tension screw.

Insert and slowly twist the tension screw until it can no longer be tightened. Overtightening is prevented by a ratcheting action.

Clips for AMD socket 472

& P-III socket 370

There are 3 center receptacles on the CPU cooler . The tension screw must use the receptacle that best-aligns it over the processor die’s center .

33User Manual

CAUTION: Installing the tension screw into the wrong cooler

receptacle can cause insufficient cooler contact, and may result in hardware damage.

AMD (left)

Intel P4

AMD

(right)

Many processor dies are not equidistant from one edge of the socket to the other . For most AMD processors, the left or right recept acles will be used, depending on which direction the CPU socket faces. For Pentium-4 processors, use the center hole.

Socket alignment for right AMD processors

Socket alignment for left AMD processors

Socket alignment for P-4 processors

Installing Coolers

Chipset Cooler on a Video Card

The chipset cooler is used for both motherboard northbridge and video card chipsets. If installed, the video card should be removed from the chassis in order to install the chipset cooler . (The mounting screws are inserted from the back side of the board.)

CAUTION: Removal of the original heatsink my void your

Beneath the motherboard, the plastic tabs must be squeezed together with needle-nose pliers in order to free the original heat sink. (Some tabs have locking center pins which must first be removed from the top.)

Once loosened, remove the original heat sink. Apply a thin layer of thermal interface compound onto the chipset if necessary.

35User Manual

Remove the protective tape from the bottom of the chipset cooler .

Through the original mounting holes, insert both plastic mounting screws from the back of the video card.

T o help keep them secure, place rubber washers on the plastic screws above the board.

If required, use the bracket extension tabs to reach the chipset’s mounting holes. The extensions are highly-adjustable for proper alignment.

Use the metal attachment nuts to fasten the mounting bracket to the video card chipset. Hand-tighten all video card components.

Installing Coolers

Hard Drive Cooler

Once mixed, the dual-pack of thermal encapsulate material will serve as the heat transfer pad between your drive and the cooling plate. It is not electrically conductive, and the material can be peeled-off after it has dried (after 60 hours). Hard drives may be used while the encapsulate is drying.

CAUTION: Because the encapsulate can only be used once,

Koolance recommends formatting and installing software onto a new hard drive to verify a drive defect before installing the liquid cooler. Additional thermal packs are available with “second hard drive kits” from your Koolance reseller.

CAUTION: The original hard drive manufacturer may not honor the warranty if residue from the encapsulate material remains after removal. If you have any questions on warranty coverage, please contact your drive’s manufacturer .

Fold the dual-pack of encapsulate in half, and cut a corner across, so that both compounds can be squeezed-out together.

Compress the entire pack over a sheet of paper until the contents are empty .

Using a spoon or mixing utensil, stir the encapsulate like paint until it is one complete solid color.

37User Manual

CAUTION: Some hard drives have open spindle motors or other connections which encapsulate may interfere with. Tape should be

placed over these areas before applying the thermal encapsulate.

Using the mixing utensil, apply the encapsulate to the largest heat-producing components: the spindle motor and primary circuit chips on the bottom side of the drive.

Use the included screws to mount the cooler over the encapsulate on the bottom side of the hard drive. The drive may be mounted into your case via the cooler or the drive.

38 Installing Coolers

If you have a Koolance chassis, the hard drive cooler can be used with 2 hard drives. The second hard drive will require a “Second Hard Drive Kit” (purchased from your local Koolance dealer).

Install the Second Hard Drive Kit as you would a regular Cooler. Thermal encapsulate is applied to the drive, and the thin metal “Containment Plate” is screwed over it to the bottom of the hard drive.

First Hard Drive

Thermal Encapsulate

Liquid

Cooler

Mounting Screws

Rear view of Hard Drive Cooler Assembly for

first hard drive (above), and second hard drive (below)

The second drive is mounted upside-down to the cooler, held in place via it s own sidemounting screws.

Mounting Screws

Containment Plate

Thermal Encapsulate

Second Hard Drive

39User Manual

Chapter5

Filling & Maintenance

40 Filling & Maintenance

Testing & Filling

Your Koolance system is designed to automatically filter air from the liquid. Before filling, the cooling system should be “jump-started” to assist in the circulation process.

Make sure the AC power cord is attached to the power supply . If the power supply has a rear switch, it must be in the ON (-) position. Using the A TX Jumper Wire, insert the metal prongs into pin numbers 4 and 6 on the 20-pin motherboard A TX power supply connector (green and a black ground wire-- See diagram).

CAUTION: Jumping the incorrect A TX power supply pins can cause

permanent damage to the power supply .

Y ou should now hear the pumps running in an empty reservoir.

The refill tap is located beneath the case. Turn the system upside-down and remove the large slot-headed screw.

With the system upside-down, insert the refill funnel.

41User Manual

WARNING: The liquid coolant is electrically conductive. Use caution

Cut a small corner in the coolant pack, and slowly fill the reservoir. Y ou will probably not need the entire amount of liquid.

when filling the system, and keep all liquids away from computer hardware and power cables. In case of emergency during installation, immediately unplug the computer’s rear power cable. Dry the system thoroughly before proceeding.

The reservoir should be filled up to the “Refill” indicator arrow.

Replace the refill tap screw , and stand the system back upright. When filtration has ended (usually after about 1-5 minutes), the liquid noise will stop.

42 Filling & Maintenance

CAUTION: Positioning of Exos systems during liquid filling is impor-

Because of gravity , the Exos must be placed above all internal cooling components while being filled. Otherwise, coolant will exit the refill tap once the reservoir is full.

tant. The Exos must be higher than all internal cooling components, or coolant will exit the refill tap upon filling.

43User Manual

Draining & Maintenance

The liquid coolant in your system should be emptied for any of the below reasons:

1. T o Keep it Clean - Koolance recommends replacing the liquid coolant once every 12 months. The coolant should also be replaced if it becomes contaminated or significantly changes color.

2. Upgrading Coolers - Whether you are adding or removing liquid coolers, upgrades can be performed more easily with a dry system.

3. Shipping - Koolance recommends draining the liquid coolant if the system is to be shipped or transported in a method other than by hand.

(NOTE: In situations #2 and #3 above, the liquid coolant can later be reused if cleanly bottled.) Additional coolant may be purchased from your local Koolance dealer.

CAUTION: Because of the risk of leakage, Koolance recommends

removing computer hardware before draining your system.

Before draining the system, it should be placed upright on a table with the bottom refill tap overhanging. Place a 1-liter container below the opening to capture liquid. Unscrew the refill tap to begin draining the system.

Most of the liquid will not fall out until a cooler nozzle has been unattached. Remove the tubing from a single cooler nozzle connection within the chassis and hold the end up.

Filling & Maintenance

Troubleshooting

We hope your Koolance system will provide you with years of reliable cooling performance. T o help avoid unnecessary RMA issues, we have prepared this list of possible operational problems, and their most common solutions.

1. How do I tell if the pumps are working?... After inital air-filtering, the pumps may not create enough noise to tell if

they’re working properly . During normal operation, some air bubbles may even remain attached to the insides of the hoses and will not appear to move when the tubing is “flicked”.

The easiest way to test pump operations is to simply monitor liquid inside the reservoir. If the pump s are operating, liquid flow will be visible.

2. My temperatures seem too high... Since BIOS temperatures can not always be relied upon to give accurate

readings for liquid cooling systems, “overheating” problems are difficult to diagnose. If the system exhibits signs of high temperature (reboots, shutdowns, etc.), there may be a problem with your system. These same symptoms can also be attributed to a faulty power supply , and other internal hardware.

Verify that the liquid coolers are making suf ficient contact with each component. Make sure the CPU tension screw is placed in the correct cooler receptacle (see CPU Cooler).

If the thermal interface material has become over-used, or if the protective film on the CPU has not been removed, the CPU can exhibit higher temperatures than normal.

Also check that there are no blocks, twists, or crimps in the tubing system. If a nozzle has been clamped inappropriately , it should be redone.

3. The LED Display Panel does not light up... A defective display circuit is extremely rare. Usually, this is due to a

misaligned or disconnected plug on the Power Control Board (or Exos Slot Interface Adapter). V erify that all appropriate plugins are attached, p articularly the 12V 4-pin power supply connection.

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4. Af ter the system has been on for awhile, the temperature alarm sounds... Make sure that the LED temperature reads at least 50ºC (122ºF) or higher

while the alarm is sounding; if not, the audio alarm may in fact be your motherboard’s BIOS alarm. If the system is not exhibiting signs of overheating (see #2 in Troubleshooting), this temperature monitor may need to be disabled to ignore false readings by BIOS. The Koolance LED Display will flash “FL T” (fault) whenever the cooling system alarm sounds.

If the alarm sounds within a few seconds after a cold boot-up, or the LED temperature does not read at least 50ºC (122ºF) while the alarm is on, the control board/pumps may be malfunctioning. Please visit our support web page for more information.

Verify that the pumps are operating (see Troubleshooting #1), and that liquid flow is present in the reservoir. Note that if the reservoir was overfilled during system assembly , this procedure is not possible.

5. My system has boot-up problems, or does not turn on... The majority of these problems are not related to the Koolance case, but

hardware or configuration issues. In a new system, a problem with the RAM, motherboard, power supply , video card, processor, or monitor can cause the system to appear not to boot-up properly .

If the top Heat Exchanger fans do not spin, or if the front LED Display Panel does not light-up, check to see if your motherboard has a power indicator LED on the board. This is usually a green light next to the A TX power connector on newer motherboards. If this is lit, power is getting to the board.

The Power Control Board (or Exos Slot Interface Adapter) should be checked to make sure all connections are plugged-in, especially the 12V 4-pin power supply connection. Also be sure if your power supply has a rear power switch, that it is in the ON (“-”) position, and switched to the appropriate regional current (1 15V AC or 220VAC).

Another possibility is that the motherboard is shorting-out electrically on the chassis. Remove the motherboard, and verify that the stand-offs are properly installed. Lastly , check that the IO shield (the thin aluminum rear motherboard A TX port plate) is not bent backwards around the motherboard, possibly shorting a component.

If further problems persist, you are likely having a separate hardware issue.

6. My system appears to be leaking fluid... Since users are allowed to configure their own coolers and clamps, it is

possible a connection was not properly sealed (however unlikely). If you can see liquid somewhere on the tubing, or at the bottom of the chassis, computer components may need to be removed for a system test (see Flow T esting).

If liquid should get onto another computer component, shut down the system, and remove the component. In most cases, the hardware will be fine after allowing it to dry . However , the system should not be operated until you have discovered where the leak is coming from and can repair the problem. Should the leak be situated somewhere in which it can not be easily repaired, please contact our Technical Department for further diagnostic information.

7. My computer’s BIOS gives me errors that there are no cooling fans attached... Some motherboards will not boot, or may generate an error or alarm if no

cooling fans are attached to the CPU or motherboard chipset power connectors. There is sometimes an option to disable these fan connections in BIOS, but you may have to boot-up with a fan attached initially to disable this setting. If the system is not booting due to this problem, clear the CMOS and try configuring BIOS again.

8. The LED Display Panel flashes “00 / FL T (Fault)”... The CPU T emperature Probe is uplugged from the Power Control Board (or

Exos Slot Interface Adapter) or has become damaged. Please check this connection, or contact our Technical Department if the probe is defective.

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Limited Warranty

Koolance Incorporated (“Koolance”) warrants each new Koolance liquid-cooled system (“the system”), against defects in materials or workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase, and agrees to repair or replace any defective Koolance system without charge. Shipping costs are non-refundable.

This warranty is non-transferable. All warranty claims must be accompanied by the original proof of purchase.

THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER DAMAGE RESULTING FROM ACCIDENT , MISUSE OR ABUSE, LACK OF REASONABLE CARE, SHIPPING DAMAGE, MODIFICA TIONS, THE AFFIXING OF ANY A TT ACHMENT NOT PROVIDED WITH THE PRODUCT , LOSS OF PAR TS, OR OPERA TING COMPONENTS A T SPEEDS OR FUNCTIONS OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFIED BY THEIR MANUF ACTURERS.

Use of unauthorized replacement parts or liquid additives will void this warranty. Koolance Incorporated will not pay for warranty service performed by a non-authorized repair or diagnostic service and will not reimburse the consumer for damage resulting from warranty service performed by a non-authorized repair service. No responsibility is assumed for any special incidental or consequential damages due to a defective Koolance product.

In order to obtain warranty service, contact our RMA department for information. The product must be shipped postage prepaid to an authorized Koolance service location. It is suggested that, for your protection, you return shipments of product by insured mail, insurance prepaid. Damage occurring during shipment is not covered by this warranty. Shipping costs are non-refundable. No other warranty, written or oral, is authorized by Koolance Incorporated.

Disclaimer

IN NO EVENT SHALL KOOLANCE INCORPORA TED OR ITS EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, SUPPLIERS, MANUFACTURERS, OR CONTRACTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OF ANY KIND OR CHARACTER, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMIT A TION ANY COMPENSA TORY, INCIDENTAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF DA T A, LOSS OF INCOME OR PROFIT , LOSS OF OR DAMAGE T O PERSONS OR PROPERTY, CLAIMS OF THIRD PAR TIES, OR OTHER LOSSES OF ANY KIND OR CHARACTER, AND WHETHER OR NOT THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH LOSS OR DAMAGE HAS BEEN NOTIFIED TO KOOLANCE INCORPORA TED.

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Koolance RM2-4U User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual