The PUMP header stopped working unexpectedly.
The PUMP header stopped working unexpectedly.
Hey there, I recently assembled a new gaming setup four weeks ago and tried using an AIO for the first time. When I got the new unit it had obvious issues—no thermal paste was included (it should have been applied before) and several screws were missing. After communicating with my seller, I managed to fix the setup and keep building. Then something strange happened: the AIO started making a much louder noise than usual, which only added to my concerns. Despite thorough testing, everything seemed fine except for the excessive sound. I played perfectly for about three weeks until my PC suddenly shut down because of overheating. At that point I suspected the pump inside the AIO was the culprit, as it stopped responding completely. Eventually I returned it and got a replacement. Now comes the curious part—I installed the new AIO today but noticed the same problem: the pump isn’t working and the fans are still spinning. Fortunately, I separated everything—connecting the fans to the CPU header and the pump to its own header. When I tried connecting the pump directly to the CPU header, the issue disappeared. It seems my pump header might have failed during gaming. Is this even possible? Could a faulty AIO cause something like this? There’s no visible damage, but I won’t go through the hassle of an RMA right now for a few reasons. First, it would mean I’d have to take apart my PC completely and be without it temporarily. The AIO is meant for variable pump speed, and the sound has improved significantly with this new model (I switched from variable to constant speed). Unfortunately, even if I were to request an RMA, there’s a chance they won’t accept it if this is the case. Still, maybe someone here can explain what went wrong or suggest a fix.
When the pump failed, it triggered the mainboard fuse. The only choice was either return the item for repair or replace it by soldering a new fuse. I recommend going with the first option—it’s much simpler.
You can keep the CPU header intact, but staying consistent with it may help avoid potential issues later.
Avoid running the AIO pump on the CPU header—it'll cost you that component too. Use a Molex fan adapter instead; they're not great but fit the amp needs. The PSU will cut power automatically if the pump fails, which is common with cheaper models.
It’s unusual for this model to feel cheap despite its premium build. The connection method described in the manual involves linking all fans and the pump to the fan hub, then to the CPU header. Following these steps should work as intended according to the official guidance.