Vacuum filling method

[jwkrijger]

Hello I'm building a custom watercooling loop for my hpc server. I have 2 questions regarding the alphacool products (see product list below)

1. Can I use the vacuum fill method with these products?
2. Can I plug the "Alphacool ES highflow" 4 pin connector in a fan connector on the motherboard?

Product list:
Eisstation DDC incl. Laing DDC310
ES Jet LGA 4677
NexXxos UT60
Eiszapfen 19/13mm fittings
Es Highflow sensor

The vacuum fill method is often used to fill the cooling system of cars. First you put the compleet system under complete vacuum (0 bar absolute or -1 atm relative pressure). Then you let the vacuum pull the coolant in the system. This avoids any air pockets in the cooling system.

For the HighFlow sensor it does not state that it uses the same connection and interface as a typical fan does. However it states it is a HAL sensor and generates a RPM signal which is similar to most fans. So I'm pretty sure it can be plugged in a typical fan header on the motherboard but I would like to have a conformation.

 

[Eddy]

We have no experience with vacuum filling, so I really can’t give you any reliable information on that. The products are designed to withstand pressure, but I don’t know how they would behave under vacuum. For the coolers and fittings, I don’t see an immediate problem. However, the water channels in the radiators could be an issue. They are extremely thin and constructed to handle pressure. My concern is that they could collapse under vacuum filling. Therefore, I would not recommend it.

The flow sensor outputs a standard RPM signal, just like a fan does. You can connect it to any fan header, whether 3-pin or 4-pin, to read it.
The temperature sensor requires a corresponding 2-pin header on the motherboard or a controller that supports such a connection.

 

[jwkrijger]

Thank you very much for the quick and detailed response! I will not try to vacuum fill the system then.

Best regards,
Jan Willem