Question Either GPU or AIO leaking fluid.

Apr 1, 2020
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Hey, all.

So, the other day, noticed some liquid residue on the inside of my case. (Corsair Crystal 280x, so side is glass.) Opened it up to clean it, and some fluid has spattered quite a bit due to hitting one or two of the fans. Cleaned it up with alcohol with no issue, but of course it's a bit worrying. I've read that GPU's can sometimes leak fluid from the thermal pads and such, and that it isn't harmful. However, I've had this GPU for about 18 months. (Zotac 2060) Everything cleaned up and is working fine.

I recently did a new build, and the only parts I migrated over were one SSD for backup storage and the GPU. In my previous case (Corsair 250D), the GPU was vertically oriented, and I never saw any leaking or fluid. I've read that grease/oil/thermal paste can migrate when changing orientation of the GPU.

It obviously has hit the GPU as the bottom of it had a fair amount, as well as the intake fan underneath that corner as well. It looks like whatever it is dripped from the GPU onto the fan, and the fan blew it around that area of the case. A concern was that there was a little bit on the radiator as well, and I can't discern if it got shot up there onto the top of the case, or if that is where the fluid is coming from and dropping onto the GPU below and seeping through the fans, and then onto the bottom fans.

The fluid is a lightish yellow in color, a little thick. Smells a bit like oil.

Any thoughts or advice? Obviously I'm watching it like a hawk, but wasn't sure if I should just return my AIO (Which is new) or try and return my GPU (18 months old).

Photos if I can link them:

View: https://imgur.com/pojy6A8


View: https://imgur.com/F4mn46O


View: https://imgur.com/NSDr335
 
Apr 1, 2020
21
8
15
Visit site
It was the AIO, which is pretty rare. In the bottom photo there, the plug where they fill the reservoir during manufacturing had a slow leak, which was dripping slowly. Unfortunately, onto the fans below, which was a mess.
In my previous PC (This one is brand new) I had essentially the same cooler for 5+ years, no issue.
Replaced it with the stock Wraith cooler in the meantime, while I'm waiting on my RMA response.
 

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