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G5's cooling system may only last 2.5 years
· Hardware · 42 posts · Apr 13, 2005 View original thread ↗
"These liquid-cooling systems, which were designed by Delphi, manufactured in Mexico, and shipped to Apple's manufacturing facilities in Asia, have been the topic of concern at several Apple exec meetings.

According to reliable sources, Delphi only guarantees the cooling systems to Apple for a period of 2.5 years, though the expected life-span of each unit is rumored to be closer to 2 years. Sources say the lifespan is limited by potenial leakage of the thermal conductive fluid inside the systems. Apple reportedly fears the fluid could cause damage to consumer's valuables or expensive carpets, which would leave the company exposted to potential lawsuits."

http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=993
As we have been discussing in the Quad Mac thread, the article is weird:

However, sources recently reported that Apple is performing quality assurance tests on new Power Macs based on IBM's unannounced dual-core PowerPC 970MP processor, code-named "Antares." In order to properly test the systems, which reportedly sport two of the dual-core chips, engineers have been seen upgrading office and testing lab power outlets to enable proper testing of the desktop's power-hungry power supply.

However, I could see Apple being concerned about these liquid cooling systems. I was concerned too when I heard about them for the first time. Still, the article seems odd.
Quote:
Originally posted by Socially Awkward Solo:
"Apple reportedly fears the fluid could cause damage to consumer's valuables or expensive carpets, which would leave the company exposted to potential lawsuits."


honestly, carpets?

-r.
Quote:
Originally posted by rjenkinson:
honestly, carpets?

-r.


I know, I would be much more worried about the $5000 leaky out of warrantee paperweight on my desk.
*yawn*

Considering that Apple's AppleCare warranty goes to 3 years, I'm absolutely certain that they made a >3yr lifespan a design requirement of the part.

tooki
wow....how odd.

I mean, what would cause it to spontaneously start leaking?
I mean.....really?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kristoff
wow....how odd.

I mean, what would cause it to spontaneously start leaking?
I mean.....really?


A hole

Sorry couldn't resist
Quote:
Originally Posted by Socially Awkward Solo
damage to consumer's valuables or expensive carpets, which would leave the company exposted to potential lawsuits.]


???? It's only a 'heat pipe' system. There will be very little actual liquid in there. Spilling a cup a coffee would be more liable to leave a worse stain, that's if it even managed to get out of the case.
Yeah, I think it's FUD.

Most of the fluid used in those heat transfer devices (peltier) use a liquid that is volatile.
If it the small amount present did leak, it would most likely evaporate before anything got damaged.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kristoff
Most of the fluid used in those heat transfer devices (peltier) use a liquid that is volatile.
If it the small amount present did leak, it would most likely evaporate before anything got damaged.

You really don't know what you're talking about do you? Leakage is a common problem with liquid cooling systems for computers like the one in Apple's dual 2.5 Power Mac, and yes, they can leak all over the bottom of the case.

That's why I was surprised Apple with such a system in the first place. Have you ever seen the hoses and clamps in the Apple system? LOTS of areas for potential leakage.

I'm not saying I believe the AI rumour, but at least criticize it with some relevant facts.
Wow, now your thread-stalking me, aren't you? Just dying to jump down my throat because you disagree with my assessment of the state of the power mac.

Show me what statistics you have on the number of fielded liquid cooled computer systems vs leakage occurrence.

EDIT:
And, I admit to not knowing the specifics of the Delphi device when I first posted.
Turns out, it's not a peltier, rather, a water and propylene glycol based radiator complete with pump. does this mean it will leak?
I guess only time will tell.

Without statistics, it is most certainly FUD.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kristoff
Wow, now your thread-stalking me, aren't you?

So who was in this thread first?

Quote:
Just dying to jump down my throat because you disagree with my assessment of the state of the power mac.

Nope. I'm jumping down your throat because your info is wrong.

Quote:
Show me what statistics you have on the number of fielded liquid cooled computer systems vs leakage occurrence.

Gimme a break. If you actually knew what the Power Mac cooling system looked like, then you'd know what everyone is talking about. It's a full-fledged liquid cooling system, complete with true liquid coolant, a pump, hoses, clamps, and a radiator.







And no, the fluid doesn't just immediately magically evaporate into nothingness if it leaks out.
Edit, I know...see me additions to my previous post.

Thanks for the nice pic...that's pretty cool looking.
I have not heard of a SINGLE report of a dual 2.5GHz leaking in the field.
sounds like just about the right time frame to force an upgrade to G6's
Quote:
Originally Posted by tooki
*yawn*

Considering that Apple's AppleCare warranty goes to 3 years, I'm absolutely certain that they made a >3yr lifespan a design requirement of the part.

tooki


Ya, I'm sure people won't mind them leaking after 3 years than.

Oh and the standard AppleCare is 1 year.
I would be more worried about sparks/fire.
It would seem like at least one of the MacNN users would have already experienced a leak if this were possible over the short term (4 or so years). Cause stuff like this doesn't always fail right at 2.5 years, there would be a bell type curve with some failing with in a few months and others lasting for 6+ years..

Also, I think if this were a major problem, Apple might put out a service recall where you brought your machine in for a check and maybe some new hose clamps, kinda like servicing a radiator on a car.

But then maybe Apple is being typical of corporations these days who have no regard for their customers and is just hoping the problem doesn't occur before 3 years.

As a side note, I've been hearing the "hamster wheel" more and more lately inside my G5. I wonder if that's a early sign of failure of the pump or not?
Quote:
Originally Posted by UnixMac
As a side note, I've been hearing the "hamster wheel" more and more lately inside my G5. I wonder if that's a early sign of failure of the pump or not?

Get it checked out.

It might just be a fan though or something.
Quote:
Originally Posted by UnixMac
As a side note, I've been hearing the "hamster wheel" more and more lately inside my G5. I wonder if that's a early sign of failure of the pump or not?


Is it like a squeak squeak squeak?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eug Wanker
Get it checked out.

It might just be a fan though or something.


Do you think it's that serious? I had just though that the "squeak squeak" as normal for the dual 2.5 .. I seem to remember a thread a while back saying that a lot of guys get it. At that time I hadn't heard it, now I hear it about 10-15% of the time, cycles on and off..

I guess I'll give Apple care a call and start a case (just in case )
Quote:
Originally Posted by Socially Awkward Solo
Is it like a squeak squeak squeak?


Exactly..
Quote:
Originally Posted by UnixMac
Exactly..


If it's defiantly a squeak (not a processor hiss) it's probably a fan. On of my front fans sounds exactly like a hamster wheel, it just needs lubricated or replaced. Contact AppleCare if it really bothers you, they should be able to send you a new one depending on which one it is.

On another note, I've heard of a few cases of the liquid cooling system leaking. It is entirely possible. Think of it as a mini car radiator (cause thats what it is). There are entire shops dedicated to radiator problems and repairs.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jedi1yoda1
If it's defiantly a squeak (not a processor hiss) it's probably a fan. On of my front fans sounds exactly like a hamster wheel, it just needs lubricated or replaced. Contact AppleCare if it really bothers you, they should be able to send you a new one depending on which one it is.

On another note, I've heard of a few cases of the liquid cooling system leaking. It is entirely possible. Think of it as a mini car radiator (cause thats what it is). There are entire shops dedicated to radiator problems and repairs.


I've heard it a couple times on my Rev A dual G5. So it is not a pump issue (I don't have one). It sounds like a fan.
lol, take your PowerMac in to a radiator shop
That would explain what it's intermittent since I'm sure the pump is continuous whereas the fan is probably not (at least speed variable).. I'll take some silicon spray to it if I can identify the culprit.. os there a "usual suspect" or can it be any of the 50 fans in there!
Forgot to mention that my machine is a Rev. A Dual 2.0 as well. My brother's Dual 2.5 does not have any squeaking.
You shouldn't use lubricant sprays on the fans. They collect duct that much faster and get all gummed up cuz it all congeals. If you do indeed have a consistently squeaky fan, the best thing to do is get it replaced.
Eug is right. Lubricants almost always make it worse.

Sometimes, you can take the fan assembly out and spray it real good with canned air to remove dust that has already accumulated and it will make the noise go away.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kristoff
Sometimes, you can take the fan assembly out and spray it real good with canned air to remove dust that has already accumulated and it will make the noise go away.

Good point.
mp.ls