Our GENESIS desktops use the CORSAIR Hydro X custom cooling loop to cool the CPU and sometimes the GPU. Since this loop is fully custom, it requires special coolant and regular maintenance.

We recommend maintaining your cooling loop annually. If this is your first time filling a Hydro X series custom loop, please refer to our instructional video to ensure a smooth process.

Video instructions

Before Filling Your Cooling Loop

Before you begin, take the following precautions:

1. Power off your system: You'll be checking for leaks during the filling process, so make sure the system is completely off.
2. Use a fill bottle or funnel: This helps prevent spills while pouring the coolant.
3. Have a 24-pin jumper ready: You’ll need this to power your power supply unit (PSU) without the motherboard.
4. Optional: Use an external PSU: If using the PSU in your system is inconvenient, you can use an external one during the process.

Filling Your Cooling Loop

Follow these steps to fill your cooling loop:

1. Fill the reservoir: Pour coolant into the reservoir until it’s nearly full.
2. Power on the PSU: Let the coolant flow through the system.
3. Check for leaks: Keep a close eye on the tubes and fittings for any signs of leaks.
4. Power off the PSU: Do this before the reservoir is fully drained.
5. Refill the reservoir: Add more coolant as needed.
6. Repeat steps 1-4: Continue refilling and powering the system until the coolant level in the reservoir stabilizes and no longer drains when you turn on the PSU.

After Filling the Cooling Loop

Once filled, let the cooling loop run for a few hours with the fill port open. This allows air bubbles to vent, improving the performance and longevity of your system. During this time, also recheck for leaks and make necessary adjustments.

Once you're satisfied that the system is running smoothly:

1. Power on your PC: Monitor the cooling loop closely.
2. Stress-test your system: Run a stress test to ensure your cooling system performs well and doesn’t overheat. Overheating can cause leaks, leading to potential damage.

When to Replace Coolant

We recommend replacing the coolant every 12 months, but you may choose to replace it every 6 months for additional safety.

Note: If you're using opaque or dyed coolant, you’ll need to replace it more frequently to avoid buildup in the system. We suggest avoiding opaque or dyed coolants to minimize maintenance.