Mayhems Aurora Coolant fiasco (from start to finish)

[brechan69]

So I have discovered some things using Mayhems Aurora line of coolants; the pictures speak for themselves, but will share a bit here first.

1) Don't ever use a drain line of any sort in your build; the particulates in the coolant will have a tendency to collect within the drain line itself, not all of particulates were discovered there, but quite a bit just the same.

2) On EK tube reservoirs; I guess we're not supposed to use the "anti-cyclonic" attachment (attached to the bottom of their reservoirs), as this will cause the particulates to pool at the bottom (doesn't explain why the particulates accumulated in the threads of the reservoir though).

I really don't know what to say about this coolant; after 9 days, it looks like any other coolant on the market (except, now I have to drain/ flush my system to get the particulates out). The cooling performance hasn't changed any; but if the coolant isn't removed, eventually it will bung up the CPU block (and we don't want that, do we)

On Daz's advice; I'm going back to a more traditional coolant, will be ordering Feser UV blue coolant on payday...(another expensive lesson learned).

[Tristan]

The aurora line was designed for showcase rigs and not everyday use, so im not overly supprised that it doesnt last very long, on the plus side you got an awesome video out of it.

[scaccima]

That totally sucks. The good thing is you caught it before any damage was done! I agree with Tristan, the video was cool.

[brechan69]

@ Tristan

My biggest bitch with Mayhems (on their Facebook page) is that this isn't disclosed on the supplied labels on the bottles; if this product is for "show pieces only", then it should be clearly stated on the product itself. Also; on another forum, I read through 300+ replies and not once was it ever stated (or mentioned) by Mayhems that this product was for aesthetic purposes only.

For re-sellers such as dazmode.com; they're not being told (or not being forwarded the Mayhems wiki page) that this coolant really isn't a coolant, but a colorful liquid for folks to use in their systems for trade-shows and/ or LAN party events only...not as a regular coolant. The only statement on the bottle itself is this: This coolant is not guaranteed to work in all liquids cooling systems. For support please contact Mayhems direct as this is a complex coolant.

DO NOT USE WITH INLINE FILTERS OF ANY TYPE. THESE WILL CAUSE THE SYSTEM TO BLOCK UP.

There was an in-depth review given on the Nebula Blue coolant here http://deviceunknown.com/?p=1375

This is the quote (from the review) I gave to Mayhems:
" Mayhem states that this liquid is to be used no more than 6 months at a time. Obviously we have not tested it for that duration. It’s safe to declare that this due to the particles in the coolant. Over time it’s inevitable that they will settle and possibly start to clog a system. And I would concur. Even in the best of loops, over time, the particles will begin to settle to the point where it has lose it’s signature “sparkle” and left with just colored fluid, but, It’s beautiful and effective and very messy to clean up. But for the few months it’s in your system. it’s aesthetic are unmatched by ANYONE’S coolants. "

Mayhems came back saying that if i didn't follow the instructions correctly or visit their wiki page, then I couldn't very well fault the manufacturer for any problems with their coolant...at this point I left the conversation because it was clear I wasn't going to get a civil response from the maker (my original question was: why are the coolant particulates pooling at the bottom of my tube reservoir?)

C'mon people; who here (in their right mind) doesn't read the directions on a product they've never used before?
I know for a fact that I read the directions; how else would I know how much distilled water to add to the concentrate, that the bottle of concentrate had to be shaken vigorously before adding to the DI water. What isn't printed on the bottle (besides what I've already stated) is an address for Mayhems wiki page (you have to visit their homepage to find it).

[brechan69]

So; I just watched a video on YouTube, about the Aurora "Hydra Gold", here's a bit of news for all those considering this stuff in their loop.

If you have a drain line take it out, as the particulates settle into the line itself...one has to ask themselves though; if I don't have a drain line, how am I supposed to drain my loop (without causing a mess or having the potential of getting coolant on my expensive components) ?

It still doesn't explain why the particulates settle at the bottom of the tube reservoir though...but I'll let all of you folks be the judge; either use this product ( and possibly end up with the same results I've gotten), or go with something a bit more traditional.

Here are a few links to help all of you decide (note: the quality of the 2nd video is pretty crappy)

http://www.overclock.net/t/1217635/m...ow-it-compares

[brechan69]

And the second video

[Tristan]

I agree with you that proper instructions/warnings are most definitly very hard to find and to be honest it is a stupid idea by the company to not print a warning of some sort on the bottles. How long this coolant lasts really seems to be hit and miss, i've talked to people on a diffrent forum who have had the same experience with it as you, however i have also talked to some people who have had it work for the 6 months advertised. I am personaly not sure what features in a wc loop keep the aurora coolant working.

[bungwirez]

I am personaly not sure what features in a wc loop keep the aurora coolant working.

I'm gunna go with short loop and lots of head pressure. idk...

[brechan69]

As much as I don't want (or need) to spend more money right now; I do need some sort of drain port (if not just to make my easier), so I'll spend a bit more and pick some decent coolant and spare parts from Daz tomorrow.

[scaccima]

As much as I don't want (or need) to spend more money right now; I do need some sort of drain port (if not just to make my easier), so I'll spend a bit more and pick some decent coolant and spare parts from Daz tomorrow.

I agree with you too brechan69. Every manufactuer has a responsibility to advise it's clients what their products are for and how to use them (with crystal clear instructions). Can you imagine if companies like Advil or Tylenol where to be as vague as Mayhems?
I also have to thank you (sorry) because I was on the fence about going with distilled water only or some sort of coloured coolant. I think I'll now stick with the distilled water only (at least for now) with dazmode protector.

[Tristan]

I was on the fence about going with distilled water only or some sort of coloured coolant. I think I'll now stick with the distilled water only (at least for now) with dazmode protector.

Coloured coolant isnt the problem, its just meyhems aurora, most other coloured are completly fine.

[bungwirez]

Coloured coolant isnt the problem, its just meyhems aurora, most other coloured are completly fine.

agreed. the dyes are still industry gold.
but +1 on Dazmode Protect... cheap, simple, and does the job.

[brechan69]

Coloured coolant isnt the problem, its just meyhems aurora, most other coloured are completly fine.

I had sent bungwirez a link to RRTech's forum on this very subject (Mayhems Aurora); but do to the rather colorful language throughout the thread (including the title), if you want to read their take on it all I will PM you the link.

Just read through another one of their threads ( Mayhem Dyes - Testing - Not Endorsed by RRTech ), here's a few quotes from the thread:

" I decided to order some from mayhem for a "why the hell not". I'll go ahead and see how this stuff breaks down from my loop. Ordered a 10mL of Red... "

" Test Length: 2 months of On/Off with Gaming...Peach Tea? "

" So there you guys have it. That dye is s**t. Just like everyone else says. Oh btw when i cleaned my Thermochill with vinegar... it bled like that time of the month. A lot of it accumulated in the rad. "

Turns out Mayhems dyes not only turned his tubes/ EK tube reservoir a "sewer water" color; it blocked up his impingement plates, micro-channels on his waterblock, and left heavy deposits inside his Thermochill radiator.
While all dyes will stain your tubing; I think there's something inherently wrong, when the dye you're using (or planning to use), clogs up the rest of your system.

RRTech also ran a test on Mayhems Aurora Red Tharsis; though I don't belong to this forum and can't see the pics, the typed words speak for themselves " It pretty much broke down before the end of the first month. "

[DazMode]

I remember posting video on our Facebook by Australian modder who got Aurora coagulated in a week as well, but nobody believe me.

Anybody have heard any complains about pastel coolant?

[Tristan]

ive heard nothing but good things about meyhems on other forums apart from the aurora coolant which has obvious problems.