Quality of support

[WayneDaly]

I bought a computer off pc specialist just over 2 years ago, I spent over 3000 euro so expected a pc that would last maybe 5 years minimum.

Yesterday out of no where the liquid cooling exploded up through the top of the case and all over me. I assume its made of some chemicals because the smell was the same as nail varnish remover. The pc shutdown the second it happened so I assume nothings fried. The inside of the case was covered with liquid so I dried it up with a cloth. The smell was so bad I couldnt sleep in the room last night and maybe not even tonight. Where the liquid landed on my arm there is a rash now too,my left eye is also red I assume from the fumes. I am just lucky I was not looking to my left or it could have been even worse, maybe blindness.

Now if a part had just failed I wouldnt mind that happens, but for something to actually endanger you then their must be a fault with that product, if the brakes on a car fail on the road then they are recalled. If I had paid 500 euro then I would have said you get what you pay for, but when paying over 3000 you expect some level of quality, and at the very least support/repair when the time frame from purchase is so small.

I was never informed that the computers liquid cooling could explode before I bought the pc, or I would have just went with normal copper heatsink.

I am unsure of what to do now so I decided I would post here. I rang support but they told me basically tough luck but I still think that for a product to cause bodily harm that it goes a bit beyond a 1 year warranty. And im sorry for sounding like a disgruntled old man, but when somethings goes beyond just failing and into the realm of actual harm then that is a different story.

 

[SlickShoes]

How much was the liquid cooling? Did you research the quality of the cooling before buying it?

If it was a custom build in which you selected the components, its up to you to figure out what the best one you want to buy is. The fact that the liquid cooler exploded means that eventually it was faulty but how PCS are supposed to know that in 2 years a part will fail is beyond me.

 

[Rakk]

Was it was of the early CoolIT water coolers ie. the ECO I, I know there were quite a few problems discovered with the CoolIt Eco I, if it was, your best bet is to contact CoolIT, I know that they have helped a a few people whose water coolers have burst when though they were out of PCS warranty time.
As for the contents being corrosive, I didn't think they were at all, but then I guess I've never stuck my finger in one to find out

 

[DeadEyeDuk]

Notes seriousness of the topic, but has nothing to add than what Rakk already said...

but then I guess I've never stuck my finger in one

...stifles childish giggle and immediately apologises to Rakky for any offence caused

 

[steaky360]

I don't think the liquids in liquid coolers are dangerous per say. Obviously you should not go around bathing in them or drinking them though!

However I also don't think you will be able to hold PCS (at least) liable for any bodily hard etc for using a liquid cooler. Your point about a car's brakes would only be valid if it was enough car's brakes, as far as I am aware Coolit did not recall this product line (assuming it is a coolit CPU cooler you were using).

Unfortunately you are probably out of warranty if your PC is just over 2 years old, if you purchased a 3 year warranty you might be able to get PCS to help rebuild the PC (as required) or at least provide a new cooler.

As Rakk has said, your best bet may be to contact CoolIT directly.

 

[vanthus]

As Rakk said,best contact CoolIT and take it up with them,from previous posts they are sometimes quite helpful.PCS only install the components so can hardly be held responsible really.

 

[SlickShoes]

if the company that make the cooler don't help and PCS are out of warranty you could try claiming your home insurance, the dog ran in to the case and the cooler exploded everywhere or some other sort of accident? it's worth a shot if everything in the computer is ruined, hopefully its just the cooler and you can clean it up.

 

[RichH]

if the company that make the cooler don't help and PCS are out of warranty you could try claiming your home insurance, the dog ran in to the case and the cooler exploded everywhere or some other sort of accident? it's worth a shot if everything in the computer is ruined, hopefully its just the cooler and you can clean it up.

Great advice, no wonder insurance premiums are rocketing

 

[tom_gr7]

From what I have read, Coolit will probably replace the cooler. But I don't think they will cover your system for any damages.

The only company that does cover liquid cooling damages is corsair, no one else does.

Fingers crossed the rest of the pc is fine.

Hope you get it sorted mate.

 

[SlickShoes]

Great advice, no wonder insurance premiums are rocketing

Well if you have accidental cover then thats what it's for, dont pretend like hard up insurance companies are putting the prices up because they can't afford all the claims.

Wait until you need them and watch them try and squirm out of giving you replacements for the stuff stolen from your house by burglars.

 

[Toxophilix]

I would get a doctor to look at the rash on your arm. I dare say there is nothing to worry about but it would make it possible, further down the line, to state that you were injured by the explosion and received medical treatment for it. I would also do some research into the legal position regarding goods that are unsafe. If you don't have any pictures of the damage to the PC I would take some (I guess it's not reasonable to have expected you to take pictures immediately when the air was filled with choking fumes).

I do think the cooler manufacturer is morally obliged not just to replace the cooler but to pay for any collateral damage. Of course, the legal position may well be different and they might be reluctant to accept responsibility, in which case it might you might want to emphasise the personal injury aspect and question the safety of the product. My own view about this kind of thing is that, as the consumer, you don't want to get into the expense of actually litigating but pushing your points firmly and repeatedly (if they try to brush you off) is worthwhile.

I guess they might claim that the product is safe and that PCS must not have fitted it correctly. That seems very unlikely though, since it worked for two years.

The other question I have is whether this has happened to another users of the same cooler. It might be worth looking into that as PC components are sometimes recalled for reasons of safety (mostly to do with fire risk, I think).

It's enough to put you off a liquid cooler, anyway.

 

[LiddleP]

Brilliant advice offered by Toxophilix there, you should probably also take a picture of the rash if you can even if it has already begun to receede.

Really sorry to hear about your horrific sounding event and glad for you that it did not get you full on or in the face, count your blessings and face the manufacturers - best of luck with all.

 

[PCS]

Hi Wyayne

The liquid inside your cooler was propylene glycol which is also diluted down and is not of any worry to you. Prolonged contact with propylene glycol is essentially non-irritating to the skin. You can read all about propylene glycol here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propylene_glycol

We will however happily replace the cooler for you with the new Corsair H60 free of charge. Please contact us on 0844 499 4000 and refer the representative to this forum post.

 

[Chriso]

Hi Wyayne

The liquid inside your cooler was propylene glycol which is also diluted down and is not of any worry to you. Prolonged contact with propylene glycol is essentially non-irritating to the skin. You can read all about propylene glycol here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propylene_glycol

We will however happily replace the cooler for you with the new Corsair H60 free of charge. Please contact us on 0844 499 4000 and refer the representative to this forum post.

Another reason to purchase from PCS