AIO Pump Not Working: 3 Common Reasons & Solutions!

PC enthusiasts crave to make an upgrade to their PC whenever they can. A PC isn’t just their workstation, it’s something they can show off as well. 

In the same context, AIO coolers are the perfect addition. It provides efficient cooling and aesthetics. 

However, lately, AIO cooler users are having problems getting it to work. Especially the pump of the cooler.

So, what should you do when the aio pump not working?

Firstly, improper BIOS settings can cause problems for the AIO pump. In that case, ensure the proper BIOS setting is applied. There can also be issues with the power supply. So, make sure your AIO pump is getting enough power. Also, you need to keep the temperature inside the casing around 65-70° C. 

That’s not about it. You need to follow some delicate instructions properly to make your AIO pump functional again. 

So, why don’t you haste and get started with tinkering!

Some Quick Troubleshooting!

Before moving on to the more serious segment, you need to find out the problem source. These can be done by checking a few things when you start diagnosing problems.

Have a look at the quick fixes regarding AIO coolers-

Check Power:

This can seem like something which is not necessary to include here, right? It might be a surprise to you: sometimes users forget to power the AIO cooler.

This can arise issues like the aio pump not turning on. I’m here to save you from making this generic mistake. Follow along.

The AIO coolers will have SATA cables to draw power. The PSUs have female SATA cords. You can plug the SATA cable of the AIO cooler into it. 

You might even somehow lost the SATA cable provided with the fan. If that’s the issue then I suggest, getting a new one. 

• The CRJ SATA Power Adapter Cable is the king in the business.
• Gavemi’s SATA to Fan Power Cable is also another great option.

But only use this if you’ve lost the original one. Because that’s the most compatible one and will give 100% fan speed.

Molex cables are also an effective way to power the AIO. If your AIO has one, you can definitely use it. Though some users reported it to be a bit louder.

Check Connection:

Along with providing power, you also have to connect the AIO with the motherboard. This connection can prevent aio pump not showing in bios and many more issues. Like making a weird noise like in this build.

Connect the header cable properly to the motherboard. You can either connect AIO connector to CPU_OPT or SYS header. Some motherboards have AIO header, in that case, connect your AIO with that header.

You’ll find the connection cable when unpackaging. It should be with the power cable of the AIO cooler.

You can control AIO fan speed, RGB, and many other things when you connect it. So, consider this a necessary step!

3 Reasons Why Your AIO Pump is Not Working!

AIO is a complicated cooling system. There can be one or more reasons behind a dysfunctional air pump. Starting from the mechanism to its hardware issues.

I have mentioned the 3 most common reasons why your AIO pump is not working. Take a look below- 

Reason 1: Missing BIOS Control

Hooking up your AIO pump with your PC accordingly needs some changes in the BIOS. Not altering the settings in BIOS can be a reason for a malfunctioning fan hub.

You will likely see the pump not working when leaving the BIOS untouched. The detection and controls (lighting and speed) are handed to you when updating the BIOS. 

If you run into errors like “aio pump not detected”, you’re in the right place.

This might seem something tricky; but don’t you worry! I’ll guide you through to the end! Follow the steps I have included down below.

Solution:

To start, get into the BIOS settings of your PC. Getting into the BIOS requires hitting a key while the PC is starting.

Most commonly the key is the F12 button. However, you can try other buttons such as the DEL, F1, F10 & F2 buttons.

After getting into the BIOS setup, you’ll see loads of options. Don’t get confused between them. If you observe the aio pump NA in bios, you’re not looking too clearly. 

Look for the fan controlling section of the BIOS. You can follow the header name (the port you’ve connected the AIO with) for ease.

Then, find the header and change the mode. There should be 4 modes: automatic, DC, Voltage, and PWM. You might be wondering which mode for the aio pump pwm or dc? Set it to DC mode. 

Additionally, change the speed of the AIO. Set it to 90% speed. This will help when you find if the aio pump not spinning.

At last, you’ll have to save the setting in the BIOS. Save the settings and exit BIOS. Reboot your PC and that should fix the AIO pump.

Reason 2: Insufficient Power

The AIO cooler sometimes can’t cope with the insufficient power it is provided with. The cooler needs 

A common symptom, for this reason, can be the aio pump not lighting up. The lights won’t work and they won’t function when the power isn’t enough.

Insufficient power also raises problems with casing fans. For example, spinning issues of Thermaltake fans can arise.

If you’re worried about power, you can relax. I have the solution for you right here.

Solution:

The AIO cooler should have a header (3 or 4 pins). You’ll need to connect it to AIO_pump or pump_header. 

Note that, only modern motherboards have these 2 headers. Some AIO requires you to connect it via the USB 2.0 header as well. 

Usually, AIO coolers need 2 amperes to properly function. If the dedicated headers are not working for you, try the SYS/CHA fan header. 

These headers will power the radiator of the AIO. That’s about it. It should solve any power issues with the AIO.

Reason 3: High Temperature

This has a rare possibility of happening, but it ain’t impossible! There are cases where the casing temperature is high enough to make the component dysfunctional.

When there is too high a temperature, you may see the aio pump clogged. High temperatures are fatal to your PC. 

Still, don’t panic. I have got your back. See the solution for excessive temperatures below-

Solution:

Firstly, always use a good casing. Pick a casing with good airflow. There are many advantages of proper airflow in casings.

You can also use come cooling components for the casing to avoid high temperatures. Casing fans are a great place to start. These can keep the inside of your casing cool for a long time.

Here are some efficient casing fans I’ve listed for you-

By using these casing fans, you can stay tension-free regarding heatwaves inside your PC.

Always keep the casing clean. Dust can also increase the temperature of the casing. A clean case won’t have dust in it and will heat up less. 

Nothing beats an air duster when the matter is removing dust from the PC. I have usually used Brigii Mini Vacuum for the last two years.

Some of my friends also recommended some of the air dusters. They are also quite efficient to keep your PC dust-free.

• Forty4 Store’s Compressed Air Duster which rotates at 33000 RPM
• Another one is the Xasla Powerful Air Duster with 41000 RPM.

That’s about it with making keeping your AIO pump functional.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Final Words

Now you know what should be done when you find the aio pump not working.

Maintain extra care regarding fixes of the AIO pumped into. Water on your components can be fatal for the system!

Have fun fixing the AIO pump!