Maintaining your MAINGEAR APEX liquid cooling system

At MAINGEAR, our APEX open-loop liquid cooling systems are designed to deliver incredible thermal performance and unrivaled aesthetics. Unlike closed-loop coolers (AIOs) that require no upkeep, open-loop systems benefit from a little periodic maintenance. Just like the oil in a car, coolant will eventually need to be topped off or replaced to ensure long-term reliability and performance.

Because coolant is consumable in nature, and upkeep is part of normal ownership, maintenance of your APEX loop is the responsibility of the user, and is not covered under MAINGEAR's limited or extended warranties.

Rest assured, with the latest generation of APEX, we've made maintenance easier than ever before, with tool-less access to fill and drain ports, and user-replaceable pumps. With proper care, your APEX cooling system will provide years of exceptional performance. Following our recommended maintenance schedule will help prevent issues and keep your system running at its peak.

Why Maintenance Matters

Coolant is the lifeblood of your APEX system. Over time, natural evaporation and wear can reduce coolant levels or cause discoloration and buildup. Staying on top of upkeep not only sustains thermal efficiency but also extends the life of your components. Neglecting maintenance can lead to:

Reduced cooling performance
Build-up or staining inside the loop
Flow blockages or leaks

What to Do and When

Topping Off Coolant:
Check coolant levels periodically. If you notice the reservoir getting low, top it off with MAINGEAR High Performance Coolant or distilled water. For most users, this will only be necessary once per year. The APEX reservoir is designed to run safely at 70-80% full, however, if coolant level drops too low, the pump may start pulling in air bubbles, which can lead to reduced efficiency or cavitation.
Full Coolant Flush:
To maximize performance, drain and refill your coolant completely every 12 months. Depending on usage, some systems may go longer, while daily heavy workloads may benefit from more frequent flushes.
Coolant Choice:
Clear or translucent coolants generally provide the longest-lasting performance, while opaque or show coolants may separate or degrade over time. Although you may see photos of our systems with opaque or show coolants for demonstration purposes, MAINGEAR currently only offers clear and translucent coolant options to ensure reliability and longevity.
When topping off your loop, always use distilled water or MAINGEAR High-Performance Coolant. To avoid chemical reactions or sediment buildup, we strongly recommend not mixing different PC-grade coolants with your existing MAINGEAR coolant.
If you are performing a full system flush, your loop can be safely refilled with either distilled water or a PC-grade coolant such as MAINGEAR High-Performance Coolant. Following these best practices will keep your cooling loop stable and performing at its best.

Simply Put...

Monitor coolant levels in your reservoir.
Top off as needed to avoid air pockets.
Schedule a full flush annually for best results.

Does MAINGEAR offer APEX maintenance services?

Absolutely. MAINGEAR is happy to provide professional maintenance and service for APEX systems upon request. Our certified technicians can handle everything from topping off coolant to performing a full system flush or deep cleaning.

Please note that there are costs associated with these services, which vary depending on the work required. In addition, customers are responsible for freight shipping fees to and from our facility. Freight shipping requires a pallet which must be provided by the customer. If you still have your original MAINGEAR packaging, we can help you secure discounted freight rates.

For more details, or to schedule service, contact MAINGEAR Support. We’ll guide you through the process and make sure your APEX system is well taken care of.

Service Guides

We are currently working on service guides and instructional videos for APEX RUSH and APEX FORCE maintenance. Please check back soon or contact support for further guidance.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact one of our MAINGEAR Support agents: (908-620-9050) or support@maingear.com