Material for waterblocks

[chrisnathan]

I'm picking out my parts for my build but I'm wondering how the different materials affect the loop. If my radiator is mostly copper and my GPU waterblock is nickel, does that affect anything?

[joelthezombie15]

I dont think it is that important. but im not 100% sure

[WhatARoaster]

Im sure the most it will affect is the cooling potential of the specific block, obviously copper would have better thermals, ect.

 

I dont think oxidization is really that big of an issue as long as you get good quality components. 

[Parkway Drive]

Mixing copper and nickel in a loop is fine.

 

The only thing you need to worry about is having aluminium. Having aluminimum and copper in the same loop will produce galvanic corrosion.

[tabuburn]

^This. Also, nickel blocks are not actually made of pure nickel. They are just copper blocks with nickel plating. This won't affect cooling performance. The nickel plating is just their for aesthetics and as a corrosion inhibitor.

[BroKenFingers]

There is some concern with having silver in a loop with nickel plating, but copper,nickel and brass are OK. If you use a commercial coolant they will have the proper anti corrosive additives as a safe guard. Aluminium should never come into contact with your coolant..now a days most water cooling kit is aluminium free.     

[tabuburn]

There is some concern with having silver in a loop with nickel plating, but copper,nickel and brass are OK. If you use a commercial coolant they will have the proper anti corrosive additives as a safe guard. Aluminium should never come into contact with your coolant..now a days most water cooling kit is aluminium free.     

Nickel and chrome prevents the galvanic corrosion between copper and silver. It was a myth started by EK to cover up some of their blocks that had substandard nickel plating which chipped off and exposed the copper underneath to the silver kill coils.

[BroKenFingers]

..guess that is why both EK and Koolance void their warranties when silver kill coils are used with their products..?   

[tabuburn]

..guess that is why both EK and Koolance void their warranties when silver kill coils are used with their products..?   

Covering their asses just in case of a repeat on substandard plating. Every other water block manufacturer that uses nickel plating does not prohibit you.

[BroKenFingers]

No..not every one will..but the main issue is still..using silver in the loop..when it really does not need to be used.Go ahead and use nickel plated components ..just be advised that adding silver to the loop may cause problems..

[tabuburn]

Yup. There is an alternative to the silver kill coil though. Biocide and ethylene glycol do the same job. Just add a couple of drops to your coolant.

[Guest]

You also need to be aware of what the coolants actually contain. Some block manufacturers and some coolant providers wills tate what isn't compatible or recommended to be used with their products. 

[R4STABAN]

Nickel is >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> copper guff

 

If you get waterblocks that show copper externally you may as well order some damn brasso and spend every day polishing it to oblivion.

 

/rant

[Ghost]

Nickel is >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> copper guff

 

If you get waterblocks that show copper externally you may as well order some damn brasso and spend every day polishing it to oblivion.

 

/rant

In case someone didn't know what he is complaining about: Copper oxidizes in air and turns green after prolonged exposure.

[R4STABAN]

In case someone didn't know what he is complaining about: Copper oxidizes in air and turns green after prolonged exposure.

This.

 

My raging rant made it unclear.

 

I have 680 lightnings for which only 2 blocks were made - EK circle yuks or aquacomputer aquagrfx. The aquagrfx is full copper with stainless steel plating. When I got them they were ultra shiny copper. Now they are a very dull dirty brown. 

The inside was still fine last I check, but I don't really care about how the inside of the block looks.

 

Wish I'd got different cards.. or aquacomputer had made a nickel plated version :(

[BroKenFingers]

It is called Patina.and I was assured it was the mark of a true antique..  ;)