Are automotive/industrial radiators viable alternative?

[JovanD]

I just noticed car radiators are much cheaper and seemingly higher quality than PC ones. Like i can get one below for 14$ in my area

 

A PC equivalent like alphacool monsta or whatever would cost +100$

So im just wondering are there any drawbacks to using non-pc radiators, except for size/mounting hasstle?

[airdeano]

usually, the draw back is materials used in the automotive parts.

plastics and aluminum are the most common. using them in our PC presents challenges for prolonged usage.

galvanic corrosion is the worst offender. you can add additives for some prevention, but then it becomes a handsome bother whether the system is optimal because of using such parts. been a long time since we'd use radiators/heater cores from cars/trucks due to their optics.

[Spotty]

Make sure it's an appropriate metal that isn't going to cause issues with any other blocks or fittings in the system.

Make sure it's clean (see below).

[Christophe Corazza]

7 hours ago, JovanD said:

I just noticed car radiators are much cheaper and seemingly higher quality than PC ones. Like i can get one below for 14$ in my area

 

 

A PC equivalent like alphacool monsta or whatever would cost +100$

So im just wondering are there any drawbacks to using non-pc radiators, except for size/mounting hasstle?

 

Theoretically speakng, there is nothing that prevents you from including a car radiator in your loop. It should work fine... for the first year or so. However, as mentioned by others, the radiator is made from different materials than the other components in your loop (for example the CPU block). When different metals (with different potentials) are electrically connected, an electrochemical reaction will occur resulting in corrosion. Therefore, manufacturers produce radiators that will play nice with the other components in your loop so you’ll avoid corrosion.

[FRSHPRNCFBLR]

When using all aluminum components, like from ek's A series kits or eBay blocks, it can work just fine.