Recently my PC karked it and dis-assembly required the removal of my W/C gear. I decided it was a better time than ever to give my blocks are rads a clean before I fix the ploblem and re-assemble my PC.
I opened my CPU block (Swiftech GTX) and this was the sight.
The top:
The outlet:
The base:
Now you can imagine how pissed off I was to discover this. I knew the top of the block would corrode but not this quickly, the loop has only been running for only 2.5 months for christ's sake and with anti corrosive coolant. I'm waiting for Spawn to say "I told ya so" lol.
I gave the block an entire clean using some diluted vinigar and a tooth brush followed by a thorough rinsing in water. This is the result.
The top:
The top close up:
The base (inside):
The base (outside):
Now you can really see the extent of the corrosion. Almost the entire coating on the inside of the block has been removed allong with a few deep gouges where the corrosion had really taken effect. I admit, the cleaning did a fantastic job on the copper lol, better than new.
Naturally I have no intention of using this block ever again so I need to look for a replacement.
The blocks I have at my disposal are:
Swiftech GTZ
D-Tek FuZion
D-Tek FuZion V2 (with quad insert)
EK Supreme (acetel or plexi top)
Alphacool NexXxoS XP light Plexi
Danger Den MC-TDX Multi-Core
Danger Den TDX
XSPC X20 Delta V3
I could also try to source a copper top for my Swiftech GTX.
So the question which block to get? The Swiftech, D-Tek and EK blocks are all winners but what do you guys think?
I would like to close by saying to anyone out there looking to mix metals (copper and aluminium) in a water loop not to do so. I was aware of the risks, I knew the block would corrode eventually but as you can see here all it takes is a few months for the corrosion to start. I was lucky I checked my block when I did. 6 months from now my block could be completely corroded and my radiators and pump could be clogged and in need of replacement, another expensive and messy exercise. Stick with all copper blocks or copper and plexi/acetel blocks and your water cooling experience will be a lot more enjoyable.
PS. Could we make this a sticky? It may be helpfull for newbies to see how corrosion can really effect a water block. You can tell them but seing it is a completely different story.