Does my Copper Block have any issues with water cooling?
Does my Copper Block have any issues with water cooling?
That cleaner shouldn't lead to scratching or any damage as long as you avoid abrasive materials like sandpaper. Steel wool would work, but I question whether those stains or discoloration would affect the cooling performance.
I wanted to share an update on my current situation.
The main reason I disassembled the block was due to persistent overheating problems. My temperatures began fluctuating around 91 degrees, reaching the maximum threshold in my core. Initially, I used compressed air to clean the radiator fins, but that didn’t resolve the issue. So I proceeded with disassembly to clean the block and hopefully address the overheating. It’s been five years since then, and no improvement.
After taking it apart, I shared photos from the previous posts. On Saturday, I reassembled the block and performed a flush run by filling up my loop overnight. I have an additional power supply and a jumper connection for the pump, allowing me to run the PSU with just the pump active.
What I discovered was that the pump only activated half the time. At times, it completely shut off while the PSU was running. This prompted further troubleshooting. When the pump turned on and then stopped, especially when the reservoir case was overheating, it became clear the issue was with the pump itself.
My pump is an XSPC 750 X20 V.4. It finally failed after five years without any maintenance or flushing. Fortunately, when I built my rig five years ago, I purchased a spare reservoir pump combo. Now, my kitchen table functions as a makeshift workbench. Since it’s a pump/reservoir unit, replacing the pump wasn’t an option. All components had to be removed for a thorough overhaul. This was a major surgery.
However, I plan to install new tubing, a fresh pump, and reservoir, thoroughly clean the radiator, and give my copper block a good clean. Essentially, I’ll replace the entire watercooling system on my rig.
I might consider other upgrades while it’s out there, but that’s another story!
Those XSPC pumps were well-known for failing. I think it might be too late for an RMA, but there are definitely better options available.
Yes, it seems the Pre-Version 4 models were the ones with the most issues regarding noise and malfunctions. The version I own appears to have improved significantly compared to that.
I considered upgrading my hardware while taking the computer apart, planning a new CPU and GPU install. However, after checking the current prices of graphics cards, I decided against it. Prices are still very high right now.
Graphics cards are nearly double in cost everywhere.
🙁
I’m running three 1440p monitors, so I need a large graphics card, which is currently extremely expensive.
I’ll keep updating my posts as I work on fixing my setup.
The v4 X20 pump was intended to resolve the problems of earlier models. It performed adequately, though the X20 itself wasn't particularly strong initially. Upgrading to a different pump model would be a practical solution at this stage.
Yes, the v4 X20 pump was intended to solve the problems of earlier models. It performed adequately, though the X20 itself wasn't particularly strong from the beginning. A new DDC or comparable pump would make a suitable 'engine change' at this stage. I'll take a look and do some research. Nowadays, pumps are installed in a dry reservoir, which makes swaps and replacements much simpler. Thank you.
Hello once more,
I still have my computer damaged on the kitchen table. I haven’t had time to finish it yet, but I’ve been working in small steps whenever possible.
Last night I began installing the new tubing. Before connecting it to the CPU block, I decided to clean the interior of the copper block again. I unscrewed it and discovered it was blue with a lot of black residue and corrosion. In my opinion, the vinegar cleaning didn’t remove everything properly after using water afterward.
After cleaning everything back up, I noticed what seems to be "Copper Pitting" on the block. I’m asking for advice—should I consider replacing the copper block now? Is it still usable, or will it keep developing more pits?
Here are the pictures:
http://i68.tinypic.com/2mfnrqu.jpg
http://i64.tinypic.com/e8oodd.jpg
http://i68.tinypic.com/2vhxh07.jpg
Thank you!
Did you keep the copper in vinegar for a long time? If you only brushed and rinsed it, pitting wouldn’t have occurred. Therefore, the pitting might be due to manufacturing or prolonged exposure to a solvent.
If you’re not submerging the block in anything, as long as it won’t touch something more acidic, it should be fine. Always rinse thoroughly with a chemical cleaner afterward to remove any residue.
Did you leave the copper submerged in vinegar for a long time? If you only brushed the block and rinsed it, it wouldn’t have caused pitting. Therefore, the pitting might be due to manufacturing or exposure to a solvent for an extended period. Assuming you’re not soaking the block in anything, as long as it won’t come into contact with something more corrosive, it should be fine. Whenever you use a chemical to clean metals, it’s important to rinse the material thoroughly so no residue remains.
This is what occurred.
Before my pump stopped working, I had cleaned the block thoroughly (original cleaning and pictures above), reassembled everything, and ran a 50/50 water/vinegar solution through the loop. During this process, I noticed my pump was working intermittently and sometimes shutting down completely.
I disassembled and drained the entire loop. I discarded all tubing, emptied the reservoir, flushed the radiator with distilled water—but didn’t reopen or clean the block afterward. So even though it was drained, a vinegar/water mixture remained inside for possibly a week. When I opened it up for final cleaning, the situation was quite messy.
This was entirely my mistake and lack of knowledge. I’m now concerned whether the block has been damaged and if the issue will continue to worsen, with pits growing larger and posing a risk to my loop. I’m not very familiar with corrosion processes. But if it’s similar to rust on a car, then I’m worried the problem could keep expanding now that the block is compromised.
I purchased EK cryptofuel coolant for my rebuild, which claims it contains a corrosion inhibitor and prevents biological growth. Perhaps this inhibitor could help stop further corrosion?
Were the pits there previously, or do you know for certain?
The pitting shouldn't be an issue as long as there is not any residual chemical contact directly on the copper. Also, flushing the vinegar with water should have been more than enough to wash it away, so I am wondering if the pitting was already present?
Corrosion inhibitor is for dislike metal corrosion, when metals such as aluminum and copper or nickel are contained within the same cooling loop.