Need assistance with nickel-plated copper blocks that include aluminum radiators.
Need assistance with nickel-plated copper blocks that include aluminum radiators.
Hello everyone.
I recently assembled my first custom loop to enhance my I7-5820K. At first, everything seemed okay since I assumed all components were made of aluminum. However, during my research on the parts I’m using, I discovered I might be mixing metals.
Here’s what I’m using for the loop:
-Phanteks Glacier 350i CPU Block
-XSPC Nickel Plated Brass Barb Fittings
-2xCorsair H100i GTX Radiators (I found these while browsing)
How can I prevent galvanic corrosion?
Will the XSPC EX360 Radiator fit well with my block and fittings? You can check the product page here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006097HEC? If it works, should I mount it using the existing water in the loop, or do I need to fully dry it to avoid problems later? Please let me know what’s best for me. Thanks!
Well, if you also take out the H100 radiators to remove the aluminum, that’s another option. You might also think about using a biocide or anti-microbial solution—like a silver kill coil won’t work here—to stop algae from growing. This can be added as an ingredient or included in the coolant itself. The main goal is to avoid any unwanted buildup inside the loop, especially in the micro channels of the radiators where it tends to start.
You would require an anti-corrosion solution similar to automotive antifreeze, such as a glycol-based coolant. Most of the water in the loop should be removed, or all of it if it's a coolant type, and then refilled with the appropriate coolant. Otherwise...
To install that XSPC radiator, you'd have to empty the loop and refill it with the new unit. You might opt for a single 240 radiator unless you're pushing performance to an extreme level.
You would require a substance that resists corrosion, similar to automotive antifreeze, typically in the form of a glycol-based coolant. Most of the water in the loop should be removed, or all of it if it's a coolant type, and then refilled with the appropriate coolant. Otherwise...
To install the XSPC radiator, you'd need to empty the loop completely and refill it using the new radiator. You might opt for just one 240mm unless you're pushing performance to an extreme.
Well... I intend to push as far as possible, perhaps up to around 1,35v, which would likely need a bit more than a single 240mm.
So... all I have to do is drain the loop completely and clean it with fresh distilled water—would that eliminate any risk? Let me know! 😀
Well, if you also take out the H100 radiators to remove the aluminum, that’s another option. You might also think about using a biocide or an anti-microbial solution—like a silver kill coil won’t work here. This helps stop algae from forming. It can be added as an ingredient or included in the coolant itself. The main goal is to avoid any unwanted growth inside your loop, especially since buildup often starts in the radiator’s micro channels.
Here are some links with examples:
http://www.performance-pcs.com/watercool...e-biocide/
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...biocide&rh=n:172282,k:watercooling+biocide
You really need to ensure you pick something that prevents microbial growth. Some coolants have this feature, others don’t.
Assuming you also eliminate the H100 radiators to remove aluminum, that's what you should do too.
You might also need a biocide or anti-microbial solution—silver kill coils won't work here—to stop algae from forming. This can be added as an ingredient or included in the coolant itself.
Avoid anything that could cause buildup inside your loop, especially in the micro channels of the radiators.
Here are some links with examples:
http://www.performance-pcs.com/watercool...e-biocide/
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...biocide
Make sure you pick a product that contains a biocide or prevents microbial growth. Some coolants have this feature, others don't.
Thank you very much for your help. Don't hesitate to suggest additives—I added PrimoChill Liquid Utopia Anti-Corrosion/Algae first to a gallon of distilled water before filling the loop. Also thank you.
I plan to use both the XSPC EX360 for the top and the EX240 for the front.
There is plenty of cooling for your CPU and a GPU (or two), based on overclocks and power limits. Even with a well-overclocked CPU and standard GPU settings, you can comfortably run the 360 at reasonable temperatures.