The CPU's copper block has been damaged due to thermal paste corrosion.
The CPU's copper block has been damaged due to thermal paste corrosion.
Hi all,
My i7 8700k is currently being cooled by the Evga clc 280mm AIO. This AIO has been in use for just a month. Before installing it on the IHS, I removed the stock EVGA thermal paste (Shin Etsu, I think) and replaced it with Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut (not the Conductonaut liquid metal version).
Yesterday, while cleaning the AIO's Copper CPU block (the part that touches the IHS), I noticed a lot of surface roughness and tiny indentations or imperfections. It seems like the copper block might have been corroded or damaged by the thermal paste. Visually, it looks less smooth than before—you can even feel the difference without touching.
How could this happen? And since it's only been a month, has anyone had similar issues? Can I use the EVGA warranty to replace this AIO?
Are there any images available? You might attempt to obtain an RMA from EVGA, though based on your account, the thermal paste issue seems likely. They may claim compatibility only and suggest you used a different paste at your own discretion. Chemistry can be unpredictable.
drea.drechsler :
there might be some images available. You could request an RMA from EVGA, but based on your description, it seems the thermal paste might have been the issue. They might claim they only guarantee compatibility with their paste and that you used a different one at your own risk.
Chemistry can be unpredictable sometimes.
I’ll add a picture to this thread tomorrow after I remove the chip to send it to silicon for delidding.
Regarding the AIO, it’s still functioning perfectly. I didn’t notice any problems with the temperature.
But honestly, the fact that "corrosion" appears on the copper block when using the Kryonaut bothers me—it just doesn’t make sense.