The average lifespan of a waterblock

[lunermac]

Hi everyone.

So I was just wondering if anybody had experience in knowing when it is time to chuck a waterblock. If we assume that the loop is properly maintained with regular draining, anti corrosive additives etc.

Also how much does the heat sink material matter in terms of corrosion or is it purely conductive?

Many thanks!

 

[Unolocogringo]

If properly care for ,limitless.
The problem that arises most is in mixed metal loops which corrodes/eats the thin fins in the cooling channel.
If you stay with all copper loops a blocks life could be unlimited.

 

[Pinhedd]

Hi everyone.

So I was just wondering if anybody had experience in knowing when it is time to chuck a waterblock. If we assume that the loop is properly maintained with regular draining, anti corrosive additives etc.

Also how much does the heat sink material matter in terms of corrosion or is it purely conductive?

Many thanks!

Hi,

If the waterblock is brass or nickel-plated it should last a very, very long time. Waterblocks that are bare copper may suffer from some corrosion but it won't be a significant amount as long as there's no bare non-hardened aluminium in the loop.

Water cooling is very much a build-it-and-leave-it thing.

 

[lunermac]

Thanks for the answers guys. On a final note, I see some waterblocks (partucularly EK) offering an Acetel/Nickel combination, is there any advantage to this?

 

[Unolocogringo]

The Acetyl is the clear plastic top cover.
The nickel is a plating to reduce corrosion on the exterior of the block.
Slight advantage to the nickel plating, the acetyl cover is aesthetics. It allows you to see inside the block and reduces weight slightly.

 

[Pinhedd]

Thanks for the answers guys. On a final note, I see some waterblocks (partucularly EK) offering an Acetel/Nickel combination, is there any advantage to this?

Nickel doesn't corrode at temperatures below 400 degrees centigrade, so it can be mixed with other metals (often brass) without degrading. Note that poorly plated blocks may have gaps which allow for localized degradation.