GTX680 block, 2 months old, all ready stuffed?

[Scoob]

Wow, I know EK say that "some" staining can occur due to their new process but that really does look quite bad. I actually researched EK's new EN process a while back and it really looked they were back on form - so much so I have three EK blocks (1 CPU 2x GPU) on their way this morning.

Now, just in the interests of trying to get to the bottom of this one, I have seen pictures similar (though not quite as bad) as yours where there indeed has been some sort of scum/crap build up where the coolant gets a bit murky. It appears that the EN plating is more prone to discolouration than the old (but flaky) process.

I too plan to use just Deionised water and a couple of drops of Mayhems Biocide - however, talking with other people, we think that a Deionised Water + Glycol (about 17%) is a good balance. Not sure how concentrated Mayhems Biocide is (I assume very) but maybe it's not quite enough for EN plated blocks?

Don't know. Personally, if the discolouration is anything but a light surface covering - i.e. you can wipe it off with minimal effort - I'd really not be happy. I think you have good additional ammo to take to EK as your other blocks are clean.

Tell me, have you notice the blocks performance suffer at all? I guess you've not been pushing the system so it's not really going to be apparent I imagine.

Scoob.

 

[Murphyslaw]

What other metals are in your system? If you have one copper block, one EN block and then another block this will definitely happen.

You should always keep the same metals in your loop otherwise science will prevail.

On the other hand if you have got all the same metals, then this is a bit shoddy!

the only way the copper will react with the nickel or vise versa is if the copper was metal or nickel was liquid. Or there was a current through the nickel and it was reacting with copper in solution. both shouldn't be possible in water loops.

 

[Scoob]

Any updates on this yet? My own EK "EN" blocked loop is up and running so I have concerns.

I'm using EK's own clear coolant as I thought it likely the friendliest thing for the loop. I also flushed my rad (Phobya 1080) with de-ionised water prior to it being added to the loop with the blocks. I then flushed through (and leak tested) the whole system using de-ionised for quite some time prior to filling with the "proper" coolant pre-mix.

I did show you pics to some people in the trade and they say it does look like some sort of deposit rather than the blocks nickel wearing away or anything - it is difficult to tell without the block in your hand of course. Did you try lightly rubbing the surface to see how easy it was to remove? Or were you concerned that any action you took might hinder your case with EK?

Hope you get things resolved.

Scoob.