Spare GPU blocks - thoughts?

[Scoob]

Hi all,

I'm just popping this here to see what people think.

I have several spare EK GPU water blocks as I've been doing a bit of a rebuild today.

1. An EK Black Acetal block for a reference Rev.1 GTX 570 or 580
   
   This block fits the original longer reference design GTX 570 that shared the same PCB as the 580, hence the block being able to fit the reference design of both these GPU's.
   
   This block was previously fitted to my Palit GTX 570 - totally reference NV design, with the "blower" style fan at one end.
2. An EK Black Acetal block for a reference Rev.2 (HD) GTX 570
   
   This block is from the newer, shorter PCB'd 570's, also known as 570 HD's. This is still reference, but a newer design replacing the old one.
   
   This was previously fitted to my Inno3d GTX 570 HD - newer reference design, shorter and with the central conventional fan.
3. An EK Clear Plexi block for a reference Rev.2 (HD) GTX 570
   
   This is currently on my EVGA GTX 570 OC and is the exact same design as above, but in clear plexi rather than black acetal.

All three blocks are in good condition from what I can tell & worked very well. I still have the boxes they came in (I'm a hoarder) along with all fixtures and fittings. I obviously used the included thermal pads, but I've saved them and stuck them to the removed blocks. I've wrapped the blocks in cling-film (food wrap) to prevent the pads drying out. I'd personally be happy to re-use them, but I suspect other might not, I don't know.

I wondered if this is the sort of thing people might buy 2nd hand, or are 2nd hand blocks a no no? I could have just started a For Sale thread, but I'm not 100% sure about this yet, so thought I'd ask here. It'd be nice if I could get some cash for them, otherwise I'll just continue to hoard now doubt.

I got the first two blocks summer 2011, the one on the EVGA was bought summer 2012 - August to be exact, so none are really that old. I've exclusively used EK's own "EK-Coolant CLEAR" & have checked my PH level periodically to ensure the stuff is still good. Basically the blocks have been well looked after.

What do people think? Second hand blocks, interesting or avoid like the plague?

Cheers,

Scoob.

Note to self, update sig!

 

[Mysterae]

I don't think there's any problem buying 2nd hand water blocks, as long as:

- the fixings are intact and not sheared or stripped
- any o-rings are present and intact
- minimal tarnishing visible

Is there a market for it? If priced correctly, there's a market for everything! I still have some blocks for X1900's kicking around somewhere which I didn't move on, worthless now though.

 

[AverageNinja]

I agree with above, and I'd also give the block a good clean. I read (though not sure) tomato ketchup should work good for that (sounds weird I know)

 

[Scoob]

Hi guys, thanks for your replies.

I've not checked the inside of the blocks - other than the clear Plexi one of course. I'd rather not break the seals to get inside it. I've no reason to think they are anything other than fine as I think I've done everything right by them with the correct coolant etc. They are also all the newer "EN" blocks with the "fixed" plating process, so I'd not expect to see a problem there.

I can say that all threads etc. are in perfect condition though, no visible wear or damage such as cracks etc. They still look new to me.

I'll see what other feedback I get an go from there.

Cheers again,

Scoob.