EK-FC GeForce GTX FE possible GPU corrosion?

[BadFrog]

Hi all,

I setup my first custom water loop last year May. Last weekend, I drained my system to install a vertical GPU mount in my case. When I pulled the card out, I was inspecting it for any problems and found some strange colored markings inside my GPU block. Since this is the first time seeing any problem in my loop, I just wanted to ask the community the best way to fix the problem. I think its corrosion or possibly the nickel plating is being flaked off? I wanted to show off the GPU, but I'm starting to have second thoughts because of this problem. What can I do?

All other parts didn't show any kind of corrosion or any other problem. I've been only using distilled water, no PT Nuke, or silver coil, etc. EKWB radiator, monoblock, fittings, bitspower

 

[Steevo]

Its just some oxidation, where machined edges are the nickel plating isn't as thick and the copper substrate may have reacted with a little of your coolant. Flush it with white vinegar and don't worry. What coolant were you running? EDIT, am an idiot. You will need something with distilled water as it will rip metal ions off due to it being slightly acidic, if you can find clear ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or a automotive additive package to prevent corrosion it will work fine too.

http://www.overclockers.com/pc-water-coolant-chemistry-part-ii/


I use a 50/50 premix industrial coolant, with water wetter, and then dillute it with distilled water to approximately 20-30% Glycol by volume.

 

[Norton]

Follow the instructions from EKWB for cleaning their blocks here:
https://ekwb.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/205235541-How-to-clean-water-blocks-
*note- don't use anything acidic on their nickel plated blocks- it will void your warranty!

Cleaning nickel plated copper: When cleaning nickel plated copper it is forbidden to use any aggressive chemicals (neither vinegar) or rough materials as you may damage the plating and thus void the warranty.

Their blocks have a 24 month warranty- might be a good idea to contact them on any staining that can't be cleaned up

 

[eidairaman1]

I presume everything in the loop is the same metal

 

[BadFrog]

I presume everything in the loop is the same metal

AFAIK, I double checked all the fittings and they all seem to be nickel plated brass (EKWB & Bitspower). I'll double check again tonight when I get home from work. The one I'm not sure about is a Swiftech 15mm extension, that I can't seem to find (https://www.swiftech.com/15MM-MF-EXTENSION-ADAPTER.aspx)

Follow the instructions from EKWB for cleaning their blocks here:
https://ekwb.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/205235541-How-to-clean-water-blocks-
*note- don't use anything acidic on their nickel plated blocks- it will void your warranty!


Their blocks have a 24 month warranty- might be a good idea to contact them on any staining that can't be cleaned up

I didn't think they'd consider this a warranty issue but maybe more aesthetic or normal wear and tear? Not sure, first timer here with corrosion

 

[eidairaman1]

AFAIK, I double checked all the fittings and they all seem to be nickel plated brass (EKWB & Bitspower). I'll double check again tonight when I get home from work. The one I'm not sure about is a Swiftech 15mm extension, that I can't seem to find (https://www.swiftech.com/15MM-MF-EXTENSION-ADAPTER.aspx)



I didn't think they'd consider this a warranty issue but maybe more aesthetic or normal wear and tear? Not sure, first timer here with corrosion

Ask them to identify it, the spotting is surface corrosion which happen in automotive radiators, you can do the suggestions @Steevo has, but if that unknown fitting is not compatible youd be best to remove it and do a thorough system flush.

 

[BadFrog]

Ask them to identify it, the spotting is surface corrosion which happen in automotive radiators, you can do the suggestions @Steevo has, but if that unknown fitting is not compatible youd be best to remove it and do a thorough system flush.

You mentioned automotive radiators... should I check my rads and maybe flush them again? I'm gonna tear down the loop this weekend or next and do a complete flush of the system. As long as my o-rings come in on time which might be another problem. My monoblock is EOL and I sent EK an email for replacement o-rings, but if they don't have in stock, any idea on where I can get it?

 

[erocker]

I presume everything in the loop is the same metal

Going by the parts listed it's all compatible. Brass, copper, nickel.

 

[eidairaman1]

You mentioned automotive radiators... should I check my rads and maybe flush them again? I'm gonna tear down the loop this weekend or next and do a complete flush of the system. As long as my o-rings come in on time which might be another problem. My monoblock is EOL and I sent EK an email for replacement o-rings, but if they don't have in stock, any idea on where I can get it?

Automotive parts shops have O rings, get them there.