Does "copper oxide" affect performance?

Guitarman0 · 31 Dec 2010 at 14:58

I have noticed some black gunk forming inside my copper CPU block. Would I be right in guessing this is copper oxide? Also, does this 'copper oxide' affect the blocks performance?

Thanks

Jokester · 31 Dec 2010 at 14:58

What liquid are you using?

JeffyB · 31 Dec 2010 at 15:13

Any gunk in your block will affect performance as flow rates drop and micro channels get blocked. Gunk can be caused by a number of things such a coolant separation (if using a coloured coolant), flux residue and oxidisation. We would need more info about your loop to narrow the problem down.

Guitarman0 · 31 Dec 2010 at 15:15

Tubing: XSPC 7/16 Clear - 1m
Pump: Laing DDC-Pumpe 12V DDC-1Plus inkl. Phobya Laing DDC Light Plexi
Radiator: Hardware Labs Black Ice Stealth 280
CPU Block: EK-Supreme LT AMD - Plexi (754/939/AM2+/AM3)
GPU Block: EK-FC5850 5850 CF - Plexi
Coolant: Thermochill EC6 Non Conductive Coolant - Red
Reservoir: XSPC Single Bay Reservoir
Fittings: 1/2" Chrome Barbs
Thermal Compound: MX5

Sgt Tackleberry · 31 Dec 2010 at 15:52

Did you put some Liquid Utopia Protective Fluid in and silver kill coil in to help it stop forming.

Jokester · 31 Dec 2010 at 15:53

Wouldn't be surprised if it's the colour separating out of the liquid.

Sgt Tackleberry · 31 Dec 2010 at 16:01

Where did you get 5850 block from..

JeffyB · 31 Dec 2010 at 16:02

I'm with Jokester on this and have read other stories about ec6 separating.

Guitarman0 · 31 Dec 2010 at 17:30

Jokester said:
Wouldn't be surprised if it's the colour separating out of the liquid.

O.k. How should I go about cleaning this then? What should I use? (thanks

)

Sgt Tackleberry said:
Where did you get 5850 block from..

Can't say due to competitor links. Sorry.

twist3d0n3 · 31 Dec 2010 at 17:36

toothbrush and some tommy k - works wonders

jak731 · 31 Dec 2010 at 17:41

White vinegar can be used to dissolve crap build up as well.

Guitarman0 · 31 Dec 2010 at 18:03

twist3d0n3 said:
toothbrush and some tommy k - works wonders

Probably a really nooby question, but what is tommy k?

twist3d0n3 · 31 Dec 2010 at 18:09

tomato ketchup

Sgt Tackleberry · 31 Dec 2010 at 18:24

Really? How can that work?.

cammy5477 · 31 Dec 2010 at 18:28

Sgt Tackleberry said:
Really? How can that work?.

it makes you want to lick your block clean.....

Sgt Tackleberry · 31 Dec 2010 at 18:34

cammy5477 said:
it makes you want to lick your block clean.....

Lmao, but what about BBQ ?.

Bubo · 31 Dec 2010 at 22:01

If the black stuff is normal copper oxide then it will only be microns thick, I personally think it does not affect performance in any meaningful way, it certainly would not cause a blockage to reduce flow. However most people like their shiny looking blocks and it is easy to get rid of during annual maintenance, though it is very likely to return in the same timeframe it took to develop in the first place.

JeffyB · 31 Dec 2010 at 22:33

If he is describing it as gunk i dont think its a micron thick layer of oxide.

engstrom0304 · 1 Jan 2011 at 18:34

Well Ben!! I told you this would happen and that you shouldve spent 7 quid nickle plating but no!!!! You wouldnt have it

Alternatively if it is the colour seperating... Well I told you also to get coloured tubing but again... Nooo!!!!

Anyway!! It's just bantar Ben!!

My advice is to take a look in your cpu block... if there isnt much there then i wouldnt worry but if there is a lot then first pour some distilled in there to clean to see how easily it dislodges... that should indicate if it is copper oxide or not... if it comes out easily like that you can be sure its not copper oxide!!!

If it annoys you... open the block up and as said before put tomato ketchup on the block and scrub with a new toothbrush

Make sure you dont touch the copper with your hands too much or it will tarnish badly!! you can also use vinegar and just soak overnight and it will be all sparkily!! That (i think) wont work for the Copper oxide in the block but only for making the base look nice (and slightly improve heat transfer not much though)

If its not that bad at the moment though, dont bother or you may make it worse from touching it.

Guitarman0 · 1 Jan 2011 at 20:23

engstrom0304 said:
Well Ben!! I told you this would happen and that you shouldve spent 7 quid nickle plating but no!!!! You wouldnt have it

Can't spend money I don't have.....

Anyway, I will give it a shake with distilled water. If not, there isn't much there so I wont worry until I do my anual clean