Buying second hand waterblock advice.

1uke · 14 Mar 2013 at 18:50

I just received a Msi ek7970 Lightning waterblock I won on a well know auction site for £16 sold as brand new but, It certainly doesn't appear new as one or two of the screws has scratches on like they have been tampered with, And its come with no thermal pads/mounting kit(screws), And in just bubble wrap no box instructions etc...?

It looks like I can get the fixing kit and thermal pads etc direct of Ek?

But my other main worry is why is the seller selling it and without any of the fixing kit etc. Could this card possibly have damage somewhere and kill my MSI 7970 Lightning which would cost £500 to replace now...?

pgi947 · 14 Mar 2013 at 18:54

Open the block and inspect it, you'll easily tell from the inside if it's new or not. Check for any imperfections on the contact face too.

Yes Ek do have mounting kits for the lightning complete with thermal pads etc...

1uke · 14 Mar 2013 at 19:57

I will open the block and inspect it at some point. Is there anywhere in uk I can get the thermal pads and fixing kit as its going to cost nearly £20 direct from EK.... Guess I can phone Overclockers and see if they can possibly help?

pgi947 · 14 Mar 2013 at 19:58

Provided you have all the screws and washers you'd just need the thermal pads, which you can buy at plenty of places, the sizes are noted in the installation instructions which are available via the product page at EK.

1uke · 14 Mar 2013 at 20:01

It is just the block I have received no screws or washers etc unfortunately.

I can't believe people try sell things on the well know auction site as new when they obviously are not..... so annoyed!

doggles · 14 Mar 2013 at 20:11

return it & raise a dispute?

pgi947 · 14 Mar 2013 at 20:12

Ok, fear not!!

I sourced out replacement screws and washers for a chap on here (cammy) after the parcel I sent the block in was damaged in transit and the bag of screws went missing, which was also a 7970 Lightning block.

Screw/Washer sizes you need:

M2.5x6mm
M2.5x4mm
M2.5 or M3 Nylon Washer (either or).

All of the above are widely available

1uke · 14 Mar 2013 at 20:22

doggles said:
return it & raise a dispute?

Yeah I might well do that but I then have the hassle of posting it back at my expense etc. I have wanted a block for my lightning for ages but couldn't justify the cost considering the standard cooler is pretty decent.