EK Nickel Block...

WuMyster · 4 May 2013 at 09:22

I was getting my list of parts prepared until I started googling reviews for the EK Nickel blocks and A LOT of sites and now naming EK as a terrible company.

As of 2013, have they fixed their nickel plating issues as I cant stand the look of copper blocks!

OptimaLnrg · 4 May 2013 at 09:24

Considered a block from a different company?

Diagro · 4 May 2013 at 10:22

Its been fixed.

WuMyster · 4 May 2013 at 10:49

Looked around but cant really find a company who has blocks as aesthetically pleasing as EKs.

Diagro, you sure? Any proof?

Tonester0011 · 4 May 2013 at 11:12

http://www.bit-tech.net/news/hardware/2011/07/28/ek-introduces-electroless-nickel-plating/1

All new EK blocks come with the "EN" plastered on the box, i have these new blocks and no flaking. I'm using X1 liquid.

WuMyster · 4 May 2013 at 11:19

Oh thanks a bunch. So EN blocks, which are the ones im looking at anyway, shouldnt have flaking issues?

Jokester · 4 May 2013 at 11:22

EN blocks still suffer flaking - it's a peculiarly EK problem as I've not seen any complaints about any other manufacturers blocks. Follow EK's liquid recommendations to the letter and you might be ok.

WuMyster · 4 May 2013 at 11:25

Ah, that sucks. Do you have any recommendations of other manufacturers who do nickel blocks?

Diagro · 4 May 2013 at 15:13

Had my nickle dcii block for a long time. No flakeing at all.

Was told its fixed by ek when I purchased it direct from them

WuMyster · 4 May 2013 at 15:17

They told him directly they had fixed it? If so then ill have to order one ASAP.

Jokester · 4 May 2013 at 15:20

EK maintain it's fixed, but there's plenty of threads here and elsewhere with people still suffering corrosion and flaking issues with their Nickel blocks. As I said, follow EK's recomendations about liquids and you should be ok.

WuMyster · 4 May 2013 at 15:21

I did a search but I could find that list, could you list it? Also, if it does start flaking, it shows copped underneath right? So can i just continue using it IF it does happen?

Jokester · 4 May 2013 at 15:31

Seems like they've deleted it from their site now, but here's the jist of it from elsewhere:-

Therefore until further notice EK Water Blocks Company recommends, not to use distilled water silver in the loop in combination with nickel-plated blocks, nor additives based on Copper Sulphate.

EK recommends only coolants with anticorrosion additive, although our internal test systems of pure distilled water have been found without any problem in 2 months test period. EK Team would like to ask you to kindly spread this information as we would like our users to continue having excellent experiences with EK products.

WuMyster · 4 May 2013 at 15:32

Thanks very much!

Ollie1132 · 4 May 2013 at 16:21

Jokester said:
EN blocks still suffer flaking - it's a peculiarly EK problem as I've not seen any complaints about any other manufacturers blocks. Follow EK's liquid recommendations to the letter and you might be ok.

I believe it's a lot less than it use to be right? Does the letter still say to only use EK coolants? I'd suggest koolance.. their blocks look beautiful imo. But theres very few companies with Acrylic blocks which is a pita.

OptimaLnrg · 4 May 2013 at 16:21

WuMyster said:
Looked around but cant really find a company who has blocks as aesthetically pleasing as EKs.

I think that's the first time I've seen anyone say that

WuMyster · 4 May 2013 at 16:27

If the nickel DOES flake, can I just continue to use it since itll just show the copper underneath?

OptimalLnrg, TBH, i only find acrylic blocks aesthetically pleasing. Do you know of any others?

Ollie1132 · 4 May 2013 at 16:28

WuMyster said:
If the nickel DOES flake, can I just continue to use it since itll just show the copper underneath?

OptimalLnrg, TBH, i only find acrylic blocks aesthetically pleasing. Do you know of any others?

Would not suggest using a block that has flaking. It could end up pretty badly. You find the CSQ blocks aesthetically pleasing?

WuMyster · 4 May 2013 at 16:30

OptimaLnrg said:
I think that's the first time I've seen anyone say that

Ollie1132 said:
I believe it's a lot less than it use to be right? Does the letter still say to only use EK coolants? I'd suggest koolance.. their blocks look beautiful imo. But theres very few companies with Acrylic blocks which is a pita.

Ollie1132 said:
Would not suggest using a block that has flaking. It could end up pretty badly. You find the CSQ blocks aesthetically pleasing?

Alright then. Yes I do as a matter of fact. Absolutely love it and want to go with it but im obviously concerned about the flaking

Jokester · 4 May 2013 at 16:30

Ollie1132 said:
I believe it's a lot less than it use to be right? Does the letter still say to only use EK coolants? I'd suggest koolance.. their blocks look beautiful imo. But theres very few companies with Acrylic blocks which is a pita.

It's a lot lot better than it used to be.