EK Nickel corrosion solved?

R.C.Anderson · 22 Jul 2011 at 10:09

Whilst having a little look around to see if I could find any updates on the EK Nickel plating issues, I came across this news article on their website.

Thoughts, anyone? Will this mean we don't need to worry about the corrosion of the Nickel plating?

I was hopeing to see EK come up with something to sort it, as I'm wanting to turn to watercooling quite soon, so how long do you think it'll be before these products hit the shelves?

Avathar77 · 22 Jul 2011 at 10:14

Only independent tests(long term) can determine if it has been solved by the new plating method.

Greboth · 22 Jul 2011 at 10:16

Well the article says they will continue to sell old stock so I would guess I depends on where you are buying the parts from and how much 'old' stock they have. I would also expect a quick phone call to the shop and they would tell you which blocks they are. Although, while there was something going on it was a very minor amount of people affected by this problem. There are countless people on this forum who are using ek nickel blocks without a problem. I can understand the worry about buying a faulty block but easy two ways to avoid the problem either buy copper blocks or buy another manufacturers nickel blocks.

Slightly agree with above, however while I have seen the reason for what happened I haven't seen an explaination of why only a few were effected and only EK blocks have been (afaik.) My conclusion has been somewhere along the line something went wrong leading to one or more faulty batches of blocks.

R.C.Anderson · 22 Jul 2011 at 10:26

Greboth said:
Well the article says they will continue to sell old stock so I would guess I depends on where you are buying the parts from and how much 'old' stock they have. I would also expect a quick phone call to the shop and they would tell you which blocks they are. Although, while there was something going on it was a very minor amount of people affected by this problem. There are countless people on this forum who are using ek nickel blocks without a problem. I can understand the worry about buying a faulty block but easy two ways to avoid the problem either buy copper blocks or buy another manufacturers nickel blocks.

Slightly agree with above, however while I have seen the reason for what happened I haven't seen an explaination of why only a few were effected and only EK blocks have been (akaik.) My conclusion has been somewhere along the line something went wrong leading to one or more faulty batches of blocks.

Yea, I read that quite a few people didn't have any problem, however these sort of issues always get exaggerated, and how EK mentioned it themselves, and recommended to stop sale of them makes it seem quite bad. I might just see what's available at the time I decide to actually get it.

Avathar77 · 22 Jul 2011 at 10:28

It was said(tested) in XS forums that some of the Copper used in those effected blocks were sub standard. EK buying the copper from supplier expecting it to be the same but they were not, thus making the nickel plating process flowed.
Still, no apology was issues to those who were effected!

I checked yesterday with the special place where I bought my block, and they have stopped selling all nickel blocks from EK.

I am about to remove my block in couple of weeks :eek:

joxang · 22 Jul 2011 at 11:04

I think this was more a problem with people using stupid coolants and additives, which isn't sensible at the best of times. Someone pointed out that no one using distilled water, or just distilled water + a good dye, had any problems.

They got enough complaints to investigate the issue anyhow. The vast majority of people using the nickel plated blocks had no problems at all.

Avathar77 · 22 Jul 2011 at 11:09

Can't find the thread in XS now, but I have seen many saying they use distilled, Distilled + Silver Kill Coil, pre mix solutions - they all have had problems. Some blocks(if I can remember correctly it was a gtx460 FC nickel block) had plating issues even before putting it under water! - yes brand spanking new, just out of the box!

3t3P · 22 Jul 2011 at 11:25

I have read about this issue with EK blocks so decided to peak for the first time in 8 months or so of use through the plexi on my block.

I can see two areas of brown discolouration! I am very surprised

I am running ultra pure water with a bit of distilled and silver kill coil only.

I will be tearing down the PC when I upgrade to sandybridge but if there is corrosion should I contact EK?

joxang · 22 Jul 2011 at 11:28

Ah found the thread....seems it probably was an EK plating problem then

.

Jokester · 22 Jul 2011 at 11:28

After the Swiftech debacle as well, I would never ever use mixed metal blocks where the two metals are in contact with each other and the fluid, it's just a recipe for disaster.

Biffa · 22 Jul 2011 at 13:32

My SR-2 block is affected

problem is they only make it nickel plated

elmuzzy66. · 22 Jul 2011 at 14:45

Looks like the have upgraded their plating as a result of the issues. Biffa go to the ek website and check for rma instructions.
http://www.ekwaterblocks.com/index....icleid=88&cntnt01origid=15&cntnt01returnid=17

Biffa · 22 Jul 2011 at 16:56

Yeah I know, its just a PITA to remove, RMA, and risk getting more issues. I'd rather get a full refund and get the MIPS blocks at least I trust them.

3t3P · 22 Jul 2011 at 20:50

Well I'm gonna try the RMA process, see how I get on. I'll post some pics up later.

I really need nickel blocks in my loop though, would it be daft to ask for a nickel replacement?!

Has anyone determined if this 'corrosion' is dangerous to the loop components or is it purely a superficial cosmetic affliction? My temps seem same as ever and I can't see the corrosion directly...