Electroless nickel plating or not?

[Emjay86]

Hi guys.

I've just managed to find someone who still sells waterblocks for the cards im using (580 GTX) and there are two types available. Both are EK blocks and one is an acetal + EN (electroless nickel plate) and the other is just Acetal.

What is the difference between these? Which should I be looking at buying?

Thanks in advance!

 

[WuMyster]

The nickel is purely for looks I believe. EK have supposedly fixed their nickel plating issue.
If you dont care about the aesthetics then just go for the acetal.

 

[Emjay86]

The nickel is purely for looks I believe. EK have supposedly fixed their nickel plating issue.
If you dont care about the aesthetics then just go for the acetal.

I do remember hearing they had an issue with the plating...

Out of curiosity what will happen if I buy these and the nickel does indeed have an issue?

Also what can I do if it does turn out I have a dodgy product? I believe these blocks are just left overs from months ago so its still possible they are problematic.

Unfortunately im bit of a poser for aesthetics with my PC and the nickel does look better than the copper.

 

[tribz]

You'll probably not see most it when installed as it will be upside down. All you'll see is a small side bit of copper or nickel. See my pic below, cant see much.

 

[WuMyster]

I do remember hearing they had an issue with the plating...

Out of curiosity what will happen if I buy these and the nickel does indeed have an issue?

Also what can I do if it does turn out I have a dodgy product? I believe these blocks are just left overs from months ago so its still possible they are problematic.

Unfortunately im bit of a poser for aesthetics with my PC and the nickel does look better than the copper.

Months ago? They sorted out the plating ages ago. If youre concerned about the plating then you should just get the acetal. Since the blocks are going into "end of life" i doubt theyd be able to give you a replacement since they wont have any left.