Mixing metals in a watercooling loop

GoogalyMoogaly · 12 Jun 2011 at 01:13

I know there are certain metals you're not supposed to mix when watercooling, but I was just wondering which ones you can?

I think some radiators have brass parts don't they?
Most fittings seem to be nickel coated brass so I guess nickel must be quite universal?
Lots of things have copper in, so I'm guessing the 3 I've mentioned are ok?
So what can't you mix?

What about gold? I mostly ask as I was thinking of getting these.

Thanks.

Judgeneo · 12 Jun 2011 at 01:14

I know nothing about water cooling so probably shouldn't be posting.

However, gold is pretty damn inert, so I imagine you would be fine

ChrisLandin · 12 Jun 2011 at 01:46

Copper and aluminium. Ive just found that out to my expense!!

1Day · 12 Jun 2011 at 09:45

ChrisLandin said:
Copper and aluminium. Ive just found that out to my expense!!

The result is galvanic erosion.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galvanic_corrosion

cjgardens · 12 Jun 2011 at 09:50

ChrisLandin said:
Copper and aluminium. Ive just found that out to my expense!!

This.

Others are ok

Cleeecooo · 12 Jun 2011 at 11:03

So basically, you can have a loop with just aluminium, or you can have a loop with pretty much every other metal commonly used in liquid cooling?

cjgardens · 12 Jun 2011 at 11:21

Ive not had a problem with copper nickel and brass in the same loop.

But i had the same problem as Chris with copper and ally

Scon · 12 Jun 2011 at 11:24

How do you know if you have any aluminuim in there?

VaderDSL · 12 Jun 2011 at 11:31

I had copper and Al in my loop many years ago and suffered massive corrosion, ended up clogging the waterblock and depositing a lot in the bottom of the reservoir.

cjgardens · 12 Jun 2011 at 11:32

Could Google all your parts.

The asus fusion block is ally what me and Chris had. Made a mess of my loop. Twice lol

GoogalyMoogaly · 12 Jun 2011 at 11:58

1Day said:
The result is galvanic erosion.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galvanic_corrosion

Looking at this link it seems like Gold might not be ideal to use in a loop with the other common metals. Not as bad as 'Aluminum', but probably best avoided given the choice.

Mick-1965 · 12 Jun 2011 at 12:04

Mixing metals in a PC water cooling system should be avoided if possible but shouldn't be a problem if the correct precautions are taken, ie a corrosion inhibitor added to the coolant.

Scon · 12 Jun 2011 at 12:36

sry for the mini hijack, i've got copper, brass and nickel all in one loop. Reckon that will be ok or do i need to get some anti corrosion stuff?

twist3d0n3 · 12 Jun 2011 at 13:34

burrell said:
sry for the mini hijack, i've got copper, brass and nickel all in one loop. Reckon that will be ok or do i need to get some anti corrosion stuff?

those are fine together.

pastymuncher · 12 Jun 2011 at 14:10

I have copper, brass, nickel and anodised aluminium in my loop and have never had any problems. I use Primochill Liquid Utopia in de-ionised water as a inhibitor.

drifting · 12 Jun 2011 at 21:47

safan80 said:
ahhhh!

This is what happens when you mix copper and aluminum.
|
|
|
V

OP: link

cjgardens · 12 Jun 2011 at 21:59

that looks like someone has been picking there nose and putting in there block lol

Cleeecooo · 12 Jun 2011 at 22:00

are those maggots?

Mayfair · 12 Jun 2011 at 22:02

cjgardens said:
that looks like someone has been picking there nose and putting in there block lol

If that's what comes out of your nose I think you better seek some advice

cjgardens · 12 Jun 2011 at 22:12

Mayfair said:
If that's what comes out of your nose I think you better seek some advice

i pick some right winner me lol