Secondhand GPU Block - Nickel Plating issue

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I'm happy with my CPU AIO cooler but I'm looking to do a simple GPU loop as a first foray into watercooling. I've found a cheap second hand Waterblock (pic below) which I'm thinking of buying but it has signs of Nickel plating wearing off (common for EKWB I think). is this too bad to be usable or should it be ok from a performance and leakage perspective?

pEBc5Bx.jpeg
 
its doesn't look amazing but should be fine if the oring is good.
it look like it been run for a long time, what gpu is it for?

buy a pressure tester, best thing i ever did you know if it will leek before you put water in it
 
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The nickel is largely for aesthetic purposes. As long as it's not coming off in huge chunks and blocking the fins you'll be fine.

If you really want you could strip the nickel off completely and have a bare copper block. Dunk it in white vinegar for about 12 hours and then slowly and gently scrub it off. Or reverse electroplate.
 
Thanks all, decided to the roll dice on it in the end. Now I just need to figure out what other gear to get!
 
Zom said:
Thanks all, decided to the roll dice on it in the end. Now I just need to figure out what other gear to get!
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Yeah just clean it up will be fine. Just lightly clean to keep some of the nickel there. Bit dish soap and toothbrush. Also Undo all the hex bolts very carefully and take care of the oring. Also when putting back up do not over torque just hand tight and you will see the oring compress into place as your go round tightening the bolts.
 
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WARburton said:
what GPU is it for
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It’s for a 3070 FE, I’m not upgrading GPU anytime soon but I thought I’d get a simple watercooling loop setup with a view to reusing the parts (except for the waterblock). My main priority is something that is going to be quiet and future proof. The plan is to run two rads in the future but struggling to figure out the best fan / rad combo for right now.
 
LePhuronn said:
Alphacool ST30 360 V2 with Arctic P12 fans. Job done.

What's your case, radiator space and CPU?
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I’ll be getting a new case as part of the move to watercooling. Looking at ones that support dual 360mm rads or higher but no closer to making any decisions on it.
 
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