What's up with my block?

liamstears · 3 Oct 2021 at 20:48

Doing some other work on the comp today n noticed this blackish looking sludge in my GPU block (founders 3080 Alphacool eisblock)

I only use deionised water and xspc biocide so surely this shouldn't happen

I cleaned it off and noticed there was some under the middle plate on the block too, this middle plate is a different material, is it the problem?

After cleaning it off this has permanently marked the block so not happy at all....

Any ideas what's gone on here?

MikeTimbers · 3 Oct 2021 at 22:21

hate to say it but Alphacool's gpu blocks are not IMO the best out there. Great rads but these recent gpu blocks of theirs could be better.

Fluid goes throughout the area within that o-ring so you get "interesting" flow patterns that aren't necessarily optimal. On yours it looks like a manufacturing issue possibly. I'd post the pics on the Alphacool forum.

liamstears · 3 Oct 2021 at 22:30

MikeTimbers said:
hate to say it but Alphacool's gpu blocks are not IMO the best out there. Great rads but these recent gpu blocks of theirs could be better.

Fluid goes throughout the area within that o-ring so you get "interesting" flow patterns that aren't necessarily optimal. On yours it looks like a manufacturing issue possibly. I'd post the pics on the Alphacool forum.

Thanks for the reply

Thing is the block performs amazing, both core and memory temps are below what I expected and soo much better than the stock cooler lol

I bought from overclockers recently so may reach out to them for advice

im4gine3 · 3 Oct 2021 at 23:41

i've had a few AC blocks in my time but never had any issues with them.. having said that, that does looks like stains from the manufacturing process. Since this isn't affecting your temps etc, i wouldn't worry about it... but if you are concerned, either reach out to CS to discuss options, or dismantle the block and get cleaning with some toothpaste.

Drumroll · 4 Oct 2021 at 19:40

I believe it is some manufacturing issue.
Discolouration may happen, but usually is more evenly spread around a larger area or where the flow path is higher.
Used an Alphacool for the Palit 3090 and performed well.
Only changed for the EK because without an active backplate the memory junction temperature will never be as low as I wanted.
The EK doesn't use as much o rings, true, but more often than not some coolant gets between the acrylic and the block and you get an odd looking effect. Mine happened when I was using dual D5.