CPU Water Block: EK Supremacy EVO vs. AquaComputer Cuplex Kryos XT

EK because EK

The last time I looked at 980GTX blocks there were not a whole lot of choices, but I'm sure that's changed by now, but I don't have time right now to investigate it, the wife and I are going out to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary.

When I get back on I'll check back to see if you've already got an answer. Ryan

Thanks!

Acetal/Copper for reference design 980GTX

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/2...al_EK-FC980_GTX_-_Acetal.html?tl=g30c311s2312

or

Acrylic/Copper for reference 980GTX

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/2...k_-_Acrylic_EK-FC980_GTX.html?tl=g30c311s2312

Very good prices for full coverage water blocks!

You are right about the performances of the EVO.

But why are you saying to stay away from Nickel Plating? If you're refering to the flaking issue a few years ago, this has been fixed a long time ago. I have been using Nickel Plated block from EK for around 3 years now and I had no issues at all.

If you run a Nickel Plated water block you should also run their specific coolant, as for example Koolance does not warrant their water blocks unless you use their coolant, now EK has not as yet gone that far, but IMO why take the chance of a problem in the first place.

You have to be careful of what you use to clean a nickel plated water block you should never use any type of vinegar.

http://www.ekwb.com/support/index.php?act=article&code=view&id=23

Cleaning nickel plated copper: When cleaning nickel plated copper it is forbidden to use any aggressive chemicals (neither vinegar) or rough materials as you may damage the plating and thus void the warranty. Please note also that due to presence of dye additives and other chemicals the nickel layer may also become discolored/stained over time period. However the staining is normally reversible by simple flush and rinse. Cleaning the nickel plated copper should consists of these steps:
- flush the nickel plated copper under warm water
- clean the surface using wet non-abrasive cloth and rinse with clean water
- polish the hardened deposits (such as algae or dirt) from the nickel plated copper if necassery.

EK recommends the use of automotive soft, non-abrasive metal polish cremes. After you finish using other cleaning methods, give the nickel plating a good polish with a non-abrasive metal or chrome polish. Apply a small amount of polish to a cloth or to the surface of the nickel. Wipe the entire surface of the nickel with the polish, using small circular motions, until it looks shiny and clean. Use another clean cloth to remove the remains of the polishing paste from the surface. Always rinse with distilled water after you are done with polishing.

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EK has put the warranty loss in your department so be careful with what you use to clean your own water blocks.

Copper water blocks do not have any problems like that at all, you can even clean them with Ketchup.

I want the water blocks for my cooling purposes and as far as I am concerned unless they leak like a sieve out of the box, I will run what I want through them, that's the end of the manufacturers involvement as far as I am concerned.

The coolant I run is 100% pure steam distilled water with zero additives, which is not a problem as long as the machine is not in direct sunlight, and mine is not in direct sunlight.

For normal maintenance I flush my system every six months and this December will be 2 years my loops have been running with zero problems.

From Koolance website: Note the underlined in the quote.

Liquid Coolants

Koolance's product warranty does not cover the use of 3rd-party coolants, coolant additives, or corrosion. Koolance LIQ-702 or LIQ-705 coolants are strongly recommended to help avoid issues with mixed metals or biological growth. Additionally, do not use aluminum with bare (unplated) copper or bare (unplated) brass in the same system. Do not use silver with nickel in the same system.

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When it comes to coolants and the nickel plated blocks Koolance also takes an extreme hardline regarding warranty.

http://koolance.com/general-warranty

Use of 3rd-party replacement parts, coolants, or coolant additives will void this warranty. Koolance Incorporated will not pay for warranty service performed by a non-authorized repair or diagnostic service and will not reimburse the consumer for damage resulting from warranty service performed by a non-authorized repair service. No responsibility is assumed for any special incidental or consequential damages due to a defective Koolance product. No other warranty, written or oral, is authorized by Koolance Incorporated.

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You asked me why I was saying to stay away from Nickel Plating, and it is simply Common Sense, if you are aware there are serious pot holes down the road, then take another road and avoid the potholes altogether.

I have been using Nickel Plated block from EK for around 3 years now and I had no issues at all.

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You say your system has been running for 3 years now?

So in 3 years you've at least opened up your water blocks and inspected and cleaned them at least once right?

In fact I have had many builds during this period with Nickel blocks. My coolants were Mayhems or EK depending on the build and I opened with blocks everytime I dismantle a build to clean them.

Mayhems or EK is definitely more expensive than Steam Distilled water, glad it's working for you, still doesn't change my views about it though, Best to you, and Happy Holidays!

I agree with you that these coolants are far expensive than traditionnal distilled.

I never wanted you to change your mind but I had to point the fact that nickel blocks were fine since by saying to stay away from them make them sound like it was a disease.

Take care and have a nice Holidays too Ryan