Copper and aluminum in the same system?

[Hel Styrkr]

Hey all. I seem to remember hearing, from someone, somewhere, that if you run a closed loop system with both copper AND aluminum waterblocks, something with the different metals will corrode the copper block. So I'm trying to find out if having different kinds of metals in the system (copper, aluminum, brass) is a no-no or if thats just my overworked mind concocting strange ideas. Thanks!

 

[rubix_1011]

Copper, brass, nickel...those are fine. You do not want aluminum in your loop, period. If you must, make sure you run a corrosion inhibitor coolant.

 

[Hel Styrkr]

Great. After I posted this, I saw some pictures of corrosion on copper/alum systems, glad I found this out before I ordered my blocks. Thanks!

 

[Hel Styrkr]

Best answer selected by Hel Styrkr.

 

[rubix_1011]

You found blocks that were aluminum?

 

[tinmann]

He probably found some Aluminum Radiators.

 

[rubix_1011]

Not many radiators for watercooling are made from aluminium unless they are Thermaltake. I think Koolance had some a long time ago that were and some that had aluminum fittings. Otherwise, maybe they were automotive...

 

[Lutfij]

alphacool's cape cora's are aluminum core passive rads. very nice idea but would've been the best idea to go with a copper core instead.