lucite and copper tops

Which one is better to get? Especially when it comes to durabliity and cooling handling with the water. Thanks.

Copper is stronger and less prone to 'break', Lucite is good if you have a window on the side of your case to look at how cool it looks

But if you don't have a window the copper is probably safer to use, I have a window so the one I use is obvious..

Lucite is a variant of plexiglass/acrylic. Exceptionally clear, clearer than glass even and one of the clearest known solids, which makes it a great looking substance to use on waterblocks, especially when heat-treated which gives it that lovely glossy appearance. Unfortunately it isn't that strong, and is prone to cracking if "shocked" or overtly stressed.

Polycarbonate is a different style of plastic altogether and is much tougher and more durable, so long as you don't go for the glass-based varieties which have a percentage of glass in them (much like a metal alloy). Non-glass based polycarbonate is around 30x stronger/tougher than the acrylic based plastics. Polycarbonate is less transparant though. Perhaps about 1/3 as transparant as glass which can make it slightly murky for thickness greater than 10mm or so.

When it comes to durability, there is no comparison. Copper is the obvious winner. Plexi, Lucite, and Lexan have their cosmetic advantages, but copper is extremely strong and extremely ductile when compared to the plastics.

Plus, if you want it to look just as good, if not better than a clear top, put a shine on the copper like bladerunner does, then see which block looks better.

Ok thanks guys. It's copper for me. I don't even have a window.

haha, yeah, I actually like the solid tops better than teh clear ones...