Mixing Metals (Watercooling)

[VegetaQ]

Hey,

I was just wondering for a watercooling setup if I had COPPER waterblock and an aluminium radiator (Or any other combination of metals) will this in any way affect the setup? I just wanted to make sure. A friend of mine wanted to Use a car radiator (For cheapness, and availability) and wanted to be sure no problems would arise. Thanks!

[Blue Jester_2112]

If I'm not mistaken, adding water wetter or anti-freeze to the water should help prevent corrosion due to the mixing of metals.

[Thelemac]

Yes...Water Wetter does this, as well as anti-freeze, though anti-freeze (glycol cause I'm too lazy to type af anymore) will reduce the performance. Glycol should only be used if you need to keep your water from freezing (ie, you're cooling your water below the freezing point).

Al and Cu definately have the battery effect. I'm not sure about other combinations, but I don't really know what other combinations you would find for a watercooling system, anyway.

[f155mph]

Do not mix or bad stuff will happen. :eek:

[ButcherUK]

I have mixed running of about a month now, no corrosion at all. A bit of water wetter or ethylene gycol antifreeze will prevent corrosion fine.

[Blue Jester_2112]

Originally posted by f155mph
Do not mix or bad stuff will happen. :eek:

Mixing is ok, just don't cross the streams :D

But seriously, I ran a mixed system (copper block, aluminum rad) too for about two months without problems. I only took it apart due to space constraints at school. Just add water wetter and you'll be fine.

[ButcherUK]

I'm running Al res rather than rad so corrosion should be easy to spot :)

[Ridenow]

Lets see if I can clarify (or totally confuse)

Aluminum and copper release ions that will corrode the other metal. An additive like Water Wetter will resist the corrosion, but will not prevent it. It will happen, just at a much, much slower rate. If you maintain your system, change your cooling fluid and clean it out often you should be fine. If you know you will not maintain the system as often as you should I recommend you do not mix metals.