Cleaning mah blocks!

[Odai]

Hello,

I recently tore down my loop, and decided it was time to clean the CPU and Northbridge blocks.

So far, I've tried ketchup and brasso on the Northbridge block, but it doesn't seem to have done much. I haven't done anything to the CPU block yet.

I'd therefore appreciate any advice you guys might have on cleaning this mess. I've been using Primochill ICE (clear) coolant for about 18 months, and the blocks are the EK supreme HF, and the Swiftech MCW-NBMAX. As usual, I have to apologise in advance for the quality of the photos; reflective surfaces (----> no flash), no tripod, and shaky hands don't exactly help in getting a sharp photo. :D

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/Odaik/33ec7b26.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/Odaik/82bee921.jpg

The NB block:

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/Odaik/3aa8a733.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/Odaik/a06b7564.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/Odaik/6bd3c09b.jpg

Thanks,

Odai.

[Johnny87au]

You using a old brush with the ketchup ?? Should do the trick, I use my golden mix which consists of baking soda+lime juice.. Does wonders :)

[PatRaceTin]

that why i change from CU block to Nickel block

[penguins]

that why i change from CU block to Nickel block

+1 it's all just cosmetic, nothing is going to blow up if you put your loop back together.

[Computurd]

I use my golden mix which consists of baking soda+lime juice

acid plus a base? you mean baking soda after lime juice right?

[Odai]

Thanks for your replies.

If it's not actually "gunk", and will not cause any kind of performance degradaton, would it be appropriate to simply leave it as is?

[Waterlogged]

acid plus a base? you mean baking soda after lime juice right?

Second time I'm seeing that recommendation as well...not quite understanding how it could "work". Theoretically, I suppose the lime juice could still be a bit acidic and the baking soda is acting as an abrasive...it's all pure speculation though, as it really shouldn't be "working".

[Holst]

Thanks for your replies.

If it's not actually "gunk", and will not cause any kind of performance degradaton, would it be appropriate to simply leave it as is?

Thats what I would do :D

If its oxidation and you dont mind if its not SHINY SHINY then leave it as is.

There wont be any performance drop at all.

When I first saw your pics I thought "he has done an ok job cleaning that, job done"

I might clean up where the O ring sits to make sure you get a good seal, other than that it looks good to me.

[Johnny87au]

Second time I'm seeing that recommendation as well...not quite understanding how it could "work". Theoretically, I suppose the lime juice could still be a bit acidic and the baking soda is acting as an abrasive...it's all pure speculation though, as it really shouldn't be "working".

Yeah i recommended it a while back in another thread, honestly give it a go.. does wonders

[gejmer]

Hydrochloric acid is the best solution:-) Quickly and effective.

[Church]

Be more careful with dangerous advices. :shakes: Some newbies might take that as truth without reading as black humor in it.

[Vapor]

Tarn-X....works insanely well really quickly, doesn't hurt the fingers if you dip them in it (though I still wouldn't recommend it). Thin liquid that gets into every crevice too, so it's great for microchannels.

[gejmer]

Be more careful with dangerous advices...
Your grandmother is dangerous advices http://bs.jxs.cz/ublog/emoticons/laughing.gif

HCl 10% ,Wait a minute ,wasch... A block is clean :)
(Tested on my Alphacool Nexos, Take It easy:up:)

[Church]

And yet there were guys that damaged nickel plating on waterblock with vinegar, which is less agressive.

[Cooper]

White toothpaste