Galvanic corrosion in liquid cooling, what is it?

Galvanic corrosion is a phenomenon that occurs in liquid refrigerations and is more common than previously thought. Anyone with such an installation should know what it is because it can be affected by this corrosion which can cause serious damage. Therefore, we tell you what it is and how to avoid it.

Let's start!

Index of contents

Definition of galvanic corrosion

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It is a process starring the mixing between two or more metals, causing the corrosion of one by directly contacting another nobler metal. When metals contact through a fluid, one of them begins to dissolve or corrode. This phenomenon is known as galvanic corrosion.

There are more cathodic or noble metals and more anodic or corrosive metals . When a cathodic metal is mixed with an anode metal, such corrosion occurs. Therefore, the ideal is to mix cathode metals to avoid corrupting liquid cooling. This corrosion affects the CPU block.

The mixture of metals

Now you will be faced with the question of What metals should I avoid using in my liquid refrigeration to prevent this from happening? Well, for this, you must observe its galvanic index. Copper, nickel or brass are often used in any liquid cooling .

In this table, we look at the most cathodic or anodic metals.

The manufacturers of liquid refrigeration have the objective of obtaining a component that manages to transmit the highest possible heat, with low density and low electrical conductivity. However, these 3 things are incompatible with each other, so companies try to use materials that minimize galvanic corrosion.

How to prevent it

The best way to prevent galvanic corrosion is to NOT use aluminum, but we will not have finished there. There is no need to use distilled water or pure water, in addition to which we will have to use an additive to avoid problems in the circuit.

Additives greatly reduce any reaction, but it does not mean that no problems will appear in the future. Fluids are recommended to be replaced and drained every year or year and a half for safe refrigeration.

Furthermore, the fact of using different (but similar) metals is not going to prevent them from reacting with each other in the future because. After all, they are different metals. That said, we are not going to get the same results as if we were mixing aluminum. Corrosion can occur, but much slower.

What fluids to use?

There are many brands, but Mayhems, EK or Corsair are the best on the market. Be sure to find out the descriptions of these fluids before buying them because the result can be disastrous.

On the other hand, aluminum is a great option, but only. Aluminum is not a bad metal, only if we mix it with others we will get problems. Therefore, aluminum is a very light, cheap metal and as good a conductor as any other metal. In this sense, we will find several EK kits that are perfect.

WE RECOMMEND YOU Cooler Master launches its new Nepton 140XL and 280L liquid cooling series.

For more help in choosing fluids, we recommend reading a lot on the internet, especially experiences of various users in forums. The best thing you can do is to compare opinions on certain fluids to know which one to choose.

Conclusion about galvanic corrosion

We will never avoid galvanic corrosion, but it must be slowed down as much as possible. To do this, you must use similar metals, such as copper, silver or nickel. In this way, we will be able to get a lot of performance out of our liquid cooling for many years, which is what is important.

Remember that liquid cooling requires maintenance, which requires a fluid exchange every 6 or 12 months. If we do not, there is no need to tell you what will happen in our refrigeration.

Finally, we do not recommend the installation of these refrigerations to those who do not know how they work or how to install them.

We recommend reading our guide on the best liquid refrigerations on the market

We hope we have dispelled many doubts. If not, do not hesitate to ask questions that you have not understood. We are happy to answer you!

Have you ever had galvanic corrosion? Do you use liquid cooling kits?