I picked up a used PC to disassemble and salvage parts, but I've noticed that the AIO cooling plate appears to be rusting. I'm curious if it can still be used safely. Also, does anyone have insights on how this might have happened? The PC isn't very old; it had a Ryzen 5 5700X and a 2080 Super, but it seems like it was poorly maintained without any cleaning.
3 Answers
If it’s an older model, my main concern would be coolant evaporation, a potential pump failure, or even clogging in the water block. If you're sure the rest of the setup is functional and compatible with your new CPU socket, you might just be able to clean off that rust with a scotch-brite pad. Alternatively, you could get a new Thermalright AIO for about $50, which would be a safe bet.
The corrosion isn't bumpy at all, so I’m guessing it’s more cosmetic. I found out it’s a Frozen Notte 360, so I suspect it's not that old. The PC was functional when I bought it, so it might be okay, but I’m leaning towards getting a new air cooler for my 5800X3D build.
I'd suggest not using it at all and just getting a new one for peace of mind.
If the surface is smooth, you should be good to go, but since it's used, keep an eye on your temperatures. If it feels bumpy at all, you could smooth it out with fine sandpaper.
That’s true! The rust discoloration shouldn’t be an issue, but watch out for fluid degradation or pump wear. That Thermalright cooler is a solid choice, plus their air coolers perform really well.