Upon further investigation conducted by Igor’s Lab, it has been discovered that not all liquid coolers on the market accurately represent the materials used in their construction. Out of the six coolers dissected and analyzed, two of them did not contain the copper components as advertised by the manufacturers. Instead, they were found to be made of copper/zinc alloy or brass. This raises concerns about the transparency and accuracy of the information provided on the spec sheets of these products.
Copper is a highly sought-after material in premium cooling products due to its superior thermal conductivity compared to aluminum. With a thermal conductivity rating of approximately 401 W·m−1·K−1, copper is a preferred choice for efficient heat dissipation. This is why many coolers boast about their full or partial copper construction, as it directly impacts the effectiveness of the cooling solution. However, the recent findings by Igor’s Lab indicate that not all manufacturers adhere to the claims they make regarding copper content.
The investigation conducted by Igor’s Lab revealed some interesting findings about the six liquid coolers tested. Among them, the ‘full copper’ Alphacool NexXxoS ST30 and the Aqua Computer Airplex Radical 2/120 were found to be true to their claims, featuring the materials as advertised. On the other hand, the EKWB Quantum Surface P120M was misleading in its representation of Copper H90 tubing, which was actually a copper alloy containing zinc. These discrepancies raise questions about the accuracy of the information provided to consumers.
It is commendable that Bykski acknowledged the findings of the investigation and took action to remove the batch of coolers that did not meet the advertised specifications. The discovery of high traces of lead in the solder of Bykski’s CR-RD120RC-TN-V2 raises concerns about compliance with RoHS certification standards. Similarly, Watercool’s Heatkiller Rad 120-S was found to have misrepresented the materials used in its construction on its website, prompting an update to clarify the composition of the cooler.
The issues highlighted by Igor’s Lab’s investigation point to a need for greater transparency and accountability in the manufacturing and marketing of liquid coolers. Wassolek emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring to ensure that consumers are provided with accurate information about the products they purchase. It is encouraging to see that steps are being taken to rectify the discrepancies found in some of the coolers tested.
The findings from Igor’s Lab serve as a reminder to consumers to exercise caution when evaluating the claims made by manufacturers about the materials used in their products. Greater scrutiny and oversight are necessary to hold companies accountable for the information they provide to consumers. By promoting transparency and accuracy in product specifications, the industry can build trust with customers and ensure that they are getting what they pay for in terms of performance and quality.
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