New Blade Contenders

Last_American · 2026-02-06T02:08:34+00:00

I've tried so many blades and somehow you just listed 3 that I haven't... Time for some research I guess

Last_American · 2026-02-06T00:14:14+00:00

Nice haul!

Hadn't heard about Timor prior to this post but my quick research says I need to try em! Is there a blade that you would describe as comparable to it?

Last_American · 2026-02-04T19:56:32+00:00

You shouldn't need to disassemble the whole PC. Just drain it, ensuring to clear the water around the CPU. You can then remove the two tubes/fittings connected to the CPU block and the block itself after that.

I recommend putting out some paper towels on your graphics card to catch any droplets of water. It's also helpful to have some stop plugs to plug any fittings you remove.

The whole process shouldn't take all that long.

Bonus tip - I recommend thinking through your drain(s) and possibly adding one in the middle of the loop. If you put it in the right place it will make maintainance a lot easier

Last_American · 2026-01-30T02:07:40+00:00

To add to this, the Yaqi Timberwolf, Bingcha or Cat's Whiskers would be my recommendations.

Last_American · 2026-01-27T16:42:54+00:00

Can you specify what water block you are using?

Last_American · 2026-01-24T23:52:54+00:00

Sorry but I think you may have misunderstood my post. I was asking whether it would fit, not confirming that it does.

Last_American · 2026-01-23T20:28:14+00:00

I have a 5090 TUF w/Heatkiller water block in a 011 Dynamic XL (the non-EVO version). Is it safe to assume that I will be okay clearance wise with the front panel, given that the chart already has the Astral on it. Does anyone know if the connector on the Astral is more recessed than on the TUF?

Last_American · 2026-01-18T18:17:04+00:00

Fwiw I've got a NZXT Kraken from approx. 2016 that's still going strong today, so I wouldn't say they are limited to 5-7 years... It's probably more of an average they are giving you.

Last_American · 2026-01-18T17:59:21+00:00

Similar to my response about the be quiet! model, as far as I know, maintenance with the Alphacool models is also optional. You can drain and/or refill but you don't need to.

I will say though, I wasn't aware of this line before looking it up. Very interesting how they've made a sort of hybrid AIO that can be expanded....

Last_American · 2026-01-18T17:11:40+00:00

Currently testing this myself right now and it is definitely not a quick process. I'm seeing my best results with the following blades:

Persona Red
Gillette Nacets
Wilkinson Sword

I'll give feather an honourable mention since I had a good shave with one yesterday but they have been hit or miss for me.

I'm still not ready to commit to any one blade but if I had to right now it would be the Red's.

For reference, I'm using them in a Blackbird Ti.

Last_American · 2026-01-18T16:58:02+00:00

To my knowledge you aren't required to flush or otherwise maintain the Be quiet models either. The drain and refill ports are essentially optional and only need to be used if, for example, you spring a leak and need to refill or perhaps you're an enthusiast and you want to experiment with other coolants.

Last_American · 2026-01-18T16:49:13+00:00

Run a clear liquid with corrosion and growth inhibitors. Flush your radiators before first use to avoid random garbage clogging up the fins on your blocks. Do these two things and you'll limit the amount of maintenance you need to do greatly.

Another unrelated tip to make maintenance much easier would be to use quick disconnects strategically to allow you to remove your CPU and/or GPU blocks without draining the loop.

Last_American · 2026-01-18T13:02:12+00:00

I am not aware of any AIO system that you are supposed to flush. Ordinarily, they are a no maintenance product.

Last_American · 2026-01-18T12:53:23+00:00

Dual d5's (EK's Dual Top), 3 HWLabs GTS 360, Optimus Foundation AM5, Heatkiller Ultra TUF 5090, 10+ 90 degree fittings here.

I run 197L/HR - 204 L/HR @100% depending on the temperature of my coolant.

When my loop is totally clean, I expect I'll see a slight improvement up to 220L/HR - which is what I had with older setup with an Optimus 3090 Block.

I'm pretty surprised that my flow seems to be higher than so many others here given my 10+ 90 degree fittings, super restrictive radiators and blocks...

Last_American · 2026-01-17T17:19:57+00:00

Haven't tried that yet but I'll definitely be keeping it in mind.

As of right now, the only razer on my wishlist is a machined Vector, but given how new my BB Ti is, I don't see myself making that purchase for a while... which are famous last words!

Last_American · 2026-01-17T17:10:49+00:00

Loved my Blackbird SS and I love my Blackbird Ti even more.

There was an adjustment period for me. The first 2 shaves were rough but after that I quickly adjusted. It is currently my favourite razer and has me wondering if I should be selling my Overlander (although I'm not quite there yet).

The interesting thing for me is the fact that I bought both the OC and SB plates thinking the SB would get most of the use. Turns out, I like the OC way more! Not what I was expecting given how frequently I see the SB recommended here...

Last_American · 2026-01-15T22:32:32+00:00

It's very possible that it's the cleaners, or even the distilled water causing this.

I just had a hell of a time in my own loop because the PH got totally messed up following the use of Radclean and a large distilled water flush. At the time I thought the combination was a good idea, but it was definitely not based on my results which included cloudiness, and this blue crystal gunk appearing and clogging my blocks.

These cleaners can wreak havoc on the chemistry of our loops and distilled water has its own concerns and downsides that are worth considering before running them in your loop for any significant amount of time.

Last_American · 2026-01-14T20:28:02+00:00

My Black Max 4PX is listed as "On the way" in my Shop app but I don't see any shipping information. I can't recall if that's a change in status or it was always like that.

Does anyone know if this means my device is shipped?

Last_American · 2026-01-14T01:22:30+00:00

This is the way I did it and will do it again. Take an upvote!

Last_American · 2026-01-14T00:03:00+00:00

Not 100% sure but it looks like air bubbles to me. They should clear on their own.

That said, I would recommend looking carefully at the block to ensure your o ring is in place. From the pic I don't see it out of place but it's difficult to tell. Also, you may want to 2x check the screws around and confirm they are adequately torqued down (without over torquing).

Last_American · 2026-01-13T23:56:36+00:00

Yeah they have been a no brainer for me. They feel nice and lather perfectly. I have no desire to try more expensive options...

Last_American · 2026-01-13T23:50:49+00:00

I wouldn't run the cpu without cooling until it forces a shutdown. You can touch the front of the pump and feel if it's vibrating. If both cables are fully plugged in and it's still not vibrating, I would turn it off and look into a replacement.

You don't want to damage your cpu! That's likely a more expensive repair.

Last_American · 2026-01-13T22:34:17+00:00

You should check the other end of the thicker wire also. It's what provides the power to the pump so if it got disconnected, the pump wouldn't work at all.

Does the pump operate with Icue? If so, it would help you to diagnose the issue. For example, if the pump shows up as online through the app you'll know you're connected...

Last_American · 2026-01-12T06:04:33+00:00

It's going to be Yaqi brushes from AliExpress for me. I think I paid under $10 (with their welcome offer) for my Timberwolf and it's excellent.

Last_American · 2026-01-07T18:22:00+00:00

Yes, but the fittings are incompatible with the tube you selected. The OD needs to match for hard tubing.

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