Igor Wallossek, Editor of Igor’s Lab, recently published a follow-up investigation into deceptive practices among some liquid cooling radiators manufacturers who substitute costly materials with cheaper ones, misleading their buyers. In his new examination, Wallossek purchased and tested more radiators from different manufacturers, with one revealing a startlingly high level of toxic lead, against various safety standards.
The new analysis by Igor’s LAB included Barrow Dabel 28b Slim 120mm, Corsair Hydro X-Series XR 5 120mm, Thermaltake Pacific SR-Series 360, and an aluminium radiator from Kafuty measuring 120 mm. Like his previous work, Wallossek employed professional equipment to investigate used materials in the radiators, comparing them with manufacturers’ claims as presented on their official websites and advertising. Areas tested included radiator chambers, inserts, cooling fins, solder, and screws.
The Corsair Hydro X-Series XR 5 120mm radiator received scant criticisms, except that the manufacturer failed to list materials employed for components such as channels and the radiator chamber in the product’s official specifications. Both Thermaltake and Kafuty’s solutions passed inspection, although they faced criticism due to paint particles lodged in inlet channels.
The conclusions drawn from the examination of the Barrow Dabel 28b Slim 120mm radiator were noteworthy. While the manufacturer listed almost all of the materials used, data about the solder was missing. The tests by Igor’s Lab revealed that the radiator’s solder was comprised of 70% lead. This posed a significant safety concern as the regulator explained that the German Environmental Protection Agency has safety standards violated by such a high amount of lead in a consumer product.
The article clarified that the Barrow Dabel 28b Slim 120mm radiator was bought at the German computer component retailer Caseking. Wallossek contacted Caseking with the findings of his investigation to which Caseking responded by immediately removing the product from sale. They promised to organize returns for the radiator “regardless of the date of sale and its cost at that time” and also pledged to address the problem with the manufacturer.
