Alphacool Apex 1 CPU Cooler - AM5 (13893)

The Alphacool Apex 1 CPU Cooler AM5 is a CPU water block for the AMD AM5 socket. Its offset base puts the water injection directly over the hotspot of an AM5 processor. The base is nickel-plated copper, the cover is aluminum, and the aRGB lighting shows on the top and on the right side.

Properties

AMD sockets

AM5

Cold plate

Nickel-plated copper, 0.4 mm fins

Top

Aluminum cover, black with chrome accent

Ports

2 x G1/4

Lighting

aRGB, ARGB adapter in the box

Size

100.00 x 86.00 x 32.30 mm, 995 g

Fit

Compatibility is one socket for this version, AMD AM5. The manual starts the AMD mounting by taking the two-piece retention frame off the board. After that the cooler is positioned on the top of the motherboard while the backplate is secured from underneath using screws. Four flag nuts and two spare distance bolts come with the block for this. Despite what it calls a sophisticated design, Alphacool says installation remains straightforward. On an Intel board the same cooler is the Apex 1 for LGA 1700 and LGA 1851.

Before mounting, the manual has you clean the CPU, apply the thermal grease with the putty tool and remove the protective film from the block.

Offset base and 3D Jetplate 2.0

For the AMD AM5 version of this CPU water cooler, Alphacool utilizes an offset cooler base that does not sit centrally on the CPU. Alphacool says the water injection, positioned directly over the CPU's hotspot in this way, is what ensures optimal cooling performance as the resulting effect. Inside, the block relies on the cross-slot technology that Alphacool calls proven. It also introduces the 3D Jetplate 2.0, an evolution of the original 3D Jetplate. The improved design of the Jetplate creates higher water pressure. Additionally, there is a pre-chamber located before it. This chamber calms the incoming water and evenly distributes it across the Jetplate and the cooling fins beneath the cooler base.

Copper, brass and aluminum

A solid block of copper is what the lower part is crafted from, and the connection section is made from brass. Both components are precisely CNC-machined from their respective material blocks. The cooler is then assembled with an aluminum cover that nearly encloses the entire unit. The cooling block is specifically designed to cover both the CPU socket and the mounting holes, giving it an appearance Alphacool describes as sleek and seamless.

Lighting

Fine Apex design elements on the top surface allow the uniform illumination of the aRGB lighting to shine through. Moreover, an additional lighting element on the right side emits a diffused glow towards the RAM slots.

The Apex series

The Apex 1 is the first CPU water block in the Apex series. Alphacool says the series represents maximum cooling performance, exceptional design, and premium material selection for high-end custom water cooling systems. In its words, this block combines all its unique features in a robust CPU cooler. Alphacool sums it up as a new improved jetplate, a processor hotspot optimized base, fast and easy installation and beautiful aRGB illumination.

What the loop needs

The block has two G1/4 threads, and they take two compression fittings for your tube size, which are not in the box. The lighting connects through the included ARGB adapter. To run, it also needs a pump and a radiator in the loop.

Technical data

Notes

• Alphacool asks that the block be used only with clear transparent water cooling fluids. It warns that the particles and additives in Pastel liquids can clog and permanently damage radiators, pumps, coolers and hoses, and that this can void the manufacturer's warranty.

In the box

• 1x Thermal Grease
• 1x Putty tool
• 1x Apex 1 AM5
• 4x M2.5 Flag nut
• 1x ARGB Adapter
• 2x Spare Distance Bolt

Alphacool's manual and data sheet are both PDFs. Its 3D model of the block is an STP file, and the 3D viewer shows it from every side.