Alphacool Apex 1 CPU Cooler - LGA 1700/1851 (13851)

The Alphacool Apex 1 CPU Cooler LGA 1700/1851 is a CPU water block for the Intel LGA 1700 and LGA 1851 sockets. The block fully covers the entire socket and the CPU, hotspot included. The base is nickel plated copper, the cover is aluminum, and the aRGB lighting shows on the top and on the right side.

Properties

Intel sockets

LGA 1700, 1851

Cold plate

Nickel plated copper, 0.4 mm fins

Top

Aluminum cover, black base color with chrome accent

Ports

2 x G1/4

Lighting

aRGB, ARGB adapter in the box

Size

88.00 x 88.00 x 32.30 mm, 890 g

Fit

Compatibility is two Intel sockets for this version, LGA 1700 and LGA 1851. The cooler is positioned on the top of the motherboard while the backplate is secured from underneath using screws. Despite what it calls a sophisticated design, Alphacool says installation remains straightforward. On an AMD board the same cooler is the Apex 1 for AM5.

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

Full socket cover and 3D Jetplate 2.0

In the Intel version of this CPU water cooler, the cooler fully covers the entire socket and CPU, including its hotspot. Alphacool credits that coverage with ensuring exceptional cooling performance. 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 Apex 1 LGA 1700/1851
• 1x Backplate
• 1x Thermal Grease
• 1x Putty tool
• 4x Washer
• 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.