Alphacool Apex Distroplate Dark Base Pro 901 with Apex Pump - Black (14630)

The Alphacool Apex Distroplate Dark Base Pro 901 with Apex Pump - Black is a black distro plate with a 433ml reservoir and Alphacool's VPP Apex PWM pump in the box. It replaces the front cover of the Dark Base Pro 901 case. Alphacool's note says the plate is exclusively compatible with this case. The plate without a pump takes a VPP/D5 pump of your own, and the version with pump also comes in white.

Properties

Pump

VPP Apex, 2500 - 4500 RPM, included

Capacity

433ml

Ports

12x G1/4 + 1x fill port and 1x drain port

Size (L x W x H)

365.10 x 222 x 86.06 mm

Maximum flow rate

340L/h

Lighting

16 digital aRGB LEDs, 5V

Made for the Dark Base Pro 901

Alphacool calls the plate the ultimate visual upgrade for the Dark Base Pro 901, one that takes any custom water cooling setup to the next level. It also calls it a must-have for those who want to combine top performance with premium design. Specifically designed for this case, the plate goes in place of the front cover and can be securely and easily mounted using the included M4x16 screws and mounting brackets. The manual's steps are short: remove the case front and the front cover, insert the mounting brackets and screw the plate to the front of the case. The plate is available in two variants that differ only in color. Both the black and white versions, Alphacool says, perfectly match the case colors and blend seamlessly into the design.

Inverted layout

The Dark Base Pro 901 offers numerous customization options, including an inverted layout, and Alphacool says the plate is perfectly adapted to these configurations. To ensure maximum flexibility it features additional, specially designed ports that can be easily used even when the case's interior is built in an inverted orientation. For an inverted layout the plate must be rotated 180 degrees. The pump sits in the middle of the plate to support the inversion. That is why the manual sets a minimum fill level: the coolant must always stand above the pump, so that it does not suck in any air.

Fittings and seal

Alphacool says its Apex product line stands for absolute perfection. Crafted with premium materials and advanced engineering, it says, the plate guarantees a truly high-end product. The chrome-plated G1/4 fittings, made from solid brass, prevent leaks caused by cracks, as they are not screwed directly into the acrylic. Instead the two-piece fittings feature an O-ring and interlock during installation, ensuring a secure and reliable seal within the acrylic.

Acrylic and lighting

Made from what Alphacool calls high-grade acrylic glass, the plate offers a clear view of the water cooling loop. Its integrated aRGB lighting creates, in Alphacool's words, an impressive play of colors, perfectly showcasing the case. The box holds an ARGB adapter for it.

What the loop needs

The pump is part of this version: the manual covers both and notes that only the pre-assembled version includes the pump. It connects by 4-Pin PWM and SATA. Every port in use takes a G1/4 fitting from our fittings section, and the ports left over are closed with the eight G1/4 plugs in the box. The manual marks the ports: OUT leads from the plate to the component, IN comes back from the component.

Filling and venting

Fill the plate with a suitable coolant. To remove trapped air, the manual says to sway the plate back and forth a little, then open a suitable port so the bubbles can escape. Top up the coolant if necessary, switch the pump on and off again, and repeat until all the air is out.

Technical Data

Technical data pump

Notes

• Use only clear, transparent water cooling fluids. Alphacool warns that the particles and additives in pastel liquids can clog and permanently damage radiators, pumps, coolers and hoses, which can void the manufacturer's warranty.

In the box

• 1x Apex Distro Plate
• 1x VPP-D5 Pump
• 6x M4x16 Screw
• 6x Mounting Screw Bracket
• 8x G1/4 Plug
• 1x Plug tool
• 1x ARGB Adapter

Alphacool's manual and data sheet are both PDFs.