Alphacool Apex Distroplate Dark Base Pro 901 with Apex Pump - White (14658)

The Alphacool Apex Distroplate Dark Base Pro 901 with Apex Pump - White is a 433ml distro plate for the Dark Base Pro 901 case with a VPP Apex pump included. It replaces the front cover of that case and takes a VPP or D5 pump. The Apex Distro Plate for the Dark Base Pro 901 is exclusively compatible with this case.

Properties

Pump

VPP Apex included, 2500 - 4500 RPM

Capacity

433ml

Ports

12x G1/4, 1x fill port, 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 one case

Alphacool calls this plate the ultimate visual upgrade for the Dark Base Pro 901, specifically designed for it. In its words the plate 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. The plate is available in two variants that differ only in color, black and white. The black one is the Apex Distroplate Dark Base Pro 901 with Apex Pump - Black. Alphacool says both versions perfectly match the case colors of the Dark Base Pro 901 and blend seamlessly into the design.

Fittings that are not screwed into the acrylic

According to Alphacool the Apex product line stands for absolute perfection, crafted with premium materials and advanced engineering, and that guarantees a truly high-end product. The chrome-plated G1/4 fittings are made from solid brass. They prevent leaks caused by cracks because they are not screwed directly into the acrylic. Instead, each fitting is a two-piece part with an O-ring whose halves interlock during installation, ensuring a secure and reliable seal within the acrylic.

Acrylic glass and aRGB lighting

The body is made from what Alphacool describes as high-grade acrylic glass, so the plate offers a clear view of the water cooling loop. Its integrated aRGB lighting creates what Alphacool calls an impressive play of colors, perfectly showcasing the case. The 16 LEDs run on 5V and connect through a 3-pin JST or a 3-pin 5V plug.

Mounting and the 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 interior of the case is built in an inverted orientation. Per the manual, remove the case front and the front cover first. Then insert the mounting brackets and screw the plate to the front of the case. It can be mounted securely and easily using the included M4x16 screws. For an inverted layout, the plate must be rotated 180 degrees. The manual marks the ports: OUT leads from the plate to the component, IN comes back from it.

What the loop needs

The pump is in the box: the manual notes that only the pre-assembled version includes it, and this is that version. The plate alone, for a pump you already own, is the Apex Distroplate Dark Base Pro 901 VPP/D5 - White. Of the 12 G1/4 ports, the loop uses the ones its components need, each with a fitting from our fittings section, and the eight plugs in the box close others. The pump cable has a 4-Pin PWM and a SATA connection.

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 air bubbles can escape. All other openings stay closed or in use while you do. Top up the coolant if necessary, switch on the pump so the water is distributed in the circuit, switch it off again and repeat until all the air has left the reservoir. The pump sits in the middle of this plate to support the inversion feature of the case. The fill level must therefore always be above the pump so that it does not suck in air.

Technical Data

Technical data pump

Notes

• Note on application from Alphacool: use only 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, 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.