Details
The Alphacool Apex Monoblock for ROG STRIX X870-F Gaming WIFI AM5 Motherboard is a CPU water block for one board, the ASUS ROG Strix X870-F Gaming WiFi (AM5), and its AM5 socket. Besides the CPU it cools the voltage regulator modules (VRMs) and the M.2 NVMe SSD located below the CPU socket. It is specifically designed for this motherboard, so compare the board name before ordering.
Properties
- Motherboard
- ASUS ROG Strix X870-F Gaming WiFi (AM5)
- Socket
- AMD AM5
- Cold plate
- Chrome-plated copper (Cu-HCP)
- Top
- Plexi, with an aluminum cover
- Ports
- 2 x G1/4, brass terminal
- Lighting
- 7 aRGB LEDs, 5 V DC
Fit
Compatibility is limited to the one board named above. The monoblock takes the place of that board's own coolers. Alphacool's manual has you release component M1, the M.2 SSD cooler, with the "Push" button until the M2 memory slots are visible. Component M2, the IO cover and VRM cooler, comes off with the mainboard turned over and 6 screws loosened. The display cable is disconnected from the mainboard, and 4 screws separate the IO cover with display from the cooler. Component M4, another cooler, is held by 2 screws. With the two-piece AMD retention frame and all components M1 to M4 removed, the mainboard is ready for the monoblock.
The M.2 SSD is installed next and the IO cover is screwed to the monoblock, so the motherboard's original LED I/O cover remains fully intact. The thermal pads go on the cooling block, their protective film comes off and the display cable is connected to the mainboard again. With the CPU cleaned and thermal grease applied, the monoblock is secured with 7 screws.
Cooling engine
All key motherboard components are actively cooled by the water block within the monoblock. Like the Apex 1 CPU cooler, it utilizes an offset cooling base plate, which directs the coolant flow precisely to the thermal hotspot of the AM5 CPU. Alphacool pairs that plate with its cross-slot design, which it calls proven, and the 3D Jetplate 2.0. Combined, this design generates high water pressure, and Alphacool credits it with enabling exceptionally efficient heat dissipation. It calls the result ideal for overclocking or continuous operation, and the technical data names the cooling technology Jet Engine.
Copper and brass
The cooler is milled from a solid block of copper, chrome-plated according to the technical data. Its G1/4 connection terminal is made of brass. Together with the copper base, Alphacool says, the brass ensures long-lasting durability and excellent thermal conductivity.
Design and lighting
The Apex monoblock design is tailored to each motherboard. Alphacool says this not only offers optimal cooling performance but also integrates seamlessly into the motherboard's aesthetics. The board's LED I/O cover is complemented by the monoblock's own aRGB lighting, which Alphacool describes as subtly integrated and Apex-typical. Alphacool's pitch is that the block is the perfect cooling solution for maximum performance, featuring an elegant design, and that it reliably cools more than the CPU. Combining performance, design and functionality, it says, the monoblock becomes the highlight of any custom water cooling system.
What the loop needs
The terminal has 2 G1/4 threads. The manual marks one (IN) for the tube that comes from the previous component and the other (OUT) for the tube that leads to the next one. Both take the compression fittings for your tube size, which are not in the box. Connecting the ARGB lighting is the last step of the manual, and the ARGB adapter for it comes with the block. To run, this CPU water cooler needs a pump and a radiator in the same loop.
Technical data
| Dimensions (L x W x H) (in mm) | 172.13 x 145.49 x 48.30 |
| Cooler base material | Chrome-plated copper (Cu-HCP) |
| Material Cover | Aluminum (AlMg0.7Si) |
| Cooler top material | Plexi (LXN866) |
| Material Terminal | Brass (CuZn39Pb3) |
| Terminal connection | 2 x G1/4 |
| Material connection thread | Brass (CuZn39Pb3) |
| Maximum torque of the G1/4 thread (in Nm) | 1.00 |
| Maximum torque of the M3 thread (in Nm) | 0.48 |
| Maximum torque of the M4 thread (in Nm) | 1.12 |
| Maximum operating temperature (in °C) | 60 |
| Recommended operating temperature (in °C) | 20 |
| Minimum operating temperature (in °C) | -20 |
| Maximum tested pressure (in bar) | 2.00 |
| Recommended working pressure (in bar) | 0.00 - 1.00 |
| Thickness of cooling fins (in mm) | 0.40 |
| Distance between cooling fins (in mm) | 0.40 |
| Number of LEDs (in pcs) | 7.00 |
| LED length (in mm) | 116.00 |
| LED Voltage (in V DC) | 5.00 |
| LED Amperage (in A) | 0.06 |
| LED Wattage (in W) | 2.10 |
| Cooling technology | Jet Engine |
Technical specifications of thermal pads
| Thermal conductivity of the thermal pads (in W/mK) | 7 |
| Thermal pads hardness ASTM 2240 | 35 Shore 00 |
Technical data Thermal paste
| Volatility rate (24@200 °C) (in %) | less than 0.5 |
| Density (g/cm³) | 3.2 (Test method ASTM D2196) |
| Viscosity (mPa·s) | 150~200*10³ (Test Method ASTM D2196) |
| Operating temperature (°C) | -40 °C to 120 °C |
| Breakdown voltage (V/mil) | 250 (Test method ASTM D149) |
| Thermal impedance (°C in²/W) | 0.1 +/- 0.01 (Test Method ASTM D5470) |
| Maximum operating pressure (psi) | 40 |
| Quantity | 1g |
| Color | Gray |
In the box
- 1x Apex Monoblock
- 2x M2x20mm Screw
- 4x 91x8x2mm Pad
- 1x 11x15x2mm Pad
- 1x 71x22x2mm Pad
- 1x Thermal Grease
- 1x Putty tool
- 4x AM5 Mounting Nut
- 7x Washer
- 7x M3x8mm Screw
- 1x ARGB Adapter
Alphacool's manual for the block is a PDF.
