Alphacool Core 1 Carbon (13770)

The Alphacool Core 1 Carbon is a CPU water block for AMD AM4 and AM5 and for Intel LGA 1700 and LGA 1851. The cooler pairs a nickel-plated copper base with a brass housing under a carbon cover, in black.

Properties

Intel sockets

LGA 1700, 1851

AMD sockets

AM4, AM5

Cold plate

Nickel-plated copper

Top

Brass with carbon cover, black

Ports

2 x G1/4

Size

72 x 72 x 26.50 mm

Fit

Both mounting sets are in the box, so no socket on Alphacool's compatibility list needs a bracket or backplate that is sold separately. AM4 and AM5 are covered by the CPU Brackets AMD Set and the four AMD threaded bolts. For Intel, where Alphacool lists LGA 1700 and LGA 1851, the box holds the CPU Brackets INTEL Set, the Core Backplate and the four INTEL threaded bolts.

Alphacool has also revised the mounting system. Compared to previous Alphacool models it requires fewer screws, and Alphacool counts that as a feature that simplifies installation. On an Intel board the pre-assembly comes first: the backplate (Intel) is done with four spacers. After that, the thermal paste is applied on top of the CPU. Then the matching mounting frame is put on the CPU cooler and fastened on the spacers with four nuts. On an AMD board, the manual has you remove the two-piece retention frame and use the original backplate of the motherboard. The manual's instruction for the threaded bolts on both platforms is to hand tighten only.

3D-Jetplate and cross-slot

Alphacool presents the Core 1 as a new generation of CPU water cooling. Its starting point is that the latest desktop processors are continuously becoming more powerful, but also produce more and more waste heat. Alphacool says the block reliably solves this problem with the help of its entirely new 3D-Jetplate, a kind of jetplate that is also used in industrial applications.

Under the heading "The best of new and old", Alphacool says the block brings the best of both worlds together. In addition to the new jetplate, Alphacool returns to its roots by using a proven cross-slot technique, which is there to distribute coolant evenly across the redesigned cooler base. O-rings inside the cooler ensure precise water flow for effective cooling.

Housing and copper base

The housing is machined from a brass block that Alphacool describes as high-quality, and it features nickel-plated connectors. The cooler's copper base is also nickel-plated. It has been enlarged to ensure full coverage of large CPUs.

Core design

Alphacool names the functional and elegant design as a key element of its Core series. The nickel-plated connectors and the discreet contour line stand out from the high-quality housing with carbon cover. Rounded corners add what Alphacool calls the perfect touch to the overall look. In its words, the all-metal CPU water cooler not only impresses with its elegant appearance but is easier to mount as well. The Core 1 is available in various color designs, as well as in discreetly illuminated aRGB Aurora models. This is the carbon cover version without the Aurora lighting.

What the loop needs

The block has two G1/4 threads. Both take the compression fittings for your tube size, which are not in the box. This version is not one of the Aurora models and has no lighting to connect. The block has no pump of its own, so the loop also needs a pump and a radiator.

Technical data

Notes

• Alphacool asks that the block be used only in conjunction with clear transparent water cooling fluids. It warns that the particles and additives in Pastel liquids can clog and permanently damage water cooling products such as radiators, pumps, coolers and hoses, which can result in voiding the manufacturer's warranty as well.

In the box

• 1x Core 1 CPU Cooler
• 1x Thermal Grease
• 1x Putty tool
• 1x CPU Brackets AMD Set
• 4x Threaded bolt AMD
• 4x Screw sleeve
• 1x CPU Brackets INTEL Set
• 1x Core Backplate
• 4x Threaded bolt INTEL
• 4x EVA Washer

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.