Alphacool Core 120mm Reservoir VPP/D5 (14590)

The Alphacool Core 120mm Reservoir VPP/D5 is a 120.00 x 125.00 x 45.00 mm reservoir for a D5 or VPP pump, made entirely of acrylic. The pump is not in the box, and the installation of one is required for operation. The same reservoir with a pump pre-installed is the Core 120mm Reservoir with VPP/D5 Pump.

Properties

Pump

D5 or VPP, not included

Capacity

approx. 65ml

Ports

4x G1/4, 1x drain port

Size (L x W x H)

120.00 x 125.00 x 45.00 mm

Lighting

6 digital aRGB LEDs, 5V

Core Design

The chrome-plated G1/4 connections made of brass are a key element of Alphacool's Core Design series. In this reservoir they are recessed rather than screwed into a thread. That is Alphacool's way of bypassing the problem of possible leaks due to cracking from the direct screwing of connections into the acrylic. Each connection is in two parts, fitted with an O-ring, and the parts counter each other when mounted in the acrylic. According to Alphacool this not only ensures absolute sealing of each connection but also allows for the clear and functional appearance of the series. The manual marks the ports: OUT leads to the component, IN comes back from it.

Easy installation

The included Core Push Mounting kit puts the reservoir on the case or on a radiator. The metal pins are attached to the radiator or case panel, the matching female sleeves to the reservoir (see manual). In the next installation step the reservoir is simply pushed onto the pins, tool-free. Alphacool's Push-Mounting allows for a secure fit and for easy disassembly for maintenance or expansion projects. On a radiator, the manual says to use suitable threaded screws.

Size and draining

Alphacool says the reservoir not only looks sleek with its aRGB lighting but can also be used flexibly thanks to its compact size. Due to its small and compact design it also fits into small cases, which Alphacool says makes it ideal for custom water loops. An additional drain port located on the side allows easy and uncomplicated draining. Alphacool files that port under the heading "Gamechanger".

Material selection and lighting

The reservoir is made of what Alphacool calls high-quality acrylic glass, allowing an unobstructed view of the coolant. It is lit by built-in digital addressable aRGB LEDs, which Alphacool says give brilliant illumination. The lighting is controlled via a digital aRGB header on the motherboard, or optionally through Alphacool's Aurora Eiscontrol aRGB controller (item number: 15360).

What the loop needs

The reservoir needs a D5 or VPP pump, for example the Alphacool VPP Apex Pump. For pump installation, the manual's steps are: insert the O-ring, screw on the pump and tighten the four M4x22 pump screws with 1.5Nm. The manual lists the O-ring, like the pump, only with the pre-assembled version. Of the four G1/4 threads, the ones you do not use take the three G1/4 plugs in the box.

Filling and venting

Fill the reservoir with a suitable coolant. To remove trapped air, the manual says to sway the reservoir 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 and switch on the pump so the water is distributed in the circuit. Switch it off again and repeat until all the air has escaped.

Technical data

In the box

• 1x Core 120mm Reservoir
• 1x Allen Key
• 4x M4x22 Pump Screw
• 1x Core Push Mount Set
• 1x Plug tool
• 1x ARGB Adapter
• 3x G1/4 Plug

Alphacool's manual is a PDF. Its 3D model of this reservoir is an STP file, and the 3D viewer shows it from every side.