Alphacool Core 120mm Reservoir with VPP/D5 Pump (14561)

The Alphacool Core 120mm Reservoir with VPP/D5 Pump is a 120.00 x 125.00 x 78.00 mm reservoir with Alphacool's VPP Apex pump pre-installed. It is made entirely of acrylic, mounts on the case or on a radiator and takes a D5 or VPP pump, which is required for operation. The same reservoir without a pump is the Core 120mm Reservoir VPP/D5, and the larger size is the Core 140mm Reservoir with pump.

Properties

Pump

VPP Apex, 2500 - 4500 RPM

Capacity

approx. 65ml

Ports

4x G1/4, 1x drain port

Size (L x W x H)

120.00 x 125.00 x 78.00 mm

Maximum flow rate

340L/h

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 pump is already screwed on, so the loop needs no separate one. Of the four G1/4 threads, the ones you do not use take the three G1/4 plugs in the box. The pump has two cables, 4-Pin PWM and SATA. If the pump ever comes off, the manual's steps for pump installation are: insert the O-ring, screw on the pump and tighten the four M4x22 pump screws with 1.5Nm.

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

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 Core 120mm Reservoir
• 1x VPP Apex Pump
• 1x O-Ring
• 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 and data sheet are both PDFs.