Details
The Alphacool Core 2 XT 280mm CPU AiO Cooler is an all-in-one (AIO) liquid CPU cooler with a 280 mm radiator for AMD AM4 and AM5 and Intel LGA 1700 and 1851. Unlike conventional sealed AIO coolers it has a serviceable construction, with multiple G1/4 radiator ports, including a dedicated fill and drain port. The same cooler comes with a 240 mm, 360 mm or 420 mm radiator.
Properties
- Intel sockets
- LGA 1700, 1851
- AMD sockets
- AM4, AM5
- Radiator
- 280 mm, NexXxoS HPE Full Copper, 30 mm thick
- Fans in the box
- 2 x 140mm aRGB PWM
- Pump
- Core DC-LT 3, up to approximately 3,800 RPM
- Tubes
- TPV, flexible and durable
Fit
The CPU mounting hardware in the box covers every socket named above, which is the whole of its socket compatibility. For AMD there is a CPU bracket set and four threaded bolts, and the cooler mounts on the board's original backplate. For Intel there is a second bracket set, four threaded bolts of their own and a CPU backplate, which is only required for the Intel socket. Four screw sleeves and four washers complete the set.
On an AMD board the two-piece retention frame comes off first. On either platform you clean the CPU, apply the thermal grease and remove the protective film before the cooler goes on. The socket hardware is hand tightened only. The package includes the thermal paste (1g) and a putty tool.
Custom loop parts in an AIO
The cooler brings technology and materials traditionally found in custom water cooling systems into a convenient all-in-one format. It is designed for users who want high cooling performance without building a complete custom loop. It combines a NexXxoS HPE radiator, Core 1-based CPU cooling technology, the Core DC-LT 3 pump and aRGB fans, and so offers many of the advantages of a custom water cooling system.
CPU block and pump
The cooling technology at the heart of the CPU block is derived from the Core 1 series of Alphacool. The chrome-plated copper cold plate efficiently transfers heat from the processor into the coolant, while the integrated Core DC-LT 3 pump provides the circulation throughout the system. Operating at speeds of up to approximately 3,800 RPM, this PWM pump delivers a maximum flow rate of approximately 2.1 L/min and a maximum head pressure of 1.4 meters. Pump and CPU block are enclosed within an aluminum housing, with the aluminum remaining completely isolated from the coolant. Subtle aRGB lighting is integrated into the CPU block for a clean and modern appearance.
Full-copper radiator
Heat is dissipated through an Alphacool NexXxoS HPE 280mm Full Copper Radiator. Unlike many conventional AIO radiators, it has cooling fins, channels and pre-chambers that are manufactured from copper for thermal transfer. The 30mm-thick HPE radiator utilizes 16 cooling channels and an 18 FPI fin structure, a fin density providing substantial cooling surface area while maintaining a compact profile.
Fans and lighting
Dual 140mm PWM fans provide the airflow necessary to efficiently dissipate heat through the radiator. They are Apex Stealth fans. Their integrated 5V addressable RGB lighting adds customizable illumination, complementing the lighting of the CPU block.
Serviceable construction
The cooler also distinguishes itself from conventional AIO coolers through this construction. Alphacool incorporates components and design principles from its DIY water cooling ecosystem, allowing the system to be maintained and serviced when necessary. The radiator has four G1/4 inlet/outlet connections, and the G1/4 fill and drain port makes maintenance easier. Together these features further support long-term maintenance and flexibility, in a cooler designed for long-term serviceability and repair.
How to connect everything
As an AIO the cooler arrives with its TPV tubing in place, so it needs no fittings of your own. The lighting is 5V addressable RGB (aRGB): the box holds an ARGB adapter and an aRGB extension for it, plus a PWM extension cable. The pump and its aRGB lighting, the fans and the fan aRGB lighting each have their own connection.
Technical data radiator
| Radiator | Alphacool NexXxoS HPE 280mm Full Copper Radiator |
| Thickness | 30 mm |
| Cooling channels | 16 |
| Fin density | 18 FPI |
| Copper parts | Fins, cooling channels and pre-chambers |
| Ports | Four G1/4 inlet/outlet connections and a dedicated G1/4 fill and drain port |
Technical data cooler and pump
| Cooling technology | Based on Alphacool Core 1 |
| Cold plate | Chrome-plated copper |
| Housing | Aluminum, isolated from the coolant |
| Pump | Integrated Alphacool Core DC-LT 3 pump |
| Pump speed | Up to approximately 3,800 RPM |
| Maximum pump flow rate | Approximately 2.1 L/min |
| Maximum pump head pressure | 1.4 meters |
Technical data fans
| Fans | 2 x 140mm aRGB PWM |
| Lighting | Integrated 5V addressable RGB |
In the box
- 1x Alphacool Core 2 XT 280mm CPU AIO
- 2x 140mm aRGB PWM Fans (Apex Stealth)
- 1x CPU Brackets AMD Set
- 4x Threaded bolt AMD
- 1x CPU Brackets INTEL Set
- 4x Threaded bolt INTEL
- 1x CPU Backplate
- 4x Screw sleeve
- 4x Washer
- 1x ARGB Adapter
- 1x aRGB Extension
- 1x PWM Extension cable
- 8x M3 Screw
- 8x M3x5mm
- 1x Thermal Grease (1g thermal paste)
- 1x Putty tool
- 1x Plug tool
Alphacool's manual for the Core 2 XT series is a PDF and covers all four radiator sizes. Its 3D model of the cooler is an STP file, and the 3D viewer shows it from every side.
