Alphacool Core Distro Plate 280 VPP/D5 - Left with VPP D5 Apex Pump (14573)

The Alphacool Core Distro Plate 280 VPP/D5 - Left with VPP D5 Apex Pump is a 280 mm acrylic distro plate with a volume of 360ml and Alphacool's VPP Apex pump in the box. The same plate without a pump is article 13832, and the mirrored layout with a pump is the 280 Right.

Properties

Pump

VPP Apex, included

Capacity

360ml

Ports

8x G1/4, 1x drain port

Size (L x W x H)

280.00 x 145.00 x 61.00 mm with pump

Material

Acrylic

Lighting

12 digital aRGB LEDs, 5V

Core Design

Alphacool calls its Core Distro Plate with integrated pump an absolute must-have for all custom water cooling systems. With its core design it is an absolute eye-catcher in Alphacool's words, and a functional masterpiece too. It says the plate simplifies the construction and planning of complex water loops and offers uncomplicated installation.

The plate is made of what Alphacool calls high-quality acrylic and is fitted with chrome-plated G1/4 brass connections. These have been recessed and deliberately not screwed in, which is meant to minimize the risk of cracks and leaks while increasing stability. Each of the connections is made of two parts with an O-ring, and the parts counter each other when mounted in the acrylic. According to Alphacool this not only ensures absolute leak proofing of each connector but also allows for the clean and functional look of its Core Design series.

Connections and lighting

The arrangement of the connections is designed to optimize tube routing, and Alphacool adds that it should also provide an attractive appearance. This is complemented by its integrated aRGB lighting of 12 LEDs, which Alphacool says provides impressive visual effects. The lighting can be controlled either via a digital aRGB header on the mainboard, or optionally via the Alphacool Aurora Eiscontrol aRGB controller (article no.: 15360).

Push mounting

The Alphacool Core Push Mounting Kit is included in the scope of delivery, and Alphacool says it significantly simplifies the installation of the plate. The metal pins are attached to a radiator or the panel of the PC case, the matching female sleeves to the distro plate, so that you only have to push the sleeves onto the pins. Alphacool says this system ensures a secure fit of the plate and enables easy disassembly for maintenance or extensions. A detailed description can be found in the enclosed instructions, where the manual says to use screws with the appropriate thread for your radiator.

What the loop needs

The pump comes with the plate, which the manual calls the pre-assembled version, so no pump has to be bought. Alphacool's own page names it the VPP Apex PWM pump. The manual shows the pump sitting on its O-ring, held by the four M4x22 pump screws tightened with 1.5Nm. Ports you do not use take the three G1/4 plugs in the box, and a plug tool is included for them. The manual marks the ports: OUT leads from the plate to the component, IN comes back from the component. For the graphics card it says to choose the port closest to your GPU configuration.

Technical data

Notes

• Please note Alphacool's note on application: use the plate only in conjunction with clear, transparent water cooling fluids. The particles and additives in pastel liquids can clog and permanently damage water cooling products such as radiators, pumps, coolers and hoses. That can result in voiding the manufacturer's warranty as well.

In the box

• 1x 280 Distro Plate
• 1x VPP-D5 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.