Alphacool Core Geforce RTX 5090 Reference Waterblock with Backplate (10242)

The Alphacool Core Geforce RTX 5090 Reference Waterblock with Backplate is a GPU water block for Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 graphics cards built on the Reference board. The MSI VENTUS 3X OC and the Inno3D X3 are two of them. It cools the card with a chrome-plated copper block under an acrylic top, and the aluminum backplate is in the box. It does not fit the RTX 5090 Founders Edition.

Properties

Fits

GeForce RTX 5090, Reference board

Cold plate

Chrome-plated copper

Top

Acrylic, transparent

Ports

4 x G1/4

Backplate

Aluminum, included

Lighting

9 digital aRGB LEDs, 5V

Compatibility

Alphacool lists these cards for this block:

• Inno3D GeForce RTX™ 5090 iChill Frostbite (C50903-32D7X-1759FB)
• Inno3D GeForce RTX™ 5090 iChill X3 (C50903-32D7X-175967H)
• Inno3D GeForce RTX™ 5090 X3 (N50903-32D7-17593928)
• Inno3D GeForce RTX™ 5090 X3 OC (N50903-32D7X-17593928)
• MSI GeForce RTX™ 5090 32G VENTUS 3X OC (MS-V530 VER:1.1)

The block was designed for one PCB layout, and card makers sometimes revise a board so that a cooler no longer fits later models. Before ordering, compare your card and its PCB number with the pictures in Alphacool's GPU configurator, or look it up in its Compatibility List for Nvidia cards. Please contact us if you want us to verify compatibility with your GPU. Alphacool's 1-slot block for the RTX 5090 Reference board is the ES RTX 5090 Reference 1-Slot-Design, built for servers and workstations.

Copper block and terminal

A copper block, precisely milled from a single piece, is at the heart of the cooler. It is complemented by a precisely crafted brass terminal with a nylon cover. Alphacool says the chrome finish enhances the copper cooler's durability and provides a smoother, more radiant surface than traditional nickel plating. The series continues to feature high-quality brass connectors, which Alphacool says ensure optimal quality and safety.

Design and lighting

Alphacool introduces this block as part of its new series of graphics card water coolers for the latest Nvidia GeForce RTX generation, in the Core product series. The visual design of the GPU water cooler has been slightly modified. The new highlight is a Core emblem placed above the jetplate, which emphasizes the block's affiliation with the series and visually enhances the design. The backplate is specially adapted to the board and covers the entire backside of the copper cooler, ensuring a clear, uniform appearance. Combined with the aRGB lighting, the acrylic allows for even and impressive illumination of the entire cooler.

Flow and testing

Alphacool says the cooler has been completely overhauled technically. To optimize cooling performance, it redefined and tested the distances between the cooler and the components of the PCB. It simulated the water flow using the most advanced software and verified the result through practical tests. Those extensive tests were what allowed for improvements to both the cooler base and the jetplate. Alphacool's claim for the series is that these coolers combine the highest quality with exceptional performance. It also says that, thanks to an optimized technical design, they deliver outstanding cooling performance and the best possible cooling for this generation.

What the loop needs

The block has four G1/4 threads. Two take the compression fittings for your tube size, which are not in the box, and the other two take the two plugs that are. The lighting connects through a 3-Pin JST plug, and an ARGB adapter is included. Thermal pads, thermal grease, a screwdriver and the PCIe bracket also come with the block.

Technical data cooler

Technical data backplate

Notes

• Alphacool asks that the block be used only with clear transparent water cooling fluids. It warns that the particles and additives in Pastel liquids can clog and permanently damage radiators, pumps, coolers and hoses, and that this can void the manufacturer's warranty.
• Remove the original cooler on an antistatic mat and clean the card of thermal paste and pad residues before fitting the block.

In the box

• 1x Core Geforce RTX 5090 Reference cooler
• 1x Backplate
• 2x 68x15x1mm Pad
• 1x 54x15x1mm Pad
• 4x 8x8x1mm Pad
• 2x 12x15x1mm Pad
• 1x 91.5x8x1mm Pad
• 1x 101x8x1mm Pad
• 2x 68x8x3mm Pad
• 1x 45x45x3mm Pad
• 1x 20x8x3mm Pad
• 1x Thermal Grease
• 1x Putty tool
• 1x ARGB Adapter
• 1x PCIe Bracket
• 1x Plug tool
• 1x Screwdriver
• 2x G1/4 Plug
• 6x M2x10mm screws
• 1x M2x5mm spring screw
• 1x washer
• 1x M2x5mm screw

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.