Alphacool Eisblock Aurora Geforce RTX 4090 GameRock + Phantom with Backplate (13463)

The Alphacool Eisblock Aurora Geforce RTX 4090 GameRock + Phantom with Backplate is a GPU water block for two Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card lines: the Palit GameRock and the Gainward Phantom. It cools the card with a chrome-plated copper block under an acrylic top lit by 12 digital aRGB LEDs, and the black aluminum backplate is in the box.

Properties

Fits

Palit GeForce RTX 4090 GameRock and Gainward GeForce RTX 4090 Phantom

Cold plate

Chrome-plated copper, 0.4 mm fins

Top

Acrylic

Ports

4 x G1/4

Backplate

Aluminum, black, included

Lighting

12 digital aRGB LEDs, 5V

Compatibility

Alphacool lists these cards for this block:

• Gainward GeForce RTX 4090 Phantom GS, 24GB GDDR6X (3413)
• Gainward GeForce RTX 4090 Phantom, 24GB GDDR6X (3390)
• Palit GeForce RTX 4090 GameRock OC, 24GB GDDR6X (NED4090S19SB-1020G)
• Palit GeForce RTX 4090 GameRock, 24GB GDDR6X (NED4090019SB-1020G)

The cooler 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.

Product information

Alphacool calls this the next generation: the Eisblock Aurora water cooler for Geforce RTX 40XX graphics cards. Its stated aim was to dissipate the enormous heat of this graphics card generation in the best possible way. In order to do that, it says, numerous optimizations have been made to the water cooler compared to the previous model. The fin structure was adapted, and the modified jet plate has an improved inflow engine. Alphacool says the plate ensures an optimal distribution of the water on the cooling fins.

Technical highlights

Alphacool developed the fin structure of this Eisblock cooler generation together with Nvidia board partners. The fin thickness is 0.4 mm and the distance between the cooling fins is 0.4 mm as well. By Alphacool's account this enables a very good water flow while increasing the cooling surface. A revised inlay in the jet plate spreads the water pressure better over the fins, thus optimizing the heat absorption. The adjusted water inflow also gives the water a better angle of inflow.

Chrome-plated copper

The cooler is made entirely of chrome-plated copper. Alphacool's case for it: a chrome plating is much harder than a nickel plating and therefore less sensitive to acids, scratches and damage. It says chrome completely eliminates the risk of chipping nickel plating. Additionally, by its account, chrome plating looks much more homogeneous and provides a shine that cannot be achieved by nickel plating. Alphacool adds that chrome-plated coolers have previously only been used in the industrial sector, in areas where extreme influences act on the coolers.

Design

Alphacool describes the Aurora design of the Geforce RTX 40XX Eisblock generation as visually calmer and simpler. Only one O-ring runs around the entire cooler, and the design around the cooling fins and jetplate makes for a cleaner look. As a result of the chrome plating, the illumination of the digitally addressable RGB LEDs is even better distributed throughout the cooler. The terminal's design stays in line with the classic Aurora design.

Thermal paste and thermal pads

The included thermal compound is Alphacool's Subzero, with a thermal conductivity of 16 W/mK. Alphacool calls it one of the highest performing thermal pastes on the market. The compound is electrically non-conductive and, Alphacool says, particularly well suited for high contact pressures, but it can still be processed perfectly due to its viscosity of 850,000 TF. Alphacool Soft Pads with 1 mm thickness are used on the voltage converter and the graphics memory, and their thermal conductivity is 7 W/mK. The pads for the back of the PCB are 3 mm thick, with a thermal conductivity of 3 W/mK.

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 G1/4 plugs that are, screwed in with the plug tool. The lighting has a 3-Pin JST power connector, and an ARGB adaptor is included. Thermal pads, thermal grease, a putty tool, screws, EVA washers and the PCI bracket also come with the block.

Technical data cooler

Technical data backplate

Notes

• Alphacool's note on application: please use the block only in conjunction with clear transparent water cooling fluids. It warns that the particles and additives in Pastel liquids can clog and permanently damage water cooling products such as radiators, pumps, coolers and hoses. Using them can result in voiding the manufacturer's warranty as well.
• Put the card on an antistatic mat to remove the original cooler, and clean it of thermal paste and pad residues before fitting the block.
• During assembly, make sure taller parts on the card have enough space around them.

In the box

• 1x Eisblock Aurora Acryl GPX-N RTX 4090 GameRock + Phantom
• 1x Backplate
• 1x 15x15x1mm Pad
• 2x 100x8x1mm Pad
• 2x 51x15x1mm Pad
• 3x 8x8x1mm Pad
• 1x 38x15x1mm Pad
• 4x 100x8x3mm Pad
• 2x 51x8x3mm Pad
• 1x 40x8x3mm Pad
• 1x 15x15x3mm Pad
• 1x 45x45x3mm GPU-Pad
• 1x Thermal grease
• 1x Putty tool
• 4x M2x5mm Screw
• 4x EVA Washer
• 1x PCI Bracket
• 9x M2x11mm Screw
• 1x M2x5 Screw
• 1x ARGB Adaptor
• 2x G1/4 Plugs
• 1x Plug tool

Alphacool's manual and datasheet (EN) are both PDFs. Its 3D model of the block is an STP file, and the 3D viewer shows it from every side.