Alphacool Eisblock XPX Aurora - Plexi Black Digital RGB (12946)

The Alphacool Eisblock XPX Aurora - Plexi Black Digital RGB is a CPU water block for Intel LGA 1150, 1151, 1200, 1700, 1851, 2011 and 2011-3 and for AMD AM3, AM3+, AM4 and AM5. Its nickel plated copper base sits under an acrylic top in a black frame, and the addressable digital RGB lighting is built into the block. Alphacool's own name for this finish is Acryl Black.

Properties

Intel sockets

LGA 1150, 1151, 1200, 1700, 1851, 2011, 2011-3

AMD sockets

AM3, AM3+, AM4, AM5

Cold plate

Nickel plated copper, 81 cooling fins

Top

Acrylic (Plexi) over a transparent nylon lower part

Ports

2 x G1/4

Lighting

Up to 15 digital aRGB LEDs, 3-Pin 5V

Fit

Compatibility comes from the mounting parts: the box holds one bracket set for Intel and one for AMD, an Intel backplate, three sets of four screws and four M4 nuts. The INTEL 115X screws go with the backplate on LGA 1150, 1151, 1200, 1700 and 1851. The INTEL 2066 / 2011 screws are for LGA 2011 and 2011-3, and the AMD screws are for the AMD sockets.

Is installation difficult?

Mounting the Eisblock XPX Aurora Plexi cooler is simple. On the Intel sockets that use it, the backplate is simply attached to the mainboard from behind and held by its tape. The mounting frame for the AMD or Intel socket is clamped to the cooler and carries the corresponding mounting screws, which are pre-attached to this frame. Next you apply thermal paste, a tube of which is in the box, and you attach the cooler using the screws. Tighten them by hand only, without tools.

Performance in abundance!

Alphacool already developed and patented a new flow technology for the first Eisblock XPX series, and this CPU water cooler has it too. The so-called "ramp system" sits in front of the diffuser plate and ensures an even flow of water inside the cooler. The water is pressed evenly through the diffuser plate, which in turn pushes it evenly over the cooling base. Alphacool says the patented ramp design is what the block's fantastic performance is thanks to, as well as boasting excellent quality.

The cooling channels on the CPU cooler base have also been enlarged, to what Alphacool calls a proud 34 x 32 mm, to accommodate the ever-growing CPU DIEs. Alphacool says this is especially true for multi-core processors with 4, 6, 8 or even 12 and more CPU cores. On the cooling plate, 81 cooling fins can be found. They are there to ensure maximum heat diffusion, so that the heat from the CPU can be transferred to the water as quickly as possible. The fin structure has been reduced to just 0.2 mm in order to create the largest possible surface area in the smallest possible space.

And the lighting?

All new Eisblock XPX Aurora Plexi CPU waterblocks come with the lighting on board. The aRGB LEDs are integrated directly into the upper part of the cooler, which houses them, and run once around the entire cooling block. A separate RGB frame like the one for the predecessor is no longer necessary. With up to 15 digital RGB LEDs the entire CPU block is evenly and intensively lit. Of course, the brightness can be controlled by an appropriate controller, and as with all aRGB LED products all known effects can be created. From simple color changes to wave effects and rainbow lighting, everything is possible, in Alphacool's words. Alphacool says the new Aurora design in combination with this illumination offers many possibilities for outstanding illumination of the block.

Unique Aurora Design

The block differs only slightly from its predecessor, the Alphacool Eisblock XPX. Its lower part is not made of acrylic, but of transparent nylon. According to Alphacool, this means it is almost impossible that the holder or the high temperature fluctuations during operation will cause the plexi to crack or fracture. Like all new Aurora products, the block also has a black frame, embedded with the Alphacool logo on the top. That logo remains very discreet and unobtrusive.

What the loop needs

The block has two G1/4 threads. Each takes one of the compression fittings for your tube size, which are not in the box. The lighting runs from a digital RGB controller, and the Eisblock Aurora coolers can also be connected and controlled via mainboards using the standard 3-pin 5V connector. The adapter cable for that is in the box. As one such controller the manual names the Aurora Eiscontrol, which is not included.

The cable also has an integrated Y-adapter. This makes it easy to connect further Alphacool Aurora products in series without having to order separate Y-adapters. Extension cables may be needed if you want to connect the products in series, depending on the size of the case. To run, the block needs a pump and a radiator in the same loop.

Technical details

Notes

• Please note: remove the protective foil on the cooler base before use.

In the box

• 1x Eisblock XPX Aurora - Plexi Black Digital RGB CPU cooler
• 1x Thermal paste
• 1x digital - RGB adapter cable
• 4x rubber caps
• 4x screw caps
• 4x springs
• 4x 0.5 mm washers
• 4x 2 mm washers
• 4x M4 nuts
• 1x set AMD bracket
• 1x set INTEL bracket
• 1x INTEL backplate
• 4x INTEL 2066 / 2011 screws
• 4x INTEL 115X screws
• 4x AMD screws

Alphacool's manual and data sheet are each a PDF to download. Its 3D model of the block is an STP file, and the 3D viewer shows it from every side.