Alphacool ES RTX 5090 Reference 1-Slot-Design REV1 with Backplate (10291)

The Alphacool ES RTX 5090 Reference 1-Slot-Design REV1 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 is a 1-slot cooler for servers and workstations with both G1/4 ports at the rear, and the carbon backplate is in the box.

Properties

Fits

GeForce RTX 5090, Reference board

Cold plate

Chrome-plated copper

Top

Carbon

Ports

2 x G1/4, at the rear

Slots

1

Backplate

Carbon, included

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)
• PNY GeForce RTX™ 5090 ARGB EPIC-X RGB™ Overclocked Triple Fan GPU
• PNY GeForce RTX™ 5090 ARGB EPIC-X RGB™ Triple Fan GPU
• PNY GeForce RTX™ 5090 Overclocked Triple Fan GPU
• PNY GeForce RTX™ 5090 Triple Fan GPU

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. Note that Alphacool says this REV1 version of the ES RTX 5090 Reference 1-slot design with backplate has been redesigned to offer greater compatibility with other graphics cards. Alphacool's Core block for the RTX 5090 Reference board is the Core Geforce RTX 5090 Reference Waterblock.

Made for servers and workstations

With this block Alphacool expands its Enterprise series, adding the latest 1-slot water coolers for the current Nvidia GeForce RTX generation. These solutions are specifically designed for use in server enclosures and workstations, where they are enabling efficient cooling even in densely packed systems.

1-slot design and rear connectors

The top is a thin yet extremely robust carbon plate. By employing it, Alphacool designed these coolers as 1-slot units without compromising the integrity of the copper block. The brass connectors are rear-placed. Paired with the slim top, they let multiple coolers be easily stacked on top of each other or side by side within a server case. Alphacool calls this a thoughtful design that saves space, simplifies tubing and allows for seamless integration into the water circuit.

Chrome-plated copper

All water-bearing parts are made from copper. Alphacool describes it as high-quality copper which offers nearly twice the thermal conductivity of aluminum. Additionally, that copper is chrome-plated rather than nickel-plated, providing extra protection for the cooler. Alphacool says chrome plating is more resistant to acids, scratches and other damage, effectively preventing the chipping of coatings.

Flow and testing

Alphacool says the GPU water cooler has undergone a complete technical overhaul. To optimize cooling performance, it redefined and tested the spacing between the cooler and the components on the PCB. It simulated the water flow using state-of-the-art software and validated the result through practical trials. These extensive tests led to improvements in the cooler base and nozzle. Alphacool's claim is that this is ensuring the best possible cooling performance for the new card generation.

What the loop needs

The block has two G1/4 threads, both at the rear. Each takes one of the compression fittings for your tube size, which are not in the box. Thermal pads, thermal grease, a putty tool, the PCIe bracket and two sets of screws 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.
• During assembly, make sure taller parts on the card have enough space around them.

In the box

• 1x Core Geforce RTX 5090 Reference 1-Slot-Design REV1 cooler
• 1x Backplate
• 2x 68x15x1mm Pad
• 1x 54x15x1mm Pad
• 6x 8x8x1mm Pad
• 2x 12x15x1mm Pad
• 1x 91.5x8x1mm Pad
• 1x 101x8x1mm Pad
• 1x Thermal Grease
• 1x Putty tool
• 1x PCIe Bracket
• 4x M2x8mm screws
• 7x M2x8mm screws

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.