Packaging and Accessories

Packaging for the Alphacool Core 1 CPU blocks is simpler than usual in the absence of a banderole that goes over the base cardboard box. Instead, we see a simplified render of the block with listed dimensions on the front directly on the cardboard along with the product name. On the back is contact information for the company and a sticker that helps identify the exact SKU inside. This allows Alphacool to use the same box for all the Core 1 blocks and have a single sticker confirm the item inside, as seen with the two blocks provided. Inside the box is thick foam that is shaped to snugly fit the provided items in two compartments, with the Aurora versions having a further cutout underneath the block to accommodate the LED cable.


Alphacool packs a lot inside when it comes to accessories including a color-printed multi-language user manual (online copy here) that goes over the contents and the various installation procedures. The manual is the same across the different blocks and does a good job explaining everything. We then notice that the Core 1 has reduced CPU socket compatibility compared to the previous gen Alphacool blocks and so things get simpler here when it comes to the various installation hardware. There's a tube of Alphacool thermal paste and a spreader provided, which is always nice to see, and the Intel and AMD hardware come separately packaged for easier identification. We get mounting brackets and posts for both platforms as well as a CPU socket backplate for Intel LGA 1700 and locking nuts/foam spacers too. Note the absence of any springs here—it caught me by surprise too.


The Aurora versions of the Core 1 blocks come with an additional adapter cable going from a female JST connector to a female 3-pin, 5 V ARGB connector allowing the option to power and control the LEDs on the block via your motherboard or dedicated LED controller using a standard 3-pin header on board.