Installation and Lighting

Installing the Alphacool Core 1 CPU block is quite simple and a welcome improvement from the previous Alphacool blocks. Indeed, it's so simple with AMD CPU sockets with the built-in motherboard backplate that it can take less time to install the block than it does to apply and spread the thermal paste on the CPU IHS. With Intel LGA 1700, you do need to place the socket backplate first on the underside of the motherboard. Ensure that the corner pieces are in the correct place so that all four threads fit through the socket cooler mounting holes in the motherboard and are accessible through the other side. Then remove the tape cover to stick to the backplate in place and also help prevent any electrical shorting, owing to the non-conductive tape touching the motherboard as opposed to the metal backplate itself. Now apply thermal paste on the CPU IHS and then use the foam spacers and Intel mounting posts to secure the four corners allowing the block's own mounting bracket to go over and sit on the CPU. There are no springs or washers anywhere now as you use the four locking screws and tighten them diagonally alternating from one set to another until you simply run out of thread. There should not be any need to use tools to assemble the block despite the Phillips head on the screws. I wish Alphacool had provided caps to go over these screws for a cleaner look as they did before but it's not the end of the world given that the mounting bracket is still black anyway. With the Aurora blocks, connect the RGB cable using the provided adapter that will work natively with any standard 3-pin, 5 V addressable RGB header.


There are a whopping 18 ARGB LEDs in the Core 1 Aurora Black or Silver blocks, which feels a lot for the net lighting you get on the block. On the other hand, it results in a smooth transition and a lit-up accent strip that can be classy depending on your preferences. Note that the LEDs don't get bright enough to light up the block in any manner and so you will still need external LEDs if you want to see the CPU block in a dark PC case. Seen above is the Aurora Silver block lit up and in a few different static and dynamic lighting effects.