Closer Examination

The Alphacool Eisblock XPX Aurora Edge comes in a couple of different top options and I have the newer full brass version in a matte black finish. This means the top, as well as the housing itself, are composed on brass that then gets plated to give this stealthy and clean aesthetic. You will also notice how heavy the block is when you first take it out of the box, given it weighs almost 700 g! It adopts the more typical square shape while still being quite thick at 70 x 70 x 32.5 mm. This deviation from the rectangular, larger Eisblock XPX Pro we saw previously means this particular block isn't compatible with some of the more HEDT and server platforms. There's a glossy black frame on the top which helps add some contrast to the matte finish elsewhere, while also having the truncated Alphacool logo that gets backlit if you connect the cable coming out the side. Note that the cable has a pass-through option so you can use the same LED header on your motherboard to power and control both this CPU block and a compatible GPU block, for example. There are two BSP G1/4" threaded ports on the top with arrows alongside to indicate the preferred inlet and outlet, as well as markings on the inside to do the same. These are spaced far enough apart from each other and the edge to allow all typically used fittings these days to be installed easily—gone are the days of large 3/4" x 1/2" soft tube compression fittings and even large quick connect fittings! The good thing with a metal top block is you are not likely to mess it up by over-tightening fittings, but still, refrain from using tools and only hand-tighten everything.


There's a cutout in the housing to accommodate channels the mounting brackets slot into. Given the square nature of the block, the mounting brackets can be fit vertically or horizontally, while functioning the exact same either way. Doing so is as simple as placing one in and then orienting the other to lock in place. I have the Intel bracket for LGA 1700 shown here. Turning the block around reveals a plastic warning sticker placed over the cold plate. Remove this to reveal a shiny polish applied to the nickel-plated copper cold plate which is quite reflective, as seen above.


Disassembly was done after all testing was completed, and this happens from the cold plate side with four hex screws to remove. At this point the cold plate can be pulled off to reveal a similar ramp-based cooling that Alphacool developed with the original Eisblock XPX. There are separate pieces for the jet plate and the ramp housing itself, which is intended to generate deliberately changing coolant flow velocity for improved heat transfer from the cold plate, without compromising the pressure drop across the entire block too much. The cooling engine otherwise is familiar enough with the expected split central-inlet flow path as well as O-rings to help ensure the coolant stays in the desired travel pathway through the block. The cold plate has 81 microfins that are 200 µm thick, and associated micro-channels occupying a relatively average area of 34 x 32 mm. We also see a separate housing on the outside that has two RGB LEDs to light up the logo on the top.