Introduction

Alphacool is a mainstay in the PC DIY watercooling hobby thanks to it offering something for everyone when it comes to water blocks, pumps, radiators, reservoirs, and a vast plethora of fittings. We've covered the brand extensively over the years, including with a review of the Eisblock XPX in 2019. That particular water block design is over six years old now and still going strong, due to Alphacool continually updating and adding to the Eisblock XPX lineup. For example, there's the 1U version suited for servers and small form factor builds, and of course a more lit-up version for RGB enthusiasts called the Eisblock XPX Aurora Edge.


Today we are examining the Eisblock XPX Aurora Edge again, believe it or not. This is a follow-up to the recently reviewed Eisblock XPX Pro Aurora full brass, a CPU water block using an all metal top and housing that Alphacool released recently, in two color/finish options based on user feedback on the original acrylic top versions. It appears that the Eisblock XPX Aurora Edge got the same treatment, but that also means the main selling point of RGB lighting around the frame of the CPU block is mostly void here. Would the all metal build and associated aesthetics be enough to sway customers towards this version? Let's find out in our review today that begins with a look at the product specifications in the table below. Thanks again to Alphacool for providing a sample to TechPowerUp!

Specifications

Packaging and Accessories

Packaging for the Eisblock XPX Aurora Edge follows the Alphacool design theme for most of its products today with a black base and a two-piece product box using an external sleeve over the actual box. On the front is the company logo and product name to go with renders of the blocks illuminated, this is where I should point out the full brass versions do not light up like this, and are only really identified via the Chrome/Black check boxes underneath. I have the black version here as also indicated by the sticker on the back. Two seals on the side keep the sleeve in place during transit. There's isn't much to see on the inner box either, just side flaps to open and gain access to the contents inside.


Alphacool packs a lot inside this box beginning with a color-printed manual, (online copy here), that goes over the contents and the various installation procedures given the extensive CPU socket support. It's not as much as what we saw on the Eisblock XPX Pro, but can still be somewhat confusing to the end user—especially given it talks about using an older Intel socket backplate as opposed to the newer one in the box. Indeed, there is a large plastic zip-lock bag which contains more, smaller bags. These come with labels to an extent but ultimately rely on being paired with the manual to identify what's where.


Seen above is everything that comes included with the CPU block, including the general use pouch that contains a tube of Alphacool's Subzero non-electrically conductive thermal paste rated for a thermal conductivity of 16 W/mK. It comes also with a spreader and some mounting hardware including metal washers and springs, as well as an adapter for LED connectivity to a standard 3-pin, 5 V addressable RGB header on your motherboard. I appreciated that Alphacool included the screw caps and rubber caps here to make for a cleaner installation and was only left wondering why they were absent on the Eisblock XPX Pro. Seen also is the AMD AM4/AM5 kit as well as the new Intel kit for CPU sockets including LGA 1700, with the updated backplate and the much-needed note clarifying the use of this newer backplate. Both sets come with their own mounting brackets and associated mounting posts/screws.