Alphacool NexXxos X2 Bold Highflow water block
Packaging and Contents
Published: 2nd November 2007 | Source: Alphacool | Price: |
When I received the new NexXxos X2 Bold waterblock it came in a bubble pack reminiscent of those used by memory manufacturers, but just a little deeper to accomodate the waterblock.
Chris Banks (International Sales and PR Manager for Alphacool GmbH) has told me that they are currently in the process of renewing all the packaging for their product lines, and when the new packaging is available it should look something like this.
Included in the Alphacool NexXxos X2 Bold HIGHFLOW packaging are:
* 1 x Alphacool NexXxos X2 Bold HIGHFLOW waterblock
* Mounting hardware
* 1 x syringe of thermal paste
* 1 x installation manual.
Everything is included in order to get your CPU water-cooling well underway with the exception of barbs. Be sure to order them through your online retailer or you may encounter an obvious problem.
For the first-time watercoolers amongst us the installation manual is written in German. However, the images that Alphacool has included in the manual should be more than enough to make installation a breeze.
A Closer Look
The Alphacool NexXxos X2 Bold HIGHFLOW waterblock belongs to the 'semi-impingement' family of waterblocks. Whilst not a true jet impingement waterblock like the Swiftech Storm, it does utilise a nozzle insert to accelerate water turbulance around the cooling pins.
First impressions are usually lasting ones...and the Alphacool X2 Bold is very stylish to say the least and it allows for the insertion of coloured/ UV LED's into the perspex top if you are so inclined.
The accelerator nozzle plate looks extremely slick. However, I can't help but imagine that the 53 nozzles will somehow impede the overall flow rate of the waterblock - especially when it is marketed as 'HIGHFLOW'.
The copper base of the Alphacool NexXxos X2 Bold HIGHFLOW has been treated with glass beading to maximise the cooling potential of the surface.
The copper base of the Alphacool NexXxos X2 Bold HIGHFLOW has been treated with glass beading to maximise the cooling potential of the surface.
The mirror finish is second to none even with the protective plastic still in place. The relative low-profile footprint of the Alphacool should hold it in good stead by ensuring compatibility with a plethora of motherboards. I installed the Alphacool NexXxos X2 Bold waterblock on both an ASUS P5B Deluxe wifi/App and an ASUS Blitz Formula SE motherboard, and I am happy to report that there weren't any issues relating to compatibility.
One issue that I did encounter with the Alphacool NexXxos X2 Bold waterblock was that the barb thread on the inlet side was not cleanly tapped. When I went to insert the barb it went 3/4's of the way in before becoming extremely difficult to tighten. After a little bit of ingenuity on my behalf and some lubing up courtesy of a local bar of soap, the barb then began to tighten down properly. However, the barb doesn't sit quite right and subsequently pitches to the right quite noticeably. The pitch doesn't cause any leakage issues with the compression ring, but it is something to look out for .
Anyway, let's head over the page to see how we're going to test the Alphacool NexXxos X2 Bold HIGHFLOW waterblock...
Anyway, let's head over the page to see how we're going to test the Alphacool NexXxos X2 Bold HIGHFLOW waterblock...
Most Recent Comments
Just to mention, last two pages still have default titles
Great review
In response to this Alphacool have adjusted their UK pricing and while PV's review was correct at the time of print, the new revised price is £35.99 inc VAT.
In response to this Alphacool have adjusted their UK pricing and while PV's review was correct at the time of print, the new revised price is £35.99 inc VAT.
I've always liked Alphacool products, but they are all so damned expensive over here in the US.
there is a reason and it is my eternal argument with Alphacool (sorry Chris)
While 'other' manufacturers have their products made in the far east, Alphacool, who are a German company, have their products made in Germany. As we all know, especially with me being a quallified engineer, if you want a quality produced product...look to Germany. Sadly this does get reflected in the price as there are no sweat shops in Germany but all in all with Alphacool you wil be getting a quality crafted product.
After all Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Lamorghini etc.. can't be wrong....
While 'other' manufacturers have their products made in the far east, Alphacool, who are a German company, have their products made in Germany. As we all know, especially with me being a quallified engineer, if you want a quality produced product...look to Germany. Sadly this does get reflected in the price as there are no sweat shops in Germany but all in all with Alphacool you wil be getting a quality crafted product.
After all Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Lamorghini etc.. can't be wrong....
LOL......true to a point, I lived and worked in Germany for Mercedes for a long period of time before moving back to the US...........
The US government is the other reason all European products cost so much (import duties, shipping and the like).
The US government is the other reason all European products cost so much (import duties, shipping and the like).
Quote:
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Originally Posted by name='WC Annihilus'
Just to mention, last two pages still have default titles
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by name='AydST'
Great review
In response to this Alphacool have adjusted their UK pricing and while PV's review was correct at the time of print, the new revised price is £35.99 inc VAT. |
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by name='AydST'
there is a reason and it is my eternal argument with Alphacool (sorry Chris)
While 'other' manufacturers have their products made in the far east, Alphacool, who are a German company, have their products made in Germany. As we all know, especially with me being a quallified engineer, if you want a quality produced product...look to Germany. Sadly this does get reflected in the price as there are no sweat shops in Germany but all in all with Alphacool you wil be getting a quality crafted product. After all Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Lamorghini etc.. can't be wrong.... |
Thanks all for the feedback, tis muchly appreciated
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