Aphacool Eiswolf 2 with GPX-A for the Sapphire RX 6800XT and RX 6900XT Nitro + in the test – better than the Toxic?

The same applies as when we tested the model for the GeForce RTX 3080 reference: The market for all-in-one water cooling solutions for graphics cards is still fairly manageable compared to CPU coolers, although the possible gain compared to the Air cooling is significantly higher. Higher boost steps and lower operating noise are only part of the reward, because all other components of the graphics card board also benefit from such cooling.

Since the product will only be officially launched on April 29, 2021 at an RRP of 244.99 euros, but the individual parts are already here in the warehouse, I cheekily did exactly what a trained GDR citizen can usually do quite well: I have myself made use of the Alphacool modular system and, on my own initiative, simply wolfed through a Radeon card in terms of cooling technology. I can spoil that much, because I still had the residual tinnitus from the Asetek whine on the Sapphire RX 6900XT Toxic in my ear.

The Alphacool Eiswolf 2 is a real full copper solution with no aluminum in the circuit, which is why it was quite easy to do exactly what you do with modular components when the stores in the trade are empty and your own archive is well filled: a 360 -Slim radiator is combined with the new Alphacool fans and in parallel with the pump unit of the Eiswolf 2 (which fits here for almost all current cooling blocks) a standard GPX-A water block for the Sapphire RX 6800XT / 6900XT Nitro + is completed. In my case it was the RGB-illuminated acrylic variant sold as Aurora. Terminal off, pump on – water cycle!

Scope of delivery and unboxing

So, I’m now pretending that I was the very lucky one to have received such a complete delivery. How do you feel then as an end customer? After all, before you start packing, you always have to unpack it (ok, I’ll do it now). And what do we find in the Easter box? The completely pre-assembled and filled water block including the pump and the 30 mm thick 360 mm radiator (Alphacool NexXxoS), three PWM-controlled aRGB fans from Alphacool (max.> 2000 rpm, new model), thermal paste and pads, Screws for the cooling block and the fans as well as for fastening the radiator, a splitter for the fan connections and the manual. Ok, of course you also need the card.

This also makes it clear that the pump remains unregulated, which is good. Because the DC-LT 2 cannot be heard despite or because of the approx. 2600 rpm and the flow rate is really optimal in the current interpretation. The two quick connectors would allow additional cooling blocks or a second radiator to be integrated, the TPV hose is a bit rigid but also protected from kinking and, due to the material, is not particularly susceptible to diffusion effects. The two rotatable 90 ° angles then help to find the right position.

If you want to refill because of a conversion or for other reasons, you will find a plug at the end of the radiator that closes the inlet. The screwdriver is also included in the delivery. If you want to change the liquid after 1-2 years, this can be done quite easily. The inlet is also an outlet at the same time. To release the pressure, you can force the pressure equalization by loosening one of the quick connectors and pushing the pin inwards. Incidentally, this also applies when filling to get the air out.

Speaking of quick-release fasteners, the radiator could also be replaced (and refilled) quickly and painlessly. Ok, the parts don’t deserve a beauty prize, but they are extremely practical. However, I would also like to get rid of a small additional remark about the extension:

From a technical point of view, all of this has so far been absolutely usable and also completely sufficient to implement a conversion with a decent result. The nickel-plated copper block of the cooler is processed very neatly, there are just as few dangerous burrs as the previously unpopular tool marks. The spacers (threaded sleeves) are tight enough and the accuracy of fit is absolutely fine.

Front

Rear

So if you want, here is finally the data sheet for those who love detail, which applies equally to all models in this and that form (except for the pads):

DE_Eiswolf2_Datasheet