Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora 240 Digital RGB AIO Cooler Review
Mike Sanders / 5 years ago
A Closer Look
Being that this is an Alphacool Eisbaer Cooler, we already know that this is an AIO that is looking to provide users with some high-levels of performance. How it achieves that, however, all boils down to the individual components. Let us, therefore, take a closer look.
Radiator
I must admit that when I first looked at the radiator, I was more than a little surprised. You see, from the size, it has this copper colouration that initially made me think it was a faulty unit. A little research, however, showed me that this is not only deliberate, but it’s also one of the biggest features of Alphacools design.
So, that copper colouring? Well, it’s there because the radiator is actually genuinely made out of copper. A material that is known to be excellent for heat transference. And, I might add, quite expensive.
When looking at it ‘straight’ on, however, the clever composition only shows you black! This is, honestly, a really smart design.
It’s a design feature that Alphacool is very proud of and, to learn more about it, you can check their official website via the link here!
Pump Block
The pump block itself carries the design that people familiar with the Alphacool Eisbaer design will be instantly familiar with. Most notable to the casual observer is the fact that the side panel is transparent. You can, therefore, see this pump’s operation when in action!
The block carries a number of RGB embellishments that includes the ‘bear’ logo to the top as well as the branding. It does, in addition, also include a filling port that, if you plan to incorporate this into a custom loop system, could prove highly useful.
If you don’t, however, then fret not. This AIO is already preloaded with all the coolant it required!
Contact Plate
The contact plate is both fantastically large and smooth meaning that, for Intel or AMD processors, this should provide excellent coverage.
Tubing
The tubing feels very durable and, perhaps surprisingly, also offers more than a little flexibility. I would, however, have perhaps liked to have seen it be a couple of inches longer.
With its quick-disconnect design, however, if you do want to add a section of incorporate this into a custom loop design, you can do so, with ease, and without any significant risk of fluids leaking.
Fans
As this is a 240mm AIO cooler, you are (of course) provided with 2 x 120mm fans. These have a very nice aesthetic even with the RGB not running (although there will be more on that later in the review).
We particularly like the circular style with corner mounting points that really should accentuate the RGB lighting effects.
Overall Look
When assembled, the Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora really looks like an impression AIO liquid cooler. Not only in terms of its aesthetics, but on a design level, some clever choices have been made throughout the process.
This is a cooler that wouldn’t look out of place in any system, be it for work, gaming, or a combination of both.
So, we’ve established that this is a well-designed AIO cooler featuring some impressive levels of design, but what about the RGB lighting? – Well, let’s switch it on and see what it looks like!
RGB Effects
While I never consider RGB lighting to be one of the biggest priorities in coolers, I must admit that the system on offer here from the Alphacool Eisbaer Aurora really blew me away.
Starting with the pump block, the effects are there but are wonderfully understated. They add to the overall design without making it garish or visually unappealing.
In terms of those radiator fans though… wow! These provide, without a doubt, some of the best RGB effects I have ever seen. With the lights being both bright and offering a huge variety of functions (compatible with ARGB sync motherboards) these are, without question, the best I’ve ever seen.
The photos included here honestly only scratch the surface into what you can achieve with the ARGB lighting and, with the manual controller, users without compatible motherboards have the ability to set this however they want.
Yes, RGB lighting is not the biggest priority for coolers, but, to my surprise, Alphacool has really made me reconsider that opinion with the Eisbaer Aurora.