AMD Threadripper CPU Block Review Round Up

Alphacool Eisblock XPX with Threadripper Mount

Alphacool had previously sent me the Eisblock XPX in Intel format to review.  As there is no specific block for Threadripper, Alphacool have instead released a mounting bracket and new set of thumbscrews to convert the Intel block for Threadripper.  

We were surprised that my inquiry to Alphacool didn’t lead to them offering to send me the part for review.  Perhaps they were not interested in participating.  As the part was cheap, we bought the mount ourselves.The mount is easy to install because the block does not have to be disassembled.  Instead the mount is in two pieces that “click” together around the main body of the block.  This is a good thing because you do not want to take the Eisblock XPX apart – there has been a history of the block performing and measuring differently after taking it apart despite best efforts to reassemble correctly.  For this reason we never keen to recommend the block on Intel sockets despite it’s awesome performance.  We believe CPU blocks should be serviceable by users for cleaning and inspection, for this reason we would still suggest alternatives, but we wanted to test it anyway.  

The Threadripper mount is much thicker and stronger than the somewhat soft and almost bendy Intel one.  This is a good thing.  The resultant look of the silver version of the block with the black mount is far less desirable than the acrylic version in my opinion.

The good thing is that Alphacool offer an array of options to mod the block.  This is good because that LED is not RGB, and so when it lights up the Alphacool logo, then the alphacool logo will glow blue.  There are different color inserts you can buy, but the obvious solution would for Alphacool to convert to an RGB LED as every other company has now.

Aquacomputer NEXT with Threadripper Mount

We loved the NEXT when we reviewed it previously.  It looks sharp and is really high quality.  It comes in a ton of options, and performance on Intel was also great.  You could even buy one with a built in OLED screen.  How good is that?  Like most converted Intel blocks we probably aren’t going to achieve great thermal results simply because it’s not designed for Threadripper.  The block is far smaller than it needs to be for TR4 and the bow is designed for a centered heat source that is relatively small.

Unlike Alphacool, Aquacomputer were interested in participating and sent me the Threadripper mounting bracket.  Changing it over was simple but did involve opening up the block: Intel mount attached to the block (above and below)

First remove the cold plate, then remove the set screws that are used to secure the mount to the top of the block.  Then swap the mount and reassemble:

All done:The block itself is small, and looks tiny on Threadripper:

In fact you can see the IHS extending past the ends of the block.  We do love that low profile mount though: