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In recent weeks, we’ve received a number of quick-release couplings from Alphacool. The idea behind these quick-release couplings is to make it easier to dismantle a liquid cooling loop without having to drain the circuit completely. We made the request to Alphacool with a view to optimising our waterblock test protocol . This will enable us to dismantle and replace the waterblock without having to empty the loop, and to maintain the same conditions using Alphacool’s Eiszeit 2000 chiller and Aquacomputer’s NEXT high flow sensor .
Alphacool Eiszapfen quick release :
The first two quick-release couplings we received were the Alphacool Eiszapfen quick release and the Alphacool Eiszapfen quick release coupling set with double bulkhead. They are both compatible with G1/4 threading, which is currently the most widely used. If you take a close look at the two kits, you’ll realise that they have different uses.
The first kit has threaded ends. You will therefore need to add two nipples at each end. This type of quick connector will be useful, for example, between an external radiator and your cooling loop. Inside a case, it’s less obvious.
The second kit, below, is very different. These will be used to pass through a case, for example. Once you’ve provided the right diameter, you can pass them through your case and then tighten the ring. In this way, they will remain fixed and you can simply remove them from the outside of your case to isolate the cooling loop. The price of these fittings is fairly high, at 30 euros each, so 60 euros for a complete kit.
The only problem with these quick-fit couplings is the impact they have on the flow rate of your cooling loop. Unfortunately, it’s no secret that the flow rate is reduced when using such connectors, except that Alphacool presented new products at CES 2024.
Alphacool ES Quick Release BLH1A PushIn:
Alphacool is expanding its product range and introducing the new ES Quick Release BLH1A PushIn Set. This quick-release is optimised for use in server and workstation systems. Featuring precise manufacturing quality and excellent water flow, it closes with a secure click mechanism. So it would be the perfect component for what we need for our test platform.
Compared with other quick-release couplings, this new quick-release coupling has virtually no effect on the flow of water in the cooling loop, according to Alphacool. The maximum flow rate is practically maintained. Thanks to its practical operation, complex systems can be connected quickly and easily. To open the quick-release coupling, simply pull back the outer ring. The seal closes immediately, preventing the coolant from escaping.
The ES BLH1A PushIn quick connector is now available in three sets – OT-OT, IT-IT and IT-IT with bulkhead connector– as well as spare parts from Alphacool’s online shop. Let’s get on with testing these new connectors, which will become our best allies when it comes to testing our next waterblocks.
[nextpage title=”Installation and testing:”]
As you’ll have gathered by now, it’s the ES BLH1A PushIn quick release couplings that we’ll be using for this first test. The advantage is that they can be fitted directly into the threaded part of our Alphacool Core 1 CPU waterblock, which you can test by following this link. The idea of this test will be to compare the flow rate within our loop, between an ‘ordinary’ installation without quick-release couplings and then, with the use of an ES Quick Release BLH1A PushIn OT/OT kit and an ES Quick Release BLH1A PushIn IT/IT kit.
Here is the configuration used for this test:
- Motherboard: ROG Crosshair X670E GENE (BIOS 2204)
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 9700X
- Memory: 32 GB GSKill 6000 MT/s CL30 (EXPO profile)
- Cooling system: waterblock Alphacool Core 1 CPU kit
ES Quick Release BLH1A PushIn OT/OT kit ES Quick Release BLH1A PushIn IT/IT hose EDPM chiller Eiszeit 2000 - Measurement tool: Aquacomputer Flow sensor high flow NEXT + Aquasuite software
So here we go, heading for the Aquasuite software in version X79. The idea is to see if the flow rate drops and by how much, after installing the BLH1A PushIn quick-fit couplings.
This is excellent news, as we can see virtually no difference before and after the installation of the new BLH1A PushIn quick-release couplings, as we had a flow rate of 233 l/h initially and 229 l/h afterwards! We have no hesitation in recommending them to you. We’ve already reassembled and dismantled them and there’s virtually no trace of water. You just have to bear in mind that it’s still a small budget, as the cost of fitting this system here is 70 euros. One last point: they’re quite massive, and if the inlet and outlet of your waterblock are quite close, this could be problematic when installing them. Here, with the Core 1 CPU, I had to install one, then the other and connect my liquid cooling loop.
Thanks to Alphacool France for making these different quick-fit connectors available. We’ll come back to the Eiszapfen quick release later. As we didn’t have any spare hoses on hand, we couldn’t cut our hoses to test them. But personally, with a 5 euro difference, our choice is undoubtedly the ES Quick Release BLH1A PushIn.
