Alphacool Apex Distro Plate North Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared

How alternatives differ from the top pick

Thermaltake Pacific C240 Copper Hard Tube Kit

The Thermaltake Pacific C240 Copper Hard Tube Kit offers a complete hard tube solution for LGA1700 builds with DDC pumps. Unlike the Alphacool distro plate, this kit includes a copper radiator and hard tubing, making it a full loop starter rather than just a reservoir plate. It suits users who want a premium copper aesthetic without sourcing parts separately. The dimensions are significantly larger, measuring 20.7 inches in length. You should choose this if you prioritize a unified copper look and need a radiator included in the package, rather than just a distribution plate for your existing loop components.

Phanteks Glacier R220C Acrylic Reservoir

The Phanteks Glacier R220C Acrylic Reservoir provides a compact, transparent tank for builders who prioritize space efficiency. With a 200ml capacity, it fits well in small cases where a full distro plate is too bulky. This unit supports DDC pumps and features digital RGB lighting. Its dimensions are much smaller than the Alphacool plate, measuring only 3.15 inches in length. You should pick this if you need a simple reservoir with RGB sync that saves internal case space. It is ideal for small form factor builds where the large footprint of the Apex plate would interfere with other components or airflow paths.

Alphacool ES Reservoir 1U DDC Pump Top

The Alphacool ES Reservoir 1U DDC Pump Top is a space-saving solution designed specifically for 1U rack builds. It supports DDC pumps and uses standard G1/4 fittings. Compared to the Apex plate, this unit is significantly smaller, measuring just 3.94 inches in length and weighing only 2.57 ounces. It lacks the large fluid volume and aesthetic lighting of the distro plate. You should choose this if you prioritize compact dimensions and standard connectivity over large fluid volume. It is the practical choice for 1U rack systems where the large footprint of the North XL plate is physically impossible to install.

Alphacool ES Reservoir 2U DDC Combo

The Alphacool ES Reservoir 2U DDC Combo fits users building in 2U racks who want a compact, high-connection reservoir with a DDC pump top. It measures 3.15 inches in length and weighs 3.28 ounces. This unit is much smaller than the Apex distro plate and lacks the aRGB lighting features. It is designed for space-constrained environments where standard G1/4 fittings are sufficient. You should pick this if you need a reservoir that fits within 2U rack specifications. It offers a straightforward, no-frills solution for users who prioritize fitting a pump and tank into a tight rack space over aesthetic integration with a specific PC case.

Bykski O11 Dynamic XL Distro Plate with DDC Pump

The Bykski O11 Dynamic XL Distro Plate is a specialized solution for owners of the LIAN LI O11 Dynamic XL case. It comes with a pre-assembled DDC pump and armor, featuring 5v addressable RGB lighting. The material is PMMA, and it weighs 10 pounds. Unlike the Alphacool plate, which is matched to the Fractal Design North XL, this unit is case-specific. It is larger in width and length. You should choose this if you own an O11 Dynamic XL and want a clean, pre-assembled DDC setup with addressable RGB lighting, rather than customizing a plate for a different case brand.

Bykski InWin 925 Distro Plate with DDC Pump

The Bykski InWin 925 Distro Plate is a specialized solution for InWin 925 owners seeking integrated cooling. It includes a pre-assembled DDC pump with armor and 5v addressable RGB lighting. The material is PMMA, and it weighs 10 pounds. This unit is designed specifically for the InWin 925 case, offering a clean, integrated look. It is smaller than the Alphacool plate, measuring 14.9 inches in length. You should pick this if you prioritize case-specific design over universal flexibility. It is the best choice for InWin 925 builders who want a pre-assembled, aesthetically matched solution without the need for separate component sourcing.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Alphacool Apex Distro Plate North XL

Best for: Fractal Design North XL case integration

Lighting

17 digital aRGB LEDs, 5V

Material

Acrylic, aluminum, chrome-plated brass

Reservoir Capacity

261ml

Thread Size

G1/4"

Pump Compatibility

DDC

Dimensions

11.4 × 2.87 × 2.87 inches

View on Amazon: Alphacool Apex Distro Plate North XL Affiliate link

This Alphacool distro plate mounts to the Fractal Design North XL case. It matches the housing design and supports both D5 and DDC pump formats. The unit features brilliant aRGB illumination for visual customization. Dimensions are 290 x 73 x 69mm. You should choose this if you want a plate that fits the case aesthetics and offers flexible pump compatibility.

Pros

• Supports both D5 and DDC pump formats
• Matched to the Fractal Design North XL housing design
• Features brilliant aRGB illumination
• Compact dimensions of 290 x 73 x 69mm

Cons

• Only available in Black or White color options
• No mention of software control for aRGB lighting
• Fixed height of 2.87 inches limits reservoir height choices

Good fit if

• You own a Fractal Design North XL case
• You want a distro plate that matches your case design
• You need support for either D5 or DDC pumps

Skip if

• You use a case other than the Fractal Design North XL
• You require specific color options beyond Black or White
• You need software control for the aRGB lighting

Verdict: Alphacool Apex Distro Plate North XL is a practical choice for Fractal Design North XL owners who value aesthetic matching and flexible pump support. It suits builders who prioritize case integration and basic aRGB lighting.

2 Also great

Thermaltake Pacific C240 Copper Hard Tube Kit

Best for: LGA1700 hard tube builds with DDC pump

Radiator Size

240mm

Socket Compatibility

LGA1700

Lighting

RGB

Material

Copper

Pump Compatibility

DDC

Size

240mm Radiator

View on Amazon: Thermaltake Pacific C240 Copper Hard Tube Kit Affiliate link

This Thermaltake kit combines a 240mm copper radiator with a DDC pump/reservoir combo and a W4 RGB water block. It supports LGA1700 sockets and includes 12mm PETG hard tubing, fittings, and coolant. The slim 27mm radiator design ensures compatibility with most chassis. You get a complete solution for a custom loop build without needing to source individual components separately.

Pros

• Includes DDC pump and reservoir combo
• 240mm copper radiator with 17 fins per inch
• W4 RGB Edition water block with motherboard sync
• C-pro fittings with four built-in O-rings for leak prevention
• Supports LGA1700 sockets

Cons

• Limited to 240mm radiator size
• Hard tube style requires more installation effort
• No software control mentioned for pump speed or RGB

Good fit if

• You want a complete hard tube kit with DDC pump
• You have an LGA1700 socket motherboard
• You prefer copper radiators for heat dissipation

Skip if

• You need a 360mm or larger radiator
• You prefer soft tubing for easier bending
• You require software-controlled pump speeds

Verdict: Thermaltake Pacific C240 DDC Copper Hard Tube Kit is a complete hard tube solution for LGA1700 builds. It suits users who want a DDC pump and copper radiator without sourcing parts separately.

3 Best budget

Phanteks Glacier R220C Acrylic Reservoir

Best for: Small loops needing compact DDC reservoirs

Lighting

Digital-RGB

Material

Acrylic

Reservoir Capacity

200 ml

Pump Compatibility

DDC

Dimensions

3.15 × 8.66 × 1.34 inches

View on Amazon: Phanteks Glacier R220C Acrylic Reservoir Affiliate link

This 200ml acrylic reservoir is designed for DDC pumps. It features a transparent backplate and integrated digital-RGB lighting. You can mount it vertically or horizontally. The unit includes a universal 120/140mm fan bracket. Viton rubber O-rings ensure a durable seal. It syncs with motherboards or compatible Phanteks cases via a 3-pin header. This compact tank suits small loops where space is limited.

Pros

• 200ml capacity for DDC pumps
• Transparent acrylic backplate design
• Vertical or horizontal mounting options
• Integrated digital-RGB lighting
• Universal 120/140mm fan bracket included

Cons

• 200ml capacity is smaller than standard distro plates
• Requires a 3-pin digital-RGB header for lighting control
• No included pump or reservoir tube fittings

Good fit if

• You need a compact reservoir for a small loop
• You want vertical or horizontal mounting flexibility
• You prefer transparent acrylic over opaque materials

Skip if

• You require a large fluid capacity
• You need a built-in pump
• You want a full distro plate with manifold ports

Verdict: Phanteks Glacier R220C DDC Reservoir is a compact, transparent tank for builders who prioritize space efficiency. It fits well in small cases where a full distro plate is too bulky. You should choose this if you need a simple reservoir with RGB sync.

4 Also great

Alphacool ES Reservoir 1U DDC Pump Top

Best for: 1U rack builds with DDC pumps

Material

Acetal

Thread Size

G1/4

Pump Compatibility

DDC

Dimensions

3.94 × 2.67 × 1.57 inches

Weight

2.57 ounces

View on Amazon: Alphacool ES Reservoir 1U DDC Pump Top Affiliate link

This is a compact reservoir and pump top combo designed for 1U server racks. It features an integrated DDC pump top and seven G1/4 connections. The unit measures 67.9 x 100.2 x 40 mm and weighs just 2.57 ounces. You should consider this if you need a small, black reservoir that fits into tight rack spaces while maintaining standard fitting compatibility.

Pros

• Integrated DDC pump top
• Seven G1/4 connections
• Compact 1U form factor
• Lightweight at 2.57 ounces

Cons

• Limited to DDC pump compatibility
• Small reservoir capacity
• Black color only

Good fit if

• You are building in a 1U server rack
• You need a compact reservoir with multiple fittings
• You are using a DDC pump

Skip if

• You require a DDC pump alternative
• You need a larger reservoir capacity
• You prefer RGB lighting options

Verdict: Alphacool 1U DDC Reservoir is a space-saving solution for 1U rack builds. It suits users who prioritize compact dimensions and standard G1/4 fittings over large fluid volume or aesthetic lighting.

5 Also great

Alphacool ES Reservoir 2U DDC Combo

Best for: 2U rack builds with DDC pumps

Material

Acetal

Thread Size

G1/4

Pump Compatibility

DDC

Dimensions

3.15 × 2.44 × 2.36 inches

Weight

3.28 ounces

View on Amazon: Alphacool ES Reservoir 2U DDC Combo Affiliate link

This unit combines a reservoir with an integrated DDC pump top. It features 11 G1/4 connections for tubing. The design fits 2U server racks. Dimensions are 62 x 80 x 60 mm. It weighs 3.28 ounces. You should use it if you need a compact, high-capacity water cooling solution for server-style builds or tight spaces.

Pros

• Integrated DDC pump top
• 11 G1/4 connections
• Compact 2U form factor
• Lightweight at 3.28 ounces

Cons

• Limited to 2U rack mounting
• No RGB lighting mentioned
• Only one pump type supported

Good fit if

• You need a compact reservoir
• You use 2U server racks
• You prefer DDC pumps

Skip if

• You need RGB lighting
• You use standard PC cases
• You prefer D5 pumps

Verdict: Alphacool ES Reservoir 2U DDC fits users building in 2U racks who want a compact, high-connection reservoir with a DDC pump top.

6

Bykski O11 Dynamic XL Distro Plate with DDC Pump

Best for: LIAN LI O11 Dynamic XL case owners

Lighting

5v Addressable RGB

Material

PMMA

Pump Compatibility

DDC

Dimensions

16.7 × 5.67 × 1.32 inches

Weight

10 pounds

View on Amazon: Bykski O11 Dynamic XL Distro Plate with DDC Pump Affiliate link

This Bykski distro plate is engineered specifically for the LIAN LI O11 Dynamic XL case. It features a full PMMA acrylic body with 5V Addressable RGB lighting. The unit includes a DDC pump with an armor heatsink. Dimensions are 16.7 inches long by 5.67 inches wide. It offers a pre-assembled layout to simplify tubing runs for your custom loop.

Pros

• Specifically engineered for LIAN LI O11 Dynamic XL case fitment
• Includes DDC pump with armor heatsink
• Features 5V Addressable RGB lighting
• Full PMMA acrylic construction
• Pre-assembled and primed for quick installation

Cons

• Case-specific design limits use to LIAN LI O11 Dynamic XL
• No software control specifications listed
• Limited to 5V Addressable RGB lighting only

Good fit if

• You own a LIAN LI O11 Dynamic XL case
• You want a pre-assembled DDC pump plate
• You prefer organized parallel tubing runs

Skip if

• You use a case other than the LIAN LI O11 Dynamic XL
• You need compatibility with standard ATX cases
• You require non-addressable RGB lighting

Verdict: Bykski LIAN LI O11 Dynamic XL Distro Plate is a specialized solution for owners of the LIAN LI O11 Dynamic XL case who want a clean, pre-assembled DDC pump setup with addressable RGB lighting.

7 Best premium

Bykski InWin 925 Distro Plate with DDC Pump

Best for: InWin 925 case owners seeking integrated cooling

Lighting

5v Addressable RGB

Material

PMMA

Pump Compatibility

DDC

Dimensions

14.9 × 5.24 × 1.32 inches

Weight

10 pounds

View on Amazon: Bykski InWin 925 Distro Plate with DDC Pump Affiliate link

This Bykski distro plate is built specifically for the InWin 925 case. It features a full PMMA acrylic body with 5v addressable RGB lighting. The unit includes a DDC pump with an armor heatsink. Dimensions are 14.9 inches long, 5.24 inches wide, and 1.32 inches high. It weighs 10 pounds. You should choose this if you want a pre-assembled, case-specific solution that simplifies tubing runs.

Pros

• Engineered specifically for InWin 925 case compatibility
• Includes DDC pump with armor heatsink
• Full PMMA acrylic construction with 5v ARGB lighting
• Pre-assembled and primed for quick installation

Cons

• Limited to InWin 925 case only
• Heavier than standard reservoirs at 10 pounds
• No mention of software control for lighting

Good fit if

• You own an InWin 925 case
• You prefer a pre-assembled distro plate
• You want a dedicated DDC pump setup

Skip if

• You use a case other than InWin 925
• You need a lightweight component
• You require universal compatibility

Verdict: Bykski InWin 925 DDC Distro Plate is a specialized solution for InWin 925 owners. It offers a clean, integrated look with pre-assembled convenience. It fits users prioritizing case-specific design over universal flexibility.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• coros apex 4 alternatives
• fractal design north alternatives