Looking Beyond the Alphacool RTX 3090/3080 FTW3 Acrylic? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How the alternatives compare

Alphacool Eisdecke D5 Plexi Pump Top

The Alphacool Eisdecke D5 Plexi Pump Top serves a completely different part of the loop than the GPU backplate. It is designed for D5 pumps rather than graphics cards. This top is made of clear acrylic and plexi. It measures 3.15 inches square. The original backplate is much larger at 11.4 inches long. You choose this item if you need a reservoir top for your pump. You skip the GPU backplate if you do not have a D5 pump. This component focuses on fluid visibility. It lacks the active cooling features of the GPU block. It is a simple, clear cover for your pump assembly. This is a foundational loop part, not a card accessory.

Watercool HEATKILLER IV Basic AM4 CPU Block

The Watercool HEATKILLER IV Basic AM4 CPU Block targets a different component entirely. It is built for AMD AM4 sockets. The GPU backplate is for NVIDIA RTX 3080 and 3090 cards. This CPU block is made of acrylic. It measures 5.51 inches by 4.33 inches. It is lighter than the GPU backplate. You pick this if you need to cool a CPU. You ignore the backplate if your focus is not the processor. This block prioritizes flow and clarity. It does not offer ARGB lighting like the Aurora series. It is a functional choice for AMD builds. It fits a standard tower cooler footprint. It is not compatible with your graphics card.

Watercool HEATKILLER IV PRO Acrylic AMD Water Block

The Watercool HEATKILLER IV PRO Acrylic AMD Water Block supports both AM4 and AM5 sockets. It is a CPU block, not a GPU accessory. The material is copper with an acrylic top. It shares the same dimensions as the basic version. The GPU backplate is significantly longer. You choose this for high-flow CPU cooling on AMD platforms. You skip the backplate if you do not need rear card cooling. This block offers flexible fitting options. It lacks the digital lighting of the Alphacool Aurora line. It is built for thermal efficiency. It fits a wide range of AMD motherboards. It is a solid performance choice for processors.

Alphacool Aurora Acryl X4 RAM Water Block

The Alphacool Aurora Acryl X4 RAM Water Block cools memory modules. It is made of acrylic with a black finish. It measures 6.3 inches by 2.76 inches. The GPU backplate is much larger at 11.4 inches. This block integrates lighting into the memory kit. It fits DDR4 RAM specifically. You choose this to cool your system memory. You ignore the backplate if you only need RAM cooling. It provides solid thermal performance for sticks. It lacks the active copper base of the GPU block. It is smaller and lighter. It suits builders who want synchronized lighting on their RAM.

Phanteks Glacier R220C Acrylic Reservoir

The Phanteks Glacier R220C Acrylic Reservoir is a tank for your loop fluid. It holds 200 ml of coolant. It is made of acrylic with a black finish. It measures 8.66 inches by 3.15 inches. The GPU backplate is longer but thinner. This reservoir supports DDC pumps. It includes digital RGB lighting. You pick this for fluid storage and pump mounting. You skip the backplate if you need a tank. It offers mounting flexibility for various setups. It uses a durable Viton seal. It is not a cooling block for a card. It is a central component for loop fluid management.

Alphacool Eisball D5 Reservoir and Pump Top

The Alphacool Eisball D5 Reservoir and Pump Top is a spherical tank for D5 pumps. It holds 700 ml of coolant. It is made of acrylic and plexi. It measures 5.04 inches wide. The GPU backplate is flat and rectangular. This item provides a distinct visual style. It includes digital RGB lighting. You choose this for a large, round reservoir. You ignore the backplate if you need fluid capacity. It is heavier than the GPU block. It fits D5 pumps specifically. It offers a premium look for your loop. It is not designed to cool a graphics card.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Alphacool RTX 3090/3080 FTW3 Acrylic Backplate

Best for: Active rear GPU cooling in custom loops

Lighting

ARGB

Material

Nickel-plated copper, acrylic

Thread Size

G1/4"

Dimensions

11.4 × 4.92 × 0.51 inches

Weight

2.5 pounds

View on Amazon: Alphacool RTX 3090/3080 FTW3 Acrylic Backplate Affiliate link

This active backplate cools the rear of your RTX 3080 or 3090 card. It uses nickel-plated copper for heat transfer and acrylic for visibility. You can connect it via G1/4" threads or 5/3mm hose ports. The unit measures 11.4 inches long and weighs 2.5 pounds. It fits well with Alphacool Eisblock or Eiswolf 2 setups.

Pros

• Active cooling via nickel-plated copper base
• Dual connection options for G1/4" or 5/3mm hoses
• Transparent acrylic construction for visibility
• Adds cooling surface to the GPU rear

Cons

• Does not include the pump or reservoir
• Requires existing loop plumbing integration
• Limited to specific Alphacool cooler compatibility

Good fit if

• You want to cool the back of your GPU
• You already have an Alphacool Eisblock or Eiswolf 2
• You prefer visible acrylic components in your loop

Skip if

• You need a complete all-in-one cooling solution
• You use a non-Alphacool GPU cooler
• You want a passive-only aesthetic

Verdict: Alphacool RTX 3090/3080 FTW3 Acrylic Backplate adds active rear cooling for compatible cards. It suits builders using Alphacool Eisblock or Eiswolf 2 who want to utilize the GPU backside for heat dissipation.

2 Also great

Alphacool Eisdecke D5 Plexi Pump Top

Best for: D5 pump reservoirs with clear tops

Material

Plexi (acrylic)

Thread Size

G1/4

Radiator Size

40mm

Pump Compatibility

D5

Coolant Color

Clear

Dimensions

3.15 × 3.15 × 1.57 inches

View on Amazon: Alphacool Eisdecke D5 Plexi Pump Top Affiliate link

This Alphacool pump top is made of clear acrylic and fits D5 pumps. It has five G1/4 ports and includes three plugs. The unit measures 83 by 80 by 87 mm with stands. It weighs 0.44 kilograms. You get a transparent look for your reservoir. This part suits you if you build a loop with D5 pumps and want a simple, clear top.

Pros

• Made of clear acrylic for visibility
• Includes three G1/4 plugs
• Five G1/4 ports for connections
• Compatible with D5 pumps

Cons

• Pump is not included
• Only five ports available
• Plastic material may scratch

Good fit if

• You use a D5 pump
• You want a clear reservoir top
• You need G1/4 connections

Skip if

• You use a DDC pump
• You want a metal top
• You need more than five ports

Verdict: Alphacool D5 Pump Top V.3 Acrylic fits you if you build with D5 pumps and want a clear, simple top.

3 Also great

Watercool HEATKILLER IV Basic AM4 CPU Block

Best for: AMD AM4 builders prioritizing flow and clarity

Socket Compatibility

AMD AM4, AM5

Material

Acrylic, Copper

Thread Size

G1/4

Dimensions

5.51 × 4.33 × 1.97 inches

Weight

0.31 kilograms

View on Amazon: Watercool HEATKILLER IV Basic AM4 CPU Block Affiliate link

The Watercool HEATKILLER IV Basic is an acrylic CPU water block designed for AMD AM4 sockets. It features a revised cooling structure with finer micro fins to increase the contact surface area between the liquid and the cooler. Measuring 5.51 by 4.33 by 1.97 inches, it offers a real high-flow design with bigger jet structures. This clear block suits builders seeking improved thermal performance through enhanced fluid dynamics rather than RGB aesthetics.

Pros

• Supports AMD AM4 sockets
• Constructed from clear acrylic
• Features finer micro fins for larger contact surface
• Includes bigger jet structures for higher flow performance

Cons

• Limited to AM4 socket compatibility
• No RGB lighting or digital display
• Basic design lacks premium aesthetic finishes

Good fit if

• You are building an AMD AM4 custom loop
• You prefer clear acrylic over metal or black finishes
• You prioritize flow dynamics and cooling structure over visual effects

Skip if

• You use an AMD AM5 socket
• You require RGB lighting or digital pump tops
• You need compatibility with Intel sockets

Verdict: Watercool HEATKILLER IV Basic AM4 Acrylic is a functional choice for AMD AM4 builders who value thermal efficiency and flow design over visual flair. It fits those who want a straightforward, high-performance block without unnecessary electronics.

4 Also great

Watercool HEATKILLER IV PRO Acrylic AMD Water Block

Best for: AMD AM4/AM5 high-flow builds

Material

Copper

Socket Compatibility

AM4, AM5

Dimensions

5.51 × 4.33 × 1.97 inches

Weight

10.9 ounces

View on Amazon: Watercool HEATKILLER IV PRO Acrylic AMD Water Block Affiliate link

The Watercool HEATKILLER IV PRO is an acrylic CPU water block designed for AMD AM4 and AM5 sockets. It features a copper base and a real high-flow design with integrated jets. The unit measures 5.51 by 4.33 by 1.97 inches and weighs 10.9 ounces. It supports both 16/10 and 19/13 fittings. This block suits builders seeking improved flow performance and compatibility with older and newer AMD platforms.

Pros

• Compatible with AMD AM4 and AM5 sockets
• Real high-flow design with integrated jet structure
• Supports 16/10 and 19/13 fittings
• Acrylic top with copper base

Cons

• Limited to AMD sockets only
• No mention of included mounting hardware for all listed sockets
• No software or RGB control features listed

Good fit if

• You are building an AMD system on AM4 or AM5
• You need a block that supports larger 19/13 fittings
• You prefer a high-flow internal design for better cooling efficiency

Skip if

• You use an Intel CPU
• You want integrated RGB lighting or software control
• You require compatibility with older AM2 or AM3 sockets only

Verdict: Watercool HEATKILLER IV PRO AM4/AM5 delivers high-flow cooling for AMD platforms with flexible fitting options. It is a solid choice for AM4 and AM5 builds that prioritize flow performance over aesthetic lighting.

5 Best premium

Alphacool Aurora Acryl X4 RAM Water Block

Best for: DDR4 RAM cooling in custom loops

Lighting

Digital RGB, 3-Pin 5V

Material

Nickel-plated copper, acrylic

Thread Size

G1/4

Dimensions

6.3 × 2.76 × 1.57 inches

Weight

5.28 ounces

View on Amazon: Alphacool Aurora Acryl X4 RAM Water Block Affiliate link

This Alphacool block cools DDR4 RAM modules with a 4 mm thick nickel-plated copper base. It features embedded digital RGB LEDs that sit flush with the acrylic side. The compact dimensions of 128 by 45 by 19 mm fit standard memory heights. It suits builders who want integrated lighting and reliable copper heat transfer for their memory modules.

Pros

• 4 mm thick nickel-plated copper base
• Embedded digital RGB LED strip
• Flush-mounted acrylic side panel
• Compact 128 x 45 x 19 mm size

Cons

• Only supports DDR4 memory modules
• Requires specific Alphacool D-RAM modules for optimal fit
• No software control mentioned for RGB lighting

Good fit if

• You are building a custom loop with DDR4 RAM
• You want RGB lighting that matches other Alphacool Aurora products
• You prefer nickel-plated copper for corrosion resistance

Skip if

• You use DDR5 memory modules
• You need software control for lighting effects
• You want a block for standard non-Alphacool RAM

Verdict: Alphacool Aurora Acryl X4 D-RAM Block provides solid cooling for DDR4 kits with integrated lighting. It fits best in loops using compatible Alphacool memory modules.

6 Best budget

Phanteks Glacier R220C Acrylic Reservoir

Best for: compact DDC pump loops with RGB sync

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 200 ml acrylic reservoir is designed specifically for DDC pumps. It features transparent acrylic construction with integrated Digital-RGB lighting. You can mount it vertically or horizontally using the included universal fan bracket. The Viton rubber O-Ring ensures a durable seal. It supports 3-pin Digital-RGB headers for motherboard synchronization.

Pros

• 200 ml reservoir capacity
• Compatible with DDC pumps
• Integrated Digital-RGB lighting
• Vertical or horizontal mounting options
• Viton rubber O-Ring seal

Cons

• 200 ml capacity is smaller than many standard reservoirs
• Requires compatible motherboard or case for Digital-RGB sync
• Pump is not included

Good fit if

• You are building a loop with a DDC pump
• You want a compact 200 ml reservoir
• You need vertical or horizontal mounting flexibility

Skip if

• You are using a D5 pump instead of DDC
• You prefer a larger reservoir capacity
• You need a pump included in the package

Verdict: Phanteks Glacier R220C DDC Reservoir fits builders using DDC pumps who need a compact 200 ml tank with RGB sync. It suits those prioritizing mounting flexibility and a durable Viton seal over maximum fluid capacity.

7

Alphacool Eisball D5 Reservoir and Pump Top

Best for: D5 pump loops with RGB needs

Lighting

22 digital RGB LEDs, 5 VDC, 4-pin

Reservoir Capacity

700 ml

Thread Size

G1/4

Material

Acrylic, Plexi

Pump Compatibility

D5

Dimensions

4.63 × 5.04 × 5.04 inches

View on Amazon: Alphacool Eisball D5 Reservoir and Pump Top Affiliate link

The Alphacool Eisball is a 700 ml ball reservoir designed for D5 pumps. It features transparent nylon construction and a digital RGB pump top. The unit measures 117.51 x 128 x 128 mm and weighs 1.42 pounds. It suits builders who want a spherical aesthetic with integrated lighting for their custom loop.

Pros

• 700 ml water capacity
• Compatible with D5 pumps
• Digital RGB lighting included
• Transparent nylon material

Cons

• Pump is not included
• Only fits D5 pumps
• Spherical shape limits mounting options

Good fit if

• You are building a loop with a D5 pump
• You prefer a spherical reservoir design
• You want digital RGB lighting

Skip if

• You already have a D5 pump
• You need a reservoir with a display
• You are using a DDC pump

Verdict: Alphacool Eisball 700ml D5 Reservoir is a solid choice for builders using D5 pumps who want a spherical look with RGB. It fits those prioritizing style over compactness.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• evga geforce rtx 3090 ftw3 alternatives
• cyberpowerpc gamer xtreme rtx 3080 alternatives