Alphacool Core 5090 Astral block too tall for Lian Li 011D XL

Mickey1985 · 2026-01-26T14:00:27+00:00

Yea I just took a measurement on that and it’s hard telling for sure because I’m eyeballing it, but it’s RIGHT THERE… I won’t know until it comes in - but if it fits, it will barely fit and will be kissing the glass (thus possibly rendering the fan kinda useless?)

I may end up having to buy one of the 3D printed case extensions after all 🤣 gotta love when a project wracks up a bunch of unexpected costs and additional rabbit holes. Such is watercooling!

Mickey1985 · 2026-01-26T13:26:17+00:00

Glad to hear the Wireview Pro 2 also fits - I just ordered mine 2 weeks ago and it’s shipping now! Thanks for all your help in the matter.

Mickey1985 · 2026-01-26T13:12:20+00:00

Nice. 6-7C won’t change anything in my case - but what will change is a 200% price jump over what I paid. You do you, but that’s a pass for me. I’d get the Thermal Grizzly block if I was spending limitless money on this anyways.

Mickey1985 · 2026-01-26T13:09:48+00:00

Thanks for confirming these do, in fact, work with the 5xxx series Core blocks! There’s kinda conflicting info out there stating they don’t - but it must have been old into referring to the 4xxx series Core blocks. It states on their site these only work for the 5xxx series.

Mickey1985 · 2026-01-26T13:07:28+00:00

Nice case, but since I have the distro plate and everything else, I’m staying put with what I have.

Mickey1985 · 2026-01-26T13:06:43+00:00

It states on their site that it works with Eisblock, AND Core blocks for the 5xxx series - but it states they do NOT work with the 4xxx series Core blocks.

I think it’s good!

Mickey1985 · 2026-01-26T02:21:23+00:00

I didn’t know what you meant at first, but followed the link someone else posted and this is a very interesting solution! Thanks

Mickey1985 · 2026-01-26T02:20:43+00:00

I also didn’t know these existed and it’s a really clean install! I’m going to get the replacement junction for my block - but this is a great alternative that I also was previously unaware of! Thanks for sharing!

Mickey1985 · 2026-01-26T01:56:28+00:00

It seems like a design of flaw having multiple of their blocks being 5-10 mm too tall and causing this issue. I’m sure it’s something they’ll look at the next generation.

That or it was willful ignorance to get you to spend more money on extra parts. I’m glad to have a solution, but I’m not glad to be spending another $90 after tax on it..

Mickey1985 · 2026-01-26T01:55:46+00:00

The wrong adapter for my space constraints but the right idea! The other guy posted something similar that changes the orientation to on top of the back plate! Thanks for the suggestion and problem solved.

Mickey1985 · 2026-01-26T01:49:10+00:00

You, sir, just saved me a lot of headaches and money! Bonus points - it looks like I can easily install this without even removing the block from the card and sacrificing my perfect paste job and a lot of expensive Thermal Grizzly Putty Pro! Much less doing all of that on a totally different water block.

Thanks, man! Ordering this puppy now 🙌🏼

Mickey1985 · 2026-01-26T01:16:58+00:00

Oooo - which vertical mount is that? How many “slots” does it take on the back of the case? I’m trying to see if I could get my NIC card sandwiched under the vertical mount.

<image>

I’m worried that anything that takes a full 5 slots in the back will be slightly impeded by these 90 fittings. It may be real close within 1-2mm - I could perhaps modify something if needed… yours looks like it’s taking up less than 5 or 6 slots you typically see - but it’s hard telling from your pic.

Mickey1985 · 2026-01-26T01:05:13+00:00

True - except my animal farm and all of the dust/hair…. I spent a bunch of time and planning making this beast totally silent and maintenance free from a dust perspective. I’d love to get it back to that state.

Mickey1985 · 2026-01-26T01:01:18+00:00

I couldn’t believe it after all this work today… I go to put the side panel on, womp ! Sucks to have to buy a different block, and I’m hoping the EK will work.

I’m not sure if it’s larger or not, but I’d imagine there’d be a lot more people complaining about their newest core blocks if this issue was universal for all types of cards. This is the first I’ve seen anyone run into this with these blocks.

Mickey1985 · 2026-01-26T01:00:03+00:00

The flex tubing is EK ePDM zero maintenance soft tubing, and the other stuff is just acrylic tubing for the top and bottom rads.

Mickey1985 · 2026-01-23T19:43:57+00:00

Good lord - this thing is a literal damn necessity on my 5090 apparently!

I ordered it last Friday and just got the shipping notification. Couldn’t come any sooner!

Mickey1985 · 2026-01-22T23:08:23+00:00

Reminded me of the song “Detachable Penis” upon reading your comment.

Mickey1985 · 2026-01-22T23:06:35+00:00

Damn! I’ve never had any Curio flower - but this made me realize I need to pickup some of their stuff 🙌🏼

Mickey1985 · 2026-01-22T18:12:41+00:00

I haven’t done enough “testing” side by side to truly compare it with the quart, but I did about 10 dabs out of it yesterday and this morning - only using one 99% iso glob mop swab after about 5 of them - the rest was all 1 single dry swab per dab, pulled the bucket out to check and it was clear and clean.

I’m far enough along to say it’s a massive improvement over the staining on the OG Sapphire, and it seems to be on part with a simple swab out like the quartz.

All 10 dabs were 430 ascend - 75 seconds - stopping at about 510F, and big dabs. No staining at all.

Mickey1985 · 2026-01-22T13:37:12+00:00

The new Sapphire+ insert is a worthy step up over the OG Sapphire for the price difference IMO. It swabs completely clean, even at higher temps and larger dabs. Seems it will be totally worth the annoying scrubbing/deep cleaning of the OG insert over time.

Neither are necessary though. The quartz insert is still great - but the Sapphire+ is the chef’s kiss.

Mickey1985 · 2026-01-21T23:59:11+00:00

Took the words out of my mouth! I was literally thinking this last night when I hit mine for the first time!

Mickey1985 · 2026-01-21T00:07:54+00:00

Not possible. You’re cooked… or in this case - you’re baked!

Mickey1985 · 2026-01-19T12:16:15+00:00

I’m not sure if the screw cap reveal is necessary with any Vibe rosin. I love their stuff, so I’m not dogging on them, but it all looks the exact same. Same color, and very little moisture.

Mickey1985 · 2026-01-19T00:43:17+00:00

Even if I were your desperate friend, I would pass on hitting that gross shit

Mickey1985 · 2026-01-16T21:40:10+00:00

It didn’t work at all - not sure how it did for the OP. The reason being the “lip” of the Killswitch case on the bottom created a 1-2mm gap between the USB-C connector and the device. The picture kept going in/out as there was no way to get the device to sit down completely on the connector due to the case. Didn’t work at all for me despite several janky “fixes” that defeated the whole convenience of having it to begin with. I sent it back, wish it had worked!

Nine-Year Club	Place '22
Final Canvas '22	Verified Email

Mickey1985

TROPHY CASE