Aquacomputer R9 290X Active Backplate in stock at FCPU

These sold out quick the last time I got a stock notification (which was a few months ago), but I was able to snag 2 this time . In case anyone has been trying to get their hands on them, Frozen CPU has 16 in stock at time of this posting.

Interested to see if it makes any difference for you. I like the idea but would want something a bit more than a heatpipe that just has water flow over it in 2 tiny spots.

The OCool 290X waterblock I purchased at Frzncpu came with a backplate + heat pads. It was about ~$110. A great deal imo.

Irvine said:

The OCool 290X waterblock I purchased at Frzncpu came with a backplate + heat pads. It was about ~$110. A great deal imo.

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No doubt that's a fantastic deal. Alphacool seems to me the least money grubbing of the good Waco companies. Aquacomputer alternates impressing me and really really letting me down. They have some products (like their inline temp sensor) that are absolute garbage.

But when you get a chance, while your video card is working hard and has been for a while, touch the backplate and don't be shocked when it hurts.

The 290 series gets dangerously hot. If anything is touching that backplate it could melt (I had a tubing run that did start to melt from making contact with the bottom of my 2 cards).

The AQ active backplate is the only way to eliminate the heat island inside your case on a 290. I'm probably picking one up and I'll update the thread about it eventually if I do.

I'll be interested to hear your review. I was actually considering the Alphacool block after I decided the EK block + backplate was a bit rich for my blood. And then I saw the great deal for the OCool block + backplate for $105.

This card really does need watercooling to withstand long gaming sessions. And it requires it if you ever hope to OC safely. However I do not see owning this card for more than 2-3 years, and so I will just get whatever block holds me over until then. I am not happy with Nvidia's offerings at this time and went with the 290X seeing its better price-point and comparable benchmarks to the 780ti. Plus the TI only has 3gb of memory. At the price they are asking I say that is BS.

Kardonxt said:

Interested to see if it makes any difference for you. I like the idea but would want something a bit more than a heatpipe that just has water flow over it in 2 tiny spots.

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Unfortunately, I found that the back plate won't fit in my micro atx case when I have a crossfire setup. With a single card, I can make it work, but with both, I don't have room to install fittings.

Bluesun311 said:

I'm probably picking one up and I'll update the thread about it eventually if I do.

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Mine are for sale if you're interested.

I'm super tempted. What's holding me back is that Aquacomputer never put out a 295x2 backplate at all. I'm using EK backplates right now and I don't like the idea of mix n match being visible from above.

So guys, the Alphacool waterblock for my R9 290 is now just sitting in my drawer at home. The Sapphire R9 290 I bought was a lemon, so I ended up buying an MSI Gaming 290X. The waterblock design is meant for reference R9 290/290X models only, and the MSI 290X has a unique design. Sooooo anyone want to take my M01 Alphacool block/backplate off me for cheap? I threw away the retail packaging and was not expecting to ever return exchange the item.