German overclocker Roman “der8auer” Hartung and his team built a copper water-block prototype designed for Nvidia’s RTX 5090 Founders Edition. Tom’s Hardware reported that the prototype test lowered GPU-core temperature from 73.8°C to 43.8°C, a 30°C difference in that test—not a guaranteed result for other cards or systems. The cited reports describe a prototype; they do not confirm that this specific Founders Edition block went on sale.
What Der8auer’s team built
Tom’s Hardware reported that the block was designed primarily around the RTX 5090 Founders Edition PCB and its components. The outlet described an all-copper construction, including the cold plate and exterior cover plate, with a cold plate made from 14 mm of copper and passageways intended to cool the GB202 GPU die. It also reported a transparent glass cover that lets users see the coolant. These are details from the outlet’s description of the prototype.
The project was presented as a proof of concept rather than a finished retail design. Tom’s Hardware reported a dual-slot form factor and a length close to the stock cooler’s. The display-output ribbon cable constrained the design: folding it substantially could risk damage. Overclocking.com described the work as laborious and reported that the prototype it showed arrived disassembled; it said the design and finish could change if production followed.
What the reported temperature change means
Tom’s Hardware reported GPU-core temperatures of 73.8°C before and 43.8°C with the prototype, describing the difference as 30°C. Those figures are the outlet’s account of a prototype test, not an independently replicated benchmark. The cited material does not establish standardized test conditions, repeatability, or comparable results in other systems.
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#1 Best Overall
- Part of the Core product series, these coolers combine the highest quality with exceptional performance
- The series continues to feature high-quality brass connectors that ensure optimal quality and safety
- The specially adapted aluminum backplate covers the entire backside of the copper cooler, ensuring a clear and uniform appearance
- Dimensions total (L x W x H): 260.25 x 160.90 x 34.32mm
Is this copper Founders Edition block available to buy?
The cited reports call Der8auer’s block a prototype, and they do not establish that this specific RTX 5090 Founders Edition design became a commercial product. Do not treat the prototype as a confirmed retail option without current confirmation from the maker.
Other manufacturer-documented RTX 5090 water blocks exist, but their stated card variants do not establish Founders Edition compatibility:
Rank #2
- Part of the Core product series, these coolers combine the highest quality with exceptional performance
- Designed for the Gigabyte Master/Gaming/Windforce graphics cards
- The series continues to feature high-quality brass connectors that ensure optimal quality and safety
- The specially adapted aluminum backplate covers the entire backside of the copper cooler, ensuring a clear and uniform appearance
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 237.50 x 157.07 x 34.20mm
| Manufacturer-documented block | Variant identified | Backplate | Founders Edition compatibility established? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alphacool Core GeForce RTX 5090 Reference | Reference | Included in the product name | No |
| Alphacool Core GeForce RTX 5090 Gaming + Windforce | Gaming + Windforce | Included in the product name | No |
The product documents identify these block categories, but do not establish current stock or price. Before buying any RTX 5090 water block, verify the exact graphics card model and the block maker’s compatibility information; matching the GPU family name alone is not enough.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Part of the Core product series, these coolers combine the highest quality with exceptional performance
- The series continues to feature high-quality brass connectors that ensure optimal quality and safety
- The specially adapted aluminum backplate covers the entire backside of the copper cooler, ensuring a clear and uniform appearance
- Dimensions total (L x W x H): 222.40 x 160.81 x 34.12mm
Rank #4
- Part of the Core product series, these coolers combine the highest quality with exceptional performance
- The series continues to feature high-quality brass connectors that ensure optimal quality and safety
- The specially adapted aluminum backplate covers the entire backside of the copper cooler, ensuring a clear and uniform appearance
- Dimensions total (L x W x H): 235.95 x 155.57 x 34.12mm
Rank #3
- FULL-COVER GPU WATER BLOCK FOR ASUS ROG Astral RTX 5090 – Designed for custom liquid cooling on compatible graphics cards.
- COOLS GPU, MEMORY AND POWER DELIVERY AREAS – Supports efficient heat transfer across key components.
- NICKEL-PLATED COPPER COOLING PLATE – Made for high thermal performance in demanding gaming and workstation systems.
- ACRYLIC TOP FOR SHOWCASE BUILDS – Combines cooling performance with a clear design for custom PCs.
- G1/4 THREADS FOR CUSTOM LOOPS – Compatible with common water-cooling fittings and flexible loop layouts.
What to check when comparing RTX 5090 water blocks
- Exact card compatibility: Confirm the full model and board variant, not just “RTX 5090.”
- Component coverage and backplate: Check what the manufacturer says the block covers and whether a backplate is included.
- Physical fit: Verify dimensions and clearance for the intended card and case.
- Materials, installation, and availability: Consult the manufacturer’s specifications and current product information. The cited material does not provide comparative performance tests, prices, or installation evaluations.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
