CONCLUSION

   Having recently tested the improved Eisbaer 420 AIO with the Silent Wings 3 fans by be quiet! we didn’t think the Eisbaer Extreme 280 Black Edition would be able to top it and honestly we have no problem admitting that we were wrong. As a matter of fact the Eisbaer Extreme 280 Black Edition is the best AIO to pass from our lab to date, yes even better (alas just slightly) compared to the EK-MLC Phoenix model by EK Waterblocks. What’s really impressive however is not just its cooling efficiency levels but also the amount of noise by the two Silent Wings 3 fans which is far less than those of similar products (although the Eisbaer 420 did prepare us for those results). Honestly the only downsides we can find about the Eisbaer Extreme 280 Black Edition is its lack of RGB lighting and thickness (case compatibility) two things which may disappoint some potential buyers.

   Alphacool current sells the Eisbaer Extreme 280 Black Edition AIO 265Euros in the EU (Amazon.co.uk) a price which although high does correspond to the best AIO currently in the market (unfortunately at the time of this review only the core version is available in the USA). Sure, it’s thickness and lack of RGB illumination may matter to some people but at the end of the day performance is what counts (even more so when noise levels are at a minimum) and since the Eisbaer Extreme 280 Black Edition by Alphacool sits on top of our charts it certainly deserves our Platinum Award.

PROS

- Excellent Build Quality
- Top of The Charts Cooling Efficiency
- Expandable (Can Add Extra Radiators, GPU waterblocks, CPU waterblocks, Pumps)
- Quick Release Couplings
- 450mm Long PVC Tubes (Easy Installation)
- Low Noise Levels (be quiet! Silent Wings 3 Fans)
- Liquid Level Check Windows
- CPU Compatibility

CONS

- 65mm Thick (Compatibility)
- No RGB Illumination
- Price (For Some)