Aquacomputer Cuplex Kryos NEXT 1200/1156/1155/1151/1150, Acetal/.925 Silver (21624)

The Aquacomputer Cuplex Kryos NEXT 1200/1156/1155/1151/1150, Acetal/.925 Silver (21624) is a CPU water block for Intel socket 1200, 1156, 1155, 1151 and 1150. Its top part is black acetal and its base is .925 sterling silver. A steel back plate comes with it, and the two G1/4 connection threads sit 28 mm apart.

Properties

Sockets

Intel 1200, 1156, 1155, 1151, 1150

Top

Black acetal

Base

.925 sterling silver (925/000), micro structure under 200 µm

Ports

2x G1/4, distance between threads 28 mm

Dimensions

94 x 94 x 22 mm (not including screws and back plate)

The cuplex kryos NEXT series

Aquacomputer says the series marks a new milestone in CPU water block development. It says every detail has been analyzed, optimized and tested to achieve perfection in three areas: cooling performance, installation procedure and product features. In its words, the result is a product series rather than just one CPU water block with outstanding performance, with various models differing in color and functionality.

The VARIO models, by Aquacomputer's account, are the first CPU water blocks globally to incorporate a base that is adjustable in real time. Never before, it says, has it been possible to adjust a CPU block's geometry to perfectly fit the CPU while the PC is in operation. Models with the VISION module include modern electronics, and a high resolution OLED display, an integrated water temperature sensor and a USB interface are just three of those features. This block is the version without either; a VISION version for the same sockets is the cuplex kryos NEXT with VISION, nickel/nickel (21633).

Base part with micro structure

The base part has an extremely fine micro structure, with a structural width lower than 200 µm. The coolant is injected centrally by a slot-shaped nozzle, and from there it runs to both sides of the structure. Depending on model, the base itself is manufactured from copper, nickel plated copper or .925 sterling silver. The material combination of this one is acetal/.925 silver: the top part is black acetal and the base is 925/000 sterling silver.

Retention system

The retention system consists of stainless steel plates, 2.5 mm thick and equipped with nickel plated spring cups. Springs and knurled screws secure the block on the motherboard, which gives a very clean look when installed. A mechanical stop is a feature of all retention system versions, for optimum clamping force and even force distribution. You can turn the knurled screws by hand, and a hexagon socket wrench can additionally be used for easy installation.

Water blocks for socket 1200/115x or AM3 have a steel back plate with silicone insulation included, to stabilize the CPU region of the motherboard. On socket 2011 motherboards the back plate is already part of the CPU socket, and therefore no additional back plate is required there.

Thermal compound

For optimum performance, Aquacomputer ships every cuplex kryos NEXT with what it calls outstanding thermal compound. The syringe holds 0.5 grams and is complete with a plastic spatula. The compound has a high thermal conductivity, and due to its low viscosity it spreads out thin and evenly between CPU and water block. Aquacomputer says that amount is sufficient for approximately five applications.

Color variants

Across the series, the top part of the water block is available in various materials and coatings:

• Acetal black, a shiny black high-tech plastic
• Acrylic glass, a transparent body suitable for illumination
• Copper, with a reddish gloss
• Nickel plated brass, with a bright metallic gloss
• PVD plated brass, a high quality multi layer coating with a dark metallic gloss

Installation

Take off the old CPU cooler and, if necessary, remove thermal grease residues from the CPU surface with benzine. Place a small drop of the supplied grease, about 4 mm across, in the center of the CPU, or spread a thin layer with the plastic spatula.

The back plate and the black insulation mat go below the processor socket. Slide a plastic washer onto each retention bolt and screw the four bolts through the motherboard's mounting holes into the back plate, by hand or with a hexagon socket wrench. Set the block on the CPU in the orientation the manual shows, slide a spring onto each bolt and start a knurled screw on each, only one or two revolutions. Then fasten the four screws alternately, a fraction of a revolution at a time, until all are fully fastened.

What the loop needs

Both connection threads are G1/4, so the block takes two fittings from our fittings section. For best cooling performance the coolant must be supplied through the central fitting, since reversed flow significantly decreases cooling performance. For corrosion inhibition, Aquacomputer requires Double Protect Ultra as coolant.

Technical details

Notes

• Fill and run the water cooling system first with no other PC components connected to the mains supply, and check the block and the fittings for leaks.
• A component that has been in contact with coolant must be completely dry again before it goes into operation.

In the box

• 1x Water block
• 1x Mounting materials (screws, springs, etc.)
• 1x Thermal compound Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut, approx. 0.5 grams in syringe
• 1x Plastic spatula
• 1x Instruction manual

The manual has the mounting information for every cuplex kryos NEXT socket, with notes on flow direction and approved coolants.