Aquacomputer Cuplex Kryos NEXT AM5/AM4/3000/5000/7000/8000/9000, Acetal/Copper (21762)

The Aquacomputer Cuplex Kryos NEXT AM5/AM4/3000/5000/7000/8000/9000, Acetal/Copper (21762) is a CPU water block for socket AM5 and AM4 in the material combination acetal/copper: a black acetal top on a copper base. Its retention system is the one for the AM5/AM4 9000/8000/7000/5000/3000 processor series, and it holds the block slightly off-center on the CPU.

Properties

Sockets

AM5, AM4 (9000/8000/7000/5000/3000 series)

Top

Black acetal

Base

Copper, micro structure under 200 µm

Connection threads

2x G1/4, distance between threads 28 mm

Dimensions

111 x 75 x 22 mm (not including screws)

One model of a product series

Aquacomputer says the cuplex kryos NEXT marks a new milestone in CPU water block development. In its words, every detail was analyzed, optimized and tested to achieve perfection in cooling performance, installation procedure and product features. The result, it says, is not just a CPU water block with outstanding performance but a product series of various models differing in color and functionality.

By Aquacomputer's account the VARIO models are the first CPU water blocks globally to incorporate a real-time adjustable base. Never before had it been possible to adjust the geometry of a CPU block to fit the CPU perfectly while the PC is in operation. Models with a VISION module, such as the cuplex kryos NEXT with VISION AM5/AM4/3000/5000/7000/8000/9000, acetal/nickel, are equipped with modern electronics. A high resolution OLED display, an integrated water temperature sensor and a USB interface are just three of their features. This block has neither: it is the plain acetal/copper version.

Across the series the top part comes in various materials and coatings: black acetal (a shiny black high-tech plastic), transparent acrylic glass suitable for illumination and copper with a reddish gloss. Nickel plated brass gives a bright metallic gloss, and PVD plated brass is a high quality multi layer coating with a dark metallic gloss.

Base part with micro structure

The copper base part is equipped with an extremely fine micro structure, with a structural width lower than 200 µm. Coolant is injected centrally through a slot-shaped nozzle, then runs to both sides of the structure. Depending on model, the base itself is manufactured from copper, nickel plated copper or .925 sterling silver; on this one it is copper.

Retention system

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

Two technical details set the AM5/AM4 version apart. First, socket AM5/AM4 motherboards already include a back plate as part of the CPU socket, as do socket 2011 and TR4 boards, therefore no additional back plate is required. Only the water blocks for socket 115x or AM3 include a steel back plate with silicone insulation to stabilize the CPU region of the motherboard.

Second, with this retention system the water block is not centered on the CPU. Instead it is installed slightly off-center for optimum heat dissipation, in accordance with the asymmetrical internal design of these CPU series.

Thermal compound

For optimum performance, every cuplex kryos NEXT ships with thermal compound: a syringe of 0.5 grams of Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut is included, complete with a plastic spatula. Aquacomputer calls it outstanding thermal compound with a high thermal conductivity. Due to its low viscosity it spreads out thin and evenly between CPU and water block, and the amount is sufficient for approximately five applications.

Installation

Remove the old cooler first and, if necessary, clean thermal grease residues off the CPU surface with benzine. Place a small drop of the supplied grease centrally on the CPU, ca. 4 mm (0.15 inch) in diameter, or apply a thin layer with the plastic spatula. Set the block on the CPU in the orientation the manual's picture shows, place one spring into each recess and insert a knurled screw through each spring into the anchor threads of the socket. Give each screw only one or two revolutions at first. Then fasten them alternately, a fraction of a revolution at a time, until all four screws are fully fastened.

What the loop needs

The two G1/4 ports take two fittings; ours are in the fittings section. For best cooling performance the coolant must be supplied through the central fitting, because reversed flow direction significantly decreases cooling performance. The block belongs in a water cooling system of sufficient performance, and for corrosion inhibition Aquacomputer requires Double Protect Ultra as coolant.

Notes

• Fill and run the water cooling system with no other PC components connected to the mains supply, and check the block and fittings for leakages first.
• A component that has been in contact with coolant may only be put into operation once it is completely dry again.

In the box

• 1x water block
• 1x mounting material (screws, springs, etc.)
• 1x thermal compound Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut, approx. 0.5 grams in syringe
• 1x plastic spatula
• 1x instruction manual

Aquacomputer's manual for the cuplex kryos NEXT is a two-page English PDF with the mounting information for every socket, the flow direction and the approved coolant.