Aquacomputer Cuplex Kryos NEXT AM5/AM4/3000/5000/7000/8000/9000, Nickel/Nickel (21760)

The Aquacomputer Cuplex Kryos NEXT AM5/AM4/3000/5000/7000/8000/9000, Nickel/Nickel (21760) is a CPU water block for AMD socket AM5 and AM4, with a nickel plated brass top part on a nickel plated copper base. It mounts with the retention system for the AM5/AM4 9000/8000/7000/5000/3000 processor series, which sets the block slightly off-center on the CPU.

Properties

Sockets

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

Top

Nickel plated brass, bright metallic gloss

Base

Nickel plated copper, micro structure under 200 µm

Ports

2x G1/4, 28 mm between threads

Dimensions

111 x 75 x 22 mm (not including screws)

Where this block sits in the series

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

This nickel/nickel block is the plain version, without the two special functions of the line. One of them is VISION. Models with a VISION module are equipped with modern electronics, and Aquacomputer names a high resolution OLED display, an integrated water temperature sensor and a USB interface as just three of the features. For this socket that version is the cuplex kryos NEXT with VISION AM5/AM4/3000/5000/7000/8000/9000, acetal/nickel.

VARIO: adjustable geometry on other models

The other special function is VARIO. Aquacomputer says the VARIO models are the first CPU water blocks globally to incorporate a real-time adjustable base. Never before, it says, had it been possible to adjust the geometry of a CPU block to perfectly fit the CPU while the PC is in operation. On those variants the geometry of the base part is adjusted using four adjusting screws on the sides of the water block.

The reason is that each CPU is unique. Even the slightest variations in height or shape of the metallic lids on top of current CPUs affect the cooling performance of a water block considerably. Prior concepts always required the water block to be disassembled and then reinstalled onto the motherboard for each adjustment, requiring significant time and effort. On a VARIO block you simply change the geometry with the four screws while monitoring core temperatures at maximum CPU load. Temperature changes provide immediate feedback, so the perfect setting is quickly identified and the geometry is perfectly adjusted in just a few moments. A VARIO model we stock is the cuplex kryos NEXT VARIO 1851/1700, nickel/nickel, for Intel socket 1700.

Base part with micro structure

An extremely fine micro structure covers the base part, and its structural width is lower than 200 µm. Coolant is injected centrally through a slot-shaped nozzle and then runs out to both sides of the structure. Depending on model the base itself is manufactured from copper, nickel plated copper or .925 sterling silver. This block has the material combination nickel/nickel: nickel plated copper for the base, under a top part of nickel plated brass.

Retention system

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

A board with socket AM5/AM4 already includes a back plate as part of the CPU socket, as socket 2011/2066 motherboards do, therefore no additional back plate is required here. 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.

When using the AM5/AM4 retention system, the water block is not centered on the CPU. It is installed slightly off-center instead, 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 that Aquacomputer calls outstanding. Included is a syringe with 0.5 grams of Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut, complete with a plastic spatula. This compound has a high thermal conductivity, and due to its low viscosity it spreads out thin and evenly between CPU and water block. The amount is sufficient for approximately five applications.

Installation

Take off the old cooler and, if necessary, remove thermal grease residues from the CPU surface with benzine. Put a small drop of the supplied grease, ca. 4 mm (0.15 inch) across, in the center of the CPU, or spread a thin layer with the plastic spatula. Place the block on the CPU in the orientation the manual's picture shows and put one spring into each recess. Run a knurled screw through each spring into the anchor threads of the socket, only one or two revolutions at first. Then tighten the four screws alternately, a fraction of a revolution each time, until all are fully fastened.

What the loop needs

Among the technical details, the two G1/4 connection threads sit at a distance of 28 mm between threads, and they take two fittings, which you will find in our fittings section. For best cooling performance the coolant must come in through the central fitting, because reversed flow direction significantly decreases cooling performance. The block needs a water cooling system of sufficient performance, and for corrosion inhibition Aquacomputer requires Double Protect Ultra as coolant.

Color variants of 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: a reddish gloss
• Nickel plated brass: a bright metallic gloss (this block)
• PVD plated brass: a high quality multi layer coating with a dark metallic gloss

Notes

• Put the water cooling system into operation with no other PC components connected to the mains supply, and check the block and fittings for leakages before the PC goes into operation.
• 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 materials (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 steps for every socket, the flow direction and the approved coolant.