Aquacomputer Cuplex Kryos NEXT AM5/AM4, Acetal/Nickel (21703)

The Aquacomputer Cuplex Kryos NEXT AM5/AM4, Acetal/Nickel (21703) is a CPU water block for AMD socket AM5 and AM4, with a black acetal top part and a nickel plated copper base. It fastens to the back plate that AM5/AM4 motherboards already carry, and its two G1/4 connection threads are 28 mm apart.

Properties

Sockets

AMD AM5, AM4

Top

Black acetal

Base

Nickel plated copper, micro structure under 200 µm

Ports

2x G1/4, distance between threads 28 mm

Dimensions

111 x 75 x 22 mm (not including screws)

The cuplex kryos NEXT series

Aquacomputer says this series marks a new milestone in CPU water block development, and that every detail has been analyzed, optimized and tested. Its aim, in its words, was to achieve perfection in cooling performance, installation procedure and product features. The result, by its account, is not just one CPU water block with outstanding performance but a product series, with various models differing in color and functionality.

Aquacomputer calls the VARIO models the first CPU water blocks globally to incorporate a base that is adjustable in real time. It says never before has it been possible to adjust the geometry of a CPU block to perfectly fit the CPU while the PC is in operation. Models with the VISION module are equipped with modern electronics: a high resolution OLED display, an integrated water temperature sensor and a USB interface are just three of the features. This block has neither of the two. The same block with the VISION module is the cuplex kryos NEXT with VISION AM5/AM4, acetal/nickel.

Base part with micro structure

An extremely fine micro structure is cut into the base part, and its structural width is lower than 200 µm. The coolant is injected centrally through a slot-shaped nozzle, from where it runs to both sides of the structure. Across the series the base itself is manufactured from copper, nickel plated copper or .925 sterling silver, depending on model. This is the acetal/nickel material combination: the top part is black acetal and the base is nickel plated copper.

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, and it has a very clean look when installed. All retention system versions feature a mechanical stop, for optimum clamping force and even force distribution. The knurled screws go in by hand, and a hexagon socket wrench can additionally be used for easy installation.

Blocks for socket 115x or AM3 include a steel back plate with silicone insulation, to stabilize the CPU region of the motherboard. Motherboards for socket 2011, TR4 and AM5/AM4 already include a back plate as part of the CPU socket. On this AM4 block no additional back plate is therefore required, and none is included.

Thermal compound

Aquacomputer ships every cuplex kryos NEXT with what it calls outstanding thermal compound, for optimum performance. Here that is a syringe with 0.5 grams of Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut, complete with a plastic spatula. The compound has 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.

Color variants

Within 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
• PVD plated brass: a high quality multi layer coating with a dark metallic gloss

Installation

Remove the installed heat sink from the CPU first, and clean thermal grease residues off the CPU surface with benzine if necessary. Put a small drop of the supplied grease, about 4 mm in diameter, centrally on the CPU, or apply a thin layer with the plastic spatula.

Set the block on the CPU in the orientation shown in the manual and place one spring into each recess. Each knurled screw goes through its spring into the anchor threads of the CPU socket, only one or two revolutions to start. Then tighten the four screws alternately, a fraction of a revolution each time, until all of them are fully fastened.

What the loop needs

With two G1/4 connection threads, the block takes two fittings from our fittings section. The coolant must enter through the central fitting for best cooling performance, because a reversed flow direction significantly decreases it. For corrosion inhibition, Aquacomputer requires Double Protect Ultra as the coolant.

Notes

• Put the water cooling system into operation first with no other PC components connected to the mains supply, and check the block and the fittings for leakages.
• Any 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 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 has the mounting information for every cuplex kryos NEXT socket version, plus technical details on the flow direction and the approved coolants.