Details
The Aquacomputer Cuplex Kryos NEXT VARIO 1200/1156/1155/1151/1150 Nickel/Nickel (21666) is a CPU water block for Intel socket 1200, 1156, 1155, 1151 and 1150, with a nickel plated brass top and a nickel plated copper base. Four adjusting screws change the geometry of its VARIO base while the PC is in operation, and a steel back plate with silicone insulation comes with it.
Properties
- Sockets
- Intel 1200, 1156, 1155, 1151, 1150
- Top
- Nickel plated brass
- Base
- Nickel plated copper, adjustable VARIO geometry, 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 cuplex kryos NEXT marks a new milestone in CPU water block development. By its account, every detail has been analyzed, optimized and tested to achieve perfection in three areas: cooling performance, installation procedure and product features. The result, it says, is not just one CPU water block with outstanding performance but a product series, with various models differing in color and functionality.
The VARIO models are, in Aquacomputer's words, the first CPU water blocks globally to incorporate a real-time adjustable base. It adds that never before 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 are equipped with modern electronics instead, and a high resolution OLED display, an integrated water temperature sensor and a USB interface are just three of those features.
VARIO: Adjustable geometry
On the VARIO variants, four adjusting screws on the sides of the water block change the geometry of the base part. Aquacomputer's reasoning: each CPU is unique, and 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 for adjusting it always required the block to be disassembled and then reinstalled onto the motherboard, requiring significant time and effort.
With the cuplex kryos NEXT VARIO, Aquacomputer says, the geometry is perfectly adjusted in just a few moments. You simply change the geometry using the four adjusting screws while monitoring core temperatures at maximum CPU load. The temperature changes provide an immediate feedback, so the perfect setting is quickly identified.
How to adjust it
Each water block leaves the factory pre-adjusted to a geometry that performs very well with a number of CPUs, and a laser engraving on the screws marks this preset. The adjustment is done with the PC in operation, so the block has to be installed on the CPU and integrated into a functioning water cooling setup. Use extreme caution while adjusting, and do not touch any motherboard components.
Watch the CPU temperature or the CPU core temperatures in software. Aquacomputer names aquasuite version 2017 or higher (tab "Quick data view"), HWiNFO, Core Temp, Open Hardware Monitor and AIDA64, and some motherboard manufacturers also provide suitable software. Put the CPU under heavy load while you adjust, for example with Prime95 or OCCT.
Turn one adjustment screw slightly and watch the temperature. If it decreases, keep going in the same direction; if it increases, reverse the adjustment. Repeat for all four screws until the block is optimally adjusted, and never rotate a screw by more than one revolution from its original position. To go back to the factory setting, screw each one in until the stop, then loosen it by approximately one revolution until the marking on screw and water block align.
Base part with micro structure
The base part carries an extremely fine micro structure, and its structural width is lower than 200 µm. The coolant is injected centrally through 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. This block is the nickel/nickel material combination: the top part is nickel plated brass and the base is nickel plated copper.
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 when installed the retention system has a very clean look. A mechanical stop is a feature of all retention system versions, for optimum clamping force and even force distribution. The knurled screws can be installed by hand, and a hexagon socket wrench can additionally be used for easy installation.
Water blocks for socket 1200/115x or AM3 include a steel back plate with silicone insulation to stabilize the CPU region of the motherboard. On socket 2011 motherboards a back plate is already part of the CPU socket, and therefore no additional back plate is required there.
Thermal compound
For optimum performance, every cuplex kryos NEXT ships with what Aquacomputer calls outstanding thermal compound. The 0.5 grams in a syringe are included, 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 the amount is sufficient for approximately five applications.
VISION and color variants in the series
This block has no VISION module. The VISION variants of the cuplex kryos NEXT carry a microcontroller board and an OLED display, with these features:
- a water temperature sensor integrated in the water block
- a connector for a flow sensor, which can alternatively be used as an alarm output
- a USB interface
- an aquabus interface for communication with an aquaero 5 or 6
- a customizable display output
- various hardware data from the aquasuite software can be displayed, for example the current CPU load
The acrylic glass variants with VISION are additionally equipped with an RGB LED, controlled depending on temperature or via USB. A VISION version for the same sockets is the cuplex kryos NEXT with VISION, nickel/nickel (21633).
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: 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
Take off the old CPU cooler and, if necessary, remove thermal grease residues from the CPU surface with benzine. Put a small drop of the supplied grease, about 4 mm (0.15 inch) across, centrally on 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 mounting holes of the motherboard into the back plate. Set the block on the CPU in the orientation the manual shows, put a spring on each bolt and start a knurled head screw on it, 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; reversed flow direction significantly decreases cooling performance. For corrosion inhibition, Aquacomputer requires Double Protect Ultra as coolant. On socket 1700 or 1851, the VARIO block to use is the cuplex kryos NEXT VARIO 1851/1700, nickel/nickel.
Technical details
| Dimensions, socket 115x | 94 x 94 x 22 mm (not including screws and back plate) |
| Connection threads | G1/4 |
| Distance between threads | 28 mm |
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.
- 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 explains the mounting for each socket group, the flow direction, the approved coolant and how to adjust the VARIO base geometry.
