Aquacomputer Cuplex Kryos NEXT VARIO 1851/1700, Nickel/Nickel (21865)

The Aquacomputer Cuplex Kryos NEXT VARIO 1851/1700, Nickel/Nickel (21865) is a CPU water block for Intel socket 1851 and 1700 with a nickel plated brass top and a nickel plated copper base. Its VARIO base can be adjusted with four screws while the PC is running, and a steel back plate for the socket is part of the scope of delivery.

Properties

Sockets

Intel 1851, 1700

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 represents a new milestone in the development of CPU water coolers. By its account, every detail was analyzed, optimized and tested in order to achieve perfection in three areas: cooling performance, assembly and functionality. The result, it says, is not just one CPU cooler that sets new standards in cooling performance but an entire model family, covering a spectrum of color and equipment variants.

The models with the VISION module carry powerful electronics, and a high-resolution OLED display, integrated water temperature measurement and a USB interface are just three examples of their range of functions. This block is the VARIO version without that module; the same socket version with a fixed base is the cuplex kryos NEXT 1851/1700, acetal/nickel.

VARIO: adjustable geometry of the cooler base

The VARIO variants allow the geometry of the cooler base to be changed with four lateral adjustment screws on the sides of the water block. Aquacomputer describes a base plate that can be deformed during operation as a worldwide unique feature of CPU water coolers. Never before, it says, has a CPU cooler been able to be adjusted to an optimal fit to the CPU while the PC is in operation.

The reason is that no two processors are absolutely identical. Each CPU is unique, and minimal height and shape differences in the metal caps (the metallic lids) of today's CPUs have a significant impact on the cooling performance of a water cooler. With previous solutions for changing the cooler geometry, the cooler had to be laboriously dismantled and then reassembled on the CPU, which represented an enormous effort in time. Aquacomputer says the VARIO makes adapting the geometry child's play, done in just a few moments.

The adjustment is done while the PC runs: the temperature of all cores is monitored at full load, and the base is optimally adjusted using the four screws. Temperature changes provide immediate feedback, so the best setting is quickly identified.

How to adjust it

Each water block is pre-adjusted at the factory to a geometry that performs very well with a number of CPUs, and a laser engraving on the screws marks this preset. Adjusting needs the block installed on the CPU and integrated into a functioning water cooling setup. Use extreme caution and do not touch any motherboard components.

Watch 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, for example with Prime95 or OCCT.

Vary the position of one adjustment screw slightly. If the temperature decreases, keep turning it in the same direction; if it increases, reverse. Repeat for all four screws, and never rotate a screw by more than one revolution from its original position. To reset 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.

Radiator base with micro structure

The cooler base (Aquacomputer also says radiator base or radiator floor) is equipped with an extremely fine microstructure, with a structure width of less than 200 µm. The coolant flows through a flat, slot-shaped nozzle integrated in the cooler housing and hits the center of the microstructure. From there it is discharged in two directions, to both sides of the structure. Depending on the cooler variant, the base is made of copper, nickel-plated copper or .925 sterling silver.

Mounting system

The mounting system consists of solid stainless steel sheets with a material thickness of 2.5 mm, with nickel-plated spring cups pressed into them. Knurled screws and springs attach the block to the mainboard. When installed, the holding system looks very tidy due to the spring cup design and the low overall height.

All bracket variants have a defined stop, a mechanical limit for optimal contact pressure and force distribution. The knurled screws can be fitted by hand, and a hexagon socket drive also allows for easy assembly. The cooler variants for socket 1851/1700 come with a steel back plate with a rubber cover (insulation), which additionally stabilizes the CPU region of the mainboard.

Thermal paste

Every cuplex kryos NEXT comes with 0.5 grams of what Aquacomputer calls excellent thermal paste, packed in a syringe for easy use, and a plastic spatula for application. The paste has a high thermal conductivity. Thanks to its low viscosity it spreads very well between the CPU and the water cooler during assembly. The supplied quantity is sufficient for approx. five assemblies of the cooler.

Color variants

Across the family, the cooler housing is available in various materials and coatings:

• Black acetal: a glossy black high-performance plastic
• Acrylic glass: a transparent housing with a lighting option
• Copper: shiny red
• Brass, nickel-plated: light metallic and shiny
• Brass, PVD coated: a high-quality multi-layer coating with a dark metallic shine

The material combination of this block is nickel/nickel: a housing of nickel-plated brass and a nickel-plated copper cooler base.

Installation

Remove the old CPU cooler and, if necessary, clean thermal grease residues off 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 water block comes as a mounted cooler, together with the fixing kit (screws, springs, etc.) and assembly instructions. Arrange the back plate and the black insulation mat below the processor socket. Slide one 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, then put a spring on each bolt and secure it with a knurled head screw. Fasten the four screws alternately, a fraction of a revolution at a time, until all are fully fastened.

What the loop needs

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

Technical details

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 Back plate
• 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 covers mounting on every socket, flow direction, approved coolants and the geometry adjustment of the VARIO base.