Details
The Aquacomputer Cuplex Kryos NEXT VARIO with VISION 1200/1156/1155/1151/1150, Nickel / Nickel (21672) is a CPU water block for Intel socket 1200, 1156, 1155, 1151 and 1150. It has a nickel plated brass top and a nickel plated copper base. The VARIO base adjusts with four screws while the PC runs; the VISION module adds an OLED display, a water temperature sensor, USB and aquabus.
Properties
- Sockets
- Intel 1200, 1156, 1155, 1151, 1150
- Top
- Nickel plated brass, VISION module with OLED display
- Base
- Nickel plated copper, adjustable VARIO geometry, micro structure under 200 µm
- Ports
- 2x G1/4, distance between threads 24 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 cooling performance, installation procedure and product features. The result, it says, is not just a CPU water block with outstanding performance but a whole product series, with various models differing in color and functionality.
The 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 combines that module with the VARIO base; the same socket version and material combination with a fixed base is the cuplex kryos NEXT with VISION, nickel/nickel (21633).
VARIO: adjustable geometry
Aquacomputer calls the VARIO models the first CPU water blocks globally to incorporate a real-time adjustable base. Never before, it says, has it been possible to adjust the geometry of a CPU block to perfectly fit the CPU while the PC is in operation. The geometry of the base part is changed using four adjusting screws on the sides of the water block.
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 for this always required the block to be disassembled and then reinstalled onto the motherboard, requiring significant time and effort. On the VARIO, Aquacomputer says, the geometry is adjusted in just a few moments.
You simply change the geometry with the four adjusting screws while monitoring core temperatures at maximum CPU load. Temperature changes give immediate feedback, so the perfect setting, as Aquacomputer puts it, is quickly identified.
How to adjust it
Every 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 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 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.
Turn one adjustment screw slightly. If the temperature decreases, keep going 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 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.
VISION: integrated electronics
A microcontroller board and an OLED display sit inside the VISION variants. The module offers:
- 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
- customizable display output
- various hardware data displayed from the aquasuite software, for example the current CPU load
The acrylic glass variants of the cuplex kryos NEXT with VISION are additionally equipped with an RGB LED, controlled depending on temperature or via USB. This one has a nickel plated brass top and no LED.
At most two cables fit into the block, in these combinations:
- USB and aquabus
- USB and flow sensor or alarm output
- aquabus and flow sensor or alarm output
Base part with micro structure
The base part carries an extremely fine micro structure, and its structural width is 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.
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 block on the motherboard, and the retention system 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 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. Socket 2011 and 2066 motherboards already have a back plate as part of the CPU socket, therefore no additional one is required there.
Thermal compound
For optimum performance, Aquacomputer ships every cuplex kryos NEXT with what it calls outstanding thermal compound. A syringe with 0.5 grams of Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut is included, complete with a plastic spatula. It 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
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
This block's material combination is nickel/nickel: the top part is nickel plated brass and the base is nickel plated copper.
Installation
Clean thermal grease residues off the CPU with benzine if necessary. 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.
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 as the manual shows, then secure it with a spring and a knurled head screw on each bolt. 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 enter through the central fitting; a reversed flow direction significantly decreases cooling performance. For corrosion inhibition, Aquacomputer requires Double Protect Ultra as coolant.
What you need to connect it
No cables are included with the block. For USB, use the internal USB connection cable for VISION (53215). An aquaero 5 or 6, such as the aquaero 6 LT, connects through the aquabus cable for VISION (53214). Flow sensor and alarm cables are among our VISION CPU accessories.
aquasuite software
Activating this product gives you the current version of the aquasuite software, with an upgrade service for at least six (6) months. Once that expires, you may use and reinstall the latest version released during the upgrade period without a time limit. The update service can optionally be extended or renewed at any time for a fee. Installation and activation need an internet connection.
Technical details
| Socket type | Intel 1200/1150/1151/1155/1156 |
| Dimensions, socket 115x | 94 x 94 x 22 mm (not including screws and back plate) |
| Connection threads | G1/4 |
| Distance between threads | 24 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 material (screws, springs, etc.)
- 1x Thermal compound Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut, approx. 0.5 grams in syringe
- 1x Plastic spatula
- 1x Instruction manual
The installation manual covers mounting on every socket, flow direction, approved coolants and the geometry adjustment of the VARIO base.








