Aquacomputer Cuplex Kryos NEXT VARIO With VISION AM5/AM4/3000/5000/7000/8000/9000, Nickel/Nickel (21782)

The Aquacomputer Cuplex Kryos NEXT VARIO With VISION AM5/AM4/3000/5000/7000/8000/9000, Nickel/Nickel is a CPU water block for AMD socket AM5 and AM4, with the retention system for the 9000/8000/7000/5000/3000 CPU series. Its top is nickel plated brass and its base nickel plated copper. The VARIO base can be adjusted while the PC is in operation, and the VISION module brings a high resolution OLED display, a water temperature sensor and a USB interface, just three of its features.

Properties

Sockets

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

Top

Nickel plated brass

Base

Nickel plated copper, micro structure under 200 µm

Ports

2x G1/4, distance between threads 24 mm

Dimensions

111 x 75 x 22 mm (not including screws)

Electronics

OLED display, water temperature sensor, USB and aquabus interface

The cuplex kryos NEXT series

Aquacomputer calls the cuplex kryos NEXT 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 Aquacomputer's words, is not just a CPU water block with outstanding performance. It is a product series, with various models differing in color and functionality, and the models with the VISION module are equipped with modern electronics.

The top part of the water block is available in various materials and coatings across that series:

• 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 one is the nickel/nickel material combination: the top part is nickel plated brass and the base is nickel plated copper.

VARIO: adjustable geometry

According to Aquacomputer, the VARIO models are 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 running. Four adjusting screws on the sides of the water block set the geometry of the base part.

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 block considerably. Prior concepts to adjust the geometry always required the block to be disassembled and then reinstalled onto the motherboard, requiring significant time and effort. Here you simply change the geometry with the four screws while monitoring core temperatures at maximum CPU load. The temperature changes provide immediate feedback, so the perfect setting is quickly identified and the job takes just a few moments.

Out of the box, each block is pre-adjusted to a geometry that performs very well with a number of CPUs, and a laser engraving on the screws marks this preset. Turn one adjustment screw slightly and watch the CPU temperature: if it decreases, continue in the same direction; if it increases, reverse the adjustment. Do this for all four screws until the block is optimally adjusted. To reset it to the factory setting, screw each one in until the stop, then loosen it by approximately one revolution until the marking on screw and block align.

Suitable software for monitoring the CPU or core temperatures includes aquasuite version 2017 or higher (tab "Quick data view"), HWiNFO, Core Temp, Open Hardware Monitor and AIDA64, and some motherboard manufacturers provide suitable software too. Prime95 or OCCT put the CPU under the heavy load the adjustment should be done at.

Base part with micro structure

The base part is equipped with an extremely fine micro structure whose 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; here it is nickel plated copper.

Retention system

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

Socket 2011, 2066 and AM5/AM4 motherboards already include a back plate as part of the CPU socket, therefore no additional back plate is required for this block. The series' water blocks for socket 115x or AM3 are the ones that include a steel back plate with silicone insulation to stabilize the CPU region of the motherboard.

When using the AM5/AM4 9000/8000/7000/5000/3000 retention system, the block is not centered on the CPU. It is installed slightly off-center, which Aquacomputer does for optimum heat dissipation in accordance with the asymmetrical internal design of these CPU series. Set the block on the CPU in the orientation the manual shows, place one spring into each recess and insert a knurled screw through each spring into the anchor threads of the socket. Fasten the four screws alternately, a fraction of a revolution at a time.

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 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. The amount is sufficient for approximately five applications. Put a small drop, about 4 mm (0.15 inch) across, centrally on the CPU, or apply a thin layer with the spatula.

VISION: integrated electronics

Inside the VISION variants sit a microcontroller board and the OLED display. The features include:

• 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 that can be controlled depending on temperature or via USB; this block's top is nickel plated brass. Due to limited space, a maximum of two cables can be threaded into the water block. The following combinations are possible:

• USB and aquabus
• USB and flow sensor or alarm output
• aquabus and flow sensor or alarm output

What the loop needs

With two G1/4 connection threads, 24 mm apart, the block takes two fittings from our fittings section. Supply the coolant through the central fitting for best cooling performance; a reversed flow direction significantly decreases it. For corrosion inhibition the manual requires Double Protect Ultra as coolant, such as Double Protect Ultra Clear 1000ml.

What you need to connect it

No cables are in the box. USB runs through the internal USB connection cable for VISION (53215). An aquaero 5 or 6, for example the aquaero 6 LT, connects with the 4-pin aquabus cable (53214). A flow sensor such as the high flow LT (53291) needs the flow sensor cable for VISION (53212). The alarm output reaches the motherboard power button through cable 53216. Other parts are among our VISION CPU accessories.

aquasuite software

When you activate this product, you receive the current aquasuite version including an upgrade service for at least six (6) months. After the upgrade service expires, you may use and reinstall the latest version available during that period without a time limit. For a fee, the update service can optionally be extended or renewed at any time. Installation and activation need an internet connection. The VISION module's own user and installation manual is in the Support/Downloads section of Aquacomputer's website.

Notes

• Put the water cooling system into operation with no other PC components connected to the mains supply, and check the block and the fittings for leakages. Start the PC only when coolant leaking from the system is definitively ruled out.
• A component that has been in contact with coolant must be completely dry again before it goes into operation.
• Adjust the geometry with extreme caution and touch no motherboard components. No adjustment screw should be rotated by more than one revolution from the original position.

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

Written reviews of the cuplex kryos NEXT were published by TechPowerUp, ComputerBase, Cooling Technique, Thermalbench, Overclockers.com, Review Studio and Hardwareoverclock.com.

The installation manual for the cuplex kryos NEXT VARIO with VISION is an English PDF. It covers mounting on every socket type, flow direction, approved coolants and the geometry adjustment, with technical details.