Aquacomputer Cuplex Kryos NEXT VARIO With VISION AM5/AM4,Nickel/Nickel (21724)

The Aquacomputer Cuplex Kryos NEXT VARIO With VISION AM5/AM4,Nickel/Nickel is a CPU water block for socket AM5 and AM4, with a nickel plated brass top and a nickel plated copper base. Its VARIO base can be adjusted while the PC is in operation, and the VISION module adds an OLED display, a water temperature sensor and a USB interface, just three of its features.

Properties

Socket type

AMD AM5, AM4

Top

Nickel plated brass

Base

Nickel plated copper, micro structure under 200 µm

Connection threads

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

A block series, and this model

Aquacomputer presents the cuplex kryos NEXT as a new milestone in CPU water block development. In its words, every detail was analyzed, optimized and tested to achieve perfection in cooling performance, installation procedure and product features. The result is not just one block with outstanding performance but a product series, with various models differing in color and functionality.

Across the series the top part comes in acetal black (shiny black high-tech plastic), acrylic glass (a transparent body suitable for illumination) and copper (reddish gloss). It is also made in nickel plated brass (bright metallic gloss) and PVD plated brass (a high quality multi layer coating with a dark metallic gloss). This material combination is nickel/nickel: the top part is nickel plated brass with a bright metallic gloss, and the base is nickel plated copper.

VARIO: geometry you set on a running PC

Aquacomputer says the VARIO models are the first CPU water blocks globally to incorporate a real-time adjustable base. Never before, it adds, was it possible to adjust the geometry of a CPU block to perfectly fit the CPU during operation. Four adjusting screws on the sides of the water block change the geometry of the base part.

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 block considerably. Prior concepts 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 base is adjusted in just a few moments.

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. Vary each adjustment screw slightly: if the CPU temperature decreases, keep turning the same direction, and if it increases, reverse. Repeat for all four screws until the block is optimally adjusted. To return 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.

For the readings, the manual names the aquasuite version 2017 or higher (tab "Quick data view"), HWiNFO, Core Temp, Open Hardware Monitor, AIDA64 or the software of some motherboard manufacturers. Prime95 or OCCT put the CPU under the heavy load the adjustment needs.

Base part with micro structure

The base part carries an extremely fine micro structure with a structural width lower than 200 µm. Coolant is injected centrally through a slot-shaped nozzle, and from there it 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; on this block it 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 the installed block has a very clean look. All versions of the retention system feature a mechanical stop, which Aquacomputer uses for optimum clamping force and even force distribution. The knurled screws can be installed by hand, and a hexagon socket wrench additionally makes installation easy.

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 here. Blocks of the series for socket 115x or AM3 instead include a steel back plate with silicone insulation to stabilize the CPU region of the motherboard. To mount, set the block on the CPU in the orientation the manual shows, put one spring into each recess and run 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, until all are fully fastened.

Thermal compound in the box

For optimum performance, every cuplex kryos NEXT ships with what Aquacomputer calls outstanding thermal compound: a syringe with 0.5 grams of Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut is included, complete with plastic spatula. It 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. Place a small drop of about 4 mm (0.15 inch) in the center of the CPU, or spread a thin layer with the spatula.

VISION: integrated electronics

Aquacomputer calls the VISION module modern electronics. The VISION variants are equipped with a microcontroller board and a high resolution OLED display, and 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 that can be displayed from the aquasuite software, for example current CPU load

The acrylic glass variants with VISION additionally carry an RGB LED, controlled depending on temperature or via USB. Due to limited space, a maximum of two cables can be threaded into the block. The following combinations are possible: USB and aquabus, USB and flow sensor or alarm output, or aquabus and flow sensor or alarm output.

What the loop needs

The block has two G1/4 ports, 24 mm apart, so it takes two fittings for your tube size; see our fittings section. For best cooling performance the coolant must be supplied through the central fitting, because reversed flow direction significantly decreases cooling performance. The manual asks for Double Protect Ultra as coolant for corrosion inhibition, for example Double Protect Ultra Clear 1000ml.

No cables are in the box. For USB, use the internal USB connection cable 100cm for VISION (53215). An aquaero such as the aquaero 6 LT connects with the aquabus cable 4-pin for VISION (53214). A flow sensor such as the high flow LT (53291) connects with the flow sensor cable for VISION, OCTO, QUADRO and Farbwerk 360 (53212). For the alarm output there is a cable to the mainboard power button (53216). More parts are in our VISION CPU accessories section.

aquasuite software

Activating this product gives you the current aquasuite version with an upgrade service for at least six (6) months. When it expires, you may keep using and reinstalling the latest version from that period with no time limit. The update service can optionally be extended or renewed at any time for a fee. Installing and activating aquasuite needs an internet connection. The user and installation manual for the VISION module is in the Support/Downloads section of Aquacomputer's website.

Notes

• Fill and run the water cooling system with no other PC components on the mains supply, and check the block and fittings for leakages first. Only put the PC into operation when coolant leaking from the system is definitively ruled out.
• A component that has been in contact with coolant must be completely dry before it goes into operation.
• Adjust the geometry with extreme caution and do not touch any 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 have appeared at 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 with the technical details of mounting on every socket type, the flow direction and the geometry adjustment.