Aquacomputer Cuplex Kryos NEXT with VISION AM5/AM4/3000/5000/7000/8000/9000, Acrylic/Nickel (21774)

The Aquacomputer Cuplex Kryos NEXT with VISION AM5/AM4/3000/5000/7000/8000/9000, Acrylic/Nickel is a CPU water block for socket AM5/AM4 with a transparent acrylic glass top and a nickel plated copper base. Its VISION module adds a high resolution OLED display, an integrated water temperature sensor and a USB interface, and the block connects with two G1/4 threads.

Properties

Sockets

AM5/AM4 (9000/8000/7000/5000/3000 retention system)

Top

Acrylic glass with VISION module, OLED display and RGB LED

Base

Nickel plated copper, micro structure under 200 µm

Ports

2x G1/4, 23.5 mm apart

Size

111 x 75 x 22 mm (not including screws)

One block from a product series

Aquacomputer says the cuplex kryos NEXT marks a new milestone in CPU water block development. By its account every detail was analyzed, optimized and tested to achieve perfection in cooling performance, installation procedure and product features. The result, in Aquacomputer's words, is a block with outstanding performance and at the same time a product series, with various models differing in color and functionality.

The VARIO models of that series, which this VISION block is not, were the first CPU water blocks globally to incorporate a real-time adjustable base. Aquacomputer says it had never before been possible to adjust the geometry of a CPU block to perfectly fit the CPU while the PC is in operation.

Base part with micro structure

An extremely fine micro structure covers the base part, with a structural width 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 version's material combination is acrylic/nickel: a top part of acrylic glass and a base of nickel plated copper.

Across the series the top part is available in color variants of various materials and coatings. Acetal black is a shiny black high-tech plastic, and acrylic glass, the top of this block, is a transparent body suitable for illumination. Copper has a reddish gloss. Nickel plated brass gives a bright metallic gloss, and PVD plated brass is a high quality multi layer coating with a dark metallic gloss.

VISION: integrated electronics

Models with the VISION module are equipped with modern electronics: a microcontroller board and an OLED display are built into the block. The display, the water temperature sensor integrated in the water block and the USB interface are just three of the features. The others are:

• a connector for a flow sensor, which can alternatively be used as an alarm output
• an aquabus interface for communication with an aquaero 5 or 6
• a customizable display output
• various hardware data displayed from the aquasuite software, for example the current CPU load

Because it is an acrylic glass variant, this block is additionally equipped with an RGB LED that can be controlled depending on temperature or via USB. 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, or aquabus and flow sensor or alarm output.

Retention system

The retention system consists of 2.5 mm thick stainless steel plates fitted 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. All retention system versions feature a mechanical stop for optimum clamping force and even force distribution. The knurled screws go in by hand, and a hexagon socket wrench can additionally be used for easy installation.

Socket 2011 or AM5/AM4 motherboards already include a back plate as part of the CPU socket, therefore no additional back plate is required here. Water blocks for socket 115x or AM3 are different: they include a steel back plate with silicone insulation to stabilize the CPU region of the motherboard. With the AM5/AM4 9000/8000/7000/5000/3000 retention system the block is not centered on the CPU. It sits slightly off-center, for optimum heat dissipation in line with the asymmetrical internal design of these CPU series.

On AM4 and AM5, place a spring into each recess and insert a knurled screw through each spring into the anchor threads of the CPU socket, only one or two revolutions at first. Then fasten each screw alternately by a fraction of a revolution until all four are fully fastened.

Thermal compound

For optimum performance, every cuplex kryos NEXT ships with what Aquacomputer calls outstanding thermal compound: a syringe of 0.5 grams 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. Place a small drop of about 4 mm in diameter centrally on the CPU, or spread a thin layer with the spatula.

What the loop needs

In its technical details Aquacomputer gives dimensions of 111 x 75 x 22 mm for socket AM5/AM4, not including screws. The two G1/4 connection threads have a distance of 23.5 mm between them, and 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, for example Double Protect Ultra Clear 1000ml.

No cable for the VISION module is part of the scope of delivery. Our Aquacomputer VISION CPU accessories section has them, such as the internal USB connection cable for VISION (53215) and the 4-pin aquabus cable (53214) for an aquaero such as the aquaero 6 LT. The flow sensor input takes a sensor such as the high flow 2 (53292) with the flow sensor cable for VISION (53212).

aquasuite software

The aquasuite software configures, evaluates and monitors all Aqua Computer USB devices, and the user and installation manual of the VISION module is with it in the Support/Downloads section of Aquacomputer's website. Activating this product gives you the current aquasuite version with an upgrade service for at least six (6) months. After it expires, you may keep using and reinstalling the latest version from that period without a time limit. The update service can be extended or renewed at any time for a fee, and installation and activation need an internet connection. Further information about the update service and activation is on Aquacomputer's licensing pages.

Notes

• Run the loop first with no other PC components connected to the mains, and check the block and the fittings for leaks before the PC goes into operation.
• A component that has been in contact with coolant must be completely dry before it is put into operation.
• Remove old thermal grease residues from the CPU surface with benzine if necessary.

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

Aquacomputer's manual for the cuplex kryos NEXT with VISION covers the mounting steps for every socket, the flow direction and the approved coolant.