Aquacomputer Cuplex Kryos NEXT With VISION AM5/AM4, PVD/Nickel (21715)

The Aquacomputer Cuplex Kryos NEXT With VISION AM5/AM4, PVD/Nickel (21715) is a CPU water block for AMD socket AM5 and AM4 with a PVD plated brass top and a nickel plated copper base. A built-in VISION module gives it a high resolution OLED display, an integrated water temperature sensor and a USB interface, and its two ports are G1/4.

Properties

Sockets

AMD AM5, AM4

Top

PVD plated brass (dark metallic gloss), VISION module with OLED display

Base

Nickel plated copper, micro structure under 200 µm

Ports

2x G1/4, 24 mm between threads

Size

111 x 75 x 22 mm (not including screws)

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 was analyzed, optimized and tested to achieve perfection in cooling performance, in the installation procedure and in product features. The result, Aquacomputer says, is not just one block with outstanding performance but a product series, its various models differing in color and functionality.

The VARIO models of that series are, in Aquacomputer's words, the first CPU water blocks globally to incorporate a real-time adjustable base. It says never before had it been possible to adjust the geometry of a CPU block to perfectly fit the CPU while the PC is in operation. On those variants, 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 a water block's cooling performance considerably. Prior concepts always required the block to be disassembled and then reinstalled onto the motherboard, requiring significant time and effort. On a VARIO you simply turn the screws while monitoring core temperatures at maximum CPU load. Temperature changes provide an immediate feedback, so the setting Aquacomputer calls perfect is quickly identified, and adjusted in just a few moments. This VISION block is not a VARIO and has a fixed base.

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 rest of the list:

• 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

Only the acrylic glass variants with VISION are additionally equipped with an RGB LED, controlled depending on temperature or via USB, so this PVD version has none. 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.

Base part with micro structure

An extremely fine micro structure covers the base part, with a structural width lower than 200 µm. Coolant is injected centrally through a slot-shaped nozzle and 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; this one has the nickel plated copper base.

Color variants and material combination

Across the series the top part is available in various materials and coatings. Acetal black is a shiny black high-tech plastic, while acrylic glass is a transparent body suitable for illumination. Copper has a reddish gloss and nickel plated brass a bright metallic gloss. PVD plated brass is a high quality multi layer coating with a dark metallic gloss. This block's material combination is PVD/nickel: a top part of PVD plated brass on a base of nickel plated copper.

Retention system

The retention system consists of stainless steel plates 2.5 mm thick, fitted with nickel plated spring cups. Springs and knurled screws secure the water block on the motherboard, and when installed the 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.

No back plate comes with this block, because socket 2011/2066, AM5/AM4 and TR4 motherboards already include one as part of the CPU socket. No additional back plate is therefore required. Water blocks for socket 115x or AM3 are the exception: they include a steel back plate with silicone insulation to stabilize the CPU region of the motherboard.

Thermal compound

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 its low viscosity means it spreads out thin and evenly between CPU and water block. The amount is sufficient for approximately five applications.

Installation

Remove the old 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 spatula. Set the block on the CPU in the orientation the manual shows and place a spring into each recess. Insert a knurled screw through each spring into the anchor threads of the CPU socket, one or two revolutions only. Then tighten the screws alternately, a fraction of a revolution at a time, until all four are fully fastened.

What the loop needs

The two G1/4 connection threads take two fittings from our fittings section. For best cooling performance the coolant must be supplied through the central fitting, because a reversed flow direction significantly decreases cooling performance. For corrosion inhibition, Aquacomputer requires Double Protect Ultra as coolant, for example Double Protect Ultra Clear 1000ml.

What you need to connect it

No cable for the VISION module is in the box. Our Aquacomputer VISION CPU accessories section has them, among them the internal USB connection cable for VISION (53215). An aquaero such as the aquaero 6 LT connects with the 4-pin aquabus cable (53214). A flow sensor such as the high flow 2 (53292) uses the flow sensor cable for VISION (53212).

aquasuite software

The aquasuite software handles configuration, evaluation and monitoring of all Aqua Computer USB devices. It and the user and installation manual for the VISION module are in the Support/Downloads section of Aquacomputer's website. Activating this product gets 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 optionally be extended or renewed at any time for a fee. Installation and activation need an internet connection.

Technical details

Reviews

Written reviews of the cuplex kryos NEXT that Aquacomputer lists come from TechPowerUp, ComputerBase, Cooling Technique, Thermalbench, Overclockers.com, Review Studio and Hardwareoverclock.com.

Notes

• Run the water cooling system 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 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 for the cuplex kryos NEXT with VISION covers the mounting steps for every socket, the flow direction and the approved coolant.