EKWB released a special liquid cooling block, specially designed for scalped Socket AM5 processors – iPon

Thanks to EK Water Blocks, a particularly special liquid cooling block has appeared, which can be installed on those processors with Socket AM5 casing, from which the integrated heat distribution plate (IHS) has been removed, so that the base of the liquid cooling block can be in direct contact with the processor board. These coolers are called “direct-die” category solutions, but their application requires caution, since the processor cap must be removed before fixing them, which is not an easy task for inexperienced users, and unfortunately, it is not without danger. By the way, a similar liquid cooling block was previously launched by the Slovenian manufacturer, but it targeted Intel processors.

In the case of the product named EK-Quantum Velocity2 Direct Die D-RGB – AMD RYZEN Edition, it is important to point out that it does not fit all Socket AM5 processors, it only supports the RYZEN 7000 models with a chip structure, which is also Socket AM5 cannot be used for RYZEN 8000G series APU units that fit into the socket. The latter, i.e. the desktop APU units built around the Hawk Point chip, consist of a single monolithic chip, it would not use a chip-based structure, which is why the specially designed liquid cooling block does not fit them. In the case of the RYZEN 8000G series members, it is not worth thinking about such things anyway, since due to the relatively low TDP frame, we cannot expect as much progress in terms of cooling as with a RYZEN 7000 model with a 170 W TDP frame.

The base of the liquid cooling block was of course designed to fit processors with a chiplet structure: a separate cooling surface was created above both the CCD blocks and the cIOD, essentially the bottom of the block was chipped according to the shape of the chips. In addition to the normal RYZEN 7000 series processors, the special liquid cooling block also fits the RYZEN 7000X3D models, which have an extra L3 Cache on one chiplet. With these models, the removal of the IHS and the installation of the cooler also require a lot of attention.

The new model uses a different design compared to the direct-die block made for LGA-1700 processors, with spacers on the four corners to ensure a precise and secure fit. The liquid cooling block equipped with microchannels and with a nickel-plated copper base comes with an acrylic insert, which is illuminated by an RGB LED-based light source, and above the acrylic insert is a sandblasted and anodized aluminum cover, so the overall appearance of the product is special and elegant.

Accordingly, the premium liquid cooling block will not be cheap. The block itself can be purchased independently for 269.90 euros, but if you apply for the “Signature Edition” version, which includes the Thermal Frizzly 7000 IHS removal tool and the Thermal Grizzly protective coating, then you have to prepare 349.90 euros for the virtual at the till.