EK Unveils Direct Die Ryzen Edition Water Blocks for AM5 Platform

Custom-engineered cooling engine optimized for AM5 direct die cooling
Features a glass-like acrylic top for rich D-RGB illumination
Certified as an EK-Matrix7 product for easy and precise loop configuration

EK, the provider of computer cooling solutions, is set to release a special edition direct die water block specifically designed for the AMD AM5 socket and delidded Ryzen 7000 CPUs, including the X3D variants. This innovative product features a custom-engineered cooling engine optimized exclusively for AM5 direct die cooling.

One of the standout features of this water block is its cold plate contact surface, which is meticulously designed with protruding sections that align perfectly with the CPU’s chiplets and I/O die. To ensure optimal performance, the CPU loading mechanism must be removed to accommodate the die guard, which prevents PCB bending and establishes an electrical connection with the socket pins.

The height and port distance of this water block are managed in 7 mm increments, thanks to its EK-Matrix7 compatibility. Taking inspiration from the EK-Quantum Vector² RX 7900 XTX Radeon Edition, this new CPU water block boasts a sleek black-anodized aluminum frame surrounding a transparent acrylic top.

The EK-Quantum Velocity² Direct Die D-RGB – AMD Ryzen Edition is built upon the award-winning Velocity² platform, which has received accolades such as the iF Design, European Hardware, and CES Innovation awards. The top of the water block features a glass-like acrylic material that allows rich D-RGB illumination to shine through.

The body of the water block is encased in sandblasted black anodized aluminum, while a vertical terminal made of black acetal seamlessly complements its overall aesthetic, resulting in a visually striking design.

In terms of the mounting mechanism, it differs from the Velocity² Direct Die 1700 water block. Instead of the cold plate making direct contact with the die guard, this new design relies on standoffs at all corners. The cold plate’s protruding sections are strategically positioned to cover the CPU chips, ensuring efficient heat dissipation.

The fin structure of the water block has been optimized to direct most of the coolant flow over the chiplets, with some flow directed over the central I/O die. This flow optimization is achieved through a specialized jet plate and offset slip, which force the coolant to flow over the hottest parts of the microfins just above the chiplets. The entire fin array is offset to avoid areas of the CPU that generate minimal heat.

The Ryzen Signature Edition CPU water block shares all the features of the AMD Ryzen Edition, with the only difference being the inclusion of Thermal Grizzly tools and accessories.

One such accessory is the Delid-Die-Mate, a tool that allows users to safely and easily remove the Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS) from their Ryzen 7000 CPUs, enabling direct cooling of the CPU die.

To protect the Surface-Mounted Devices (SMDs) around the chips from potential liquid metal spillage, Thermal Grizzly offers the TG Shield compound. Even if liquid metal is applied excessively and spills over these components, it will not cause a short circuit or damage the CPU. Generous application of TG Shield ensures its effectiveness when cleaning the chiplets or liquid metal with alcohol.

The EK-Quantum Velocity² Direct Die – AM5 water block is certified as an EK-Matrix7 product. This certification adds convenience and precision to PC Liquid Cooling by managing product height and port distance in 7 mm increments. This streamlines product alignment and reduces planning time for loop configuration and tube bending, making the process of building a liquid-cooled PC easier and more enjoyable.

The new EK-Quantum Velocity² Direct Die – AMD Ryzen Edition CPU water blocks are specifically designed for the AMD AM5 socket and delidded Ryzen 7000 Series desktop CPUs, including X3D variants. These water blocks are compatible with popular addressable RGB sync technologies from major motherboard manufacturers, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems.

The EK-Quantum Velocity² Direct Die – AMD Ryzen Edition water blocks are manufactured in Slovenia, Europe, and can be pre-ordered through the EK Webshop and Partner Reseller Network. Shipping is expected to commence in early May 2024. Please refer to the table below for the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), including VAT.

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Background Information

About AMD: AMD, a large player in the semiconductor industry is known for its powerful processors and graphic solutions, AMD has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance, efficiency, and user experience. With a customer-centric approach, the company has cultivated a reputation for delivering high-performance solutions that cater to the needs of gamers, professionals, and general users. AMD's Ryzen series of processors have redefined the landscape of desktop and laptop computing, offering impressive multi-core performance and competitive pricing that has challenged the dominance of its competitors. Complementing its processor expertise, AMD's Radeon graphics cards have also earned accolades for their efficiency and exceptional graphical capabilities, making them a favored choice among gamers and content creators. The company's commitment to innovation and technology continues to shape the client computing landscape, providing users with powerful tools to fuel their digital endeavors.

About EK: EKWB, or EK Water Blocks, is a Slovenian company specializing in liquid cooling solutions for computers. They are well-regarded for their high-quality water cooling components, including CPU and GPU water blocks, radiators, pumps, and tubing. EKWB is a trusted brand among PC enthusiasts and overclockers, offering efficient and customizable cooling solutions to help maintain optimal operating temperatures for high-performance computers.

Event Info

About CES: CES, the Consumer Electronics Show, is an annual event held in Las Vegas, Nevada, organized by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). With a history dating back to 1967, it has become the world's premier platform for unveiling and exploring the latest innovations in consumer electronics and technology. Drawing exhibitors ranging from industry titans to startups across diverse sectors, including automotive, health and wellness, robotics, gaming, and artificial intelligence, CES transforms Las Vegas into a global tech hub, offering a glimpse into the future of technology through a wide array of showcases, from startup-focused Eureka Park to cutting-edge automotive and health tech exhibitions.

Technology Explained

AM5: Socket AM5 (LGA 1718) is a zero insertion force flip-chip land grid array (LGA) CPU socket designed by Advanced Micro Devices, that is used for AMD Ryzen microprocessors starting with the Zen 4 microarchitecture. AM5 replaces the Socket AM4 and is AMD's first LGA socket designed for mainstream, non-enthusiast CPUs.

chiplets: Chiplets are a new type of technology that is revolutionizing the computer industry. They are small, modular components that can be used to build a variety of computer systems. Chiplets are designed to be highly efficient and cost-effective, allowing for the creation of powerful and complex systems without the need for large, expensive components. They are also highly customizable, allowing for the creation of systems tailored to specific needs. Chiplets are being used in a variety of applications, from high-end gaming PCs to embedded systems and even supercomputers. They are also being used to create powerful AI systems, allowing for the development of more advanced and intelligent machines. Chiplets are revolutionizing the computer industry, allowing for the creation of powerful and efficient systems at a fraction of the cost.

CPU: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of a computer, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It is the most important component of a computer system, as it is responsible for controlling all other components. CPUs are used in a wide range of applications, from desktop computers to mobile devices, gaming consoles, and even supercomputers. CPUs are used to process data, execute instructions, and control the flow of information within a computer system. They are also used to control the input and output of data, as well as to store and retrieve data from memory. CPUs are essential for the functioning of any computer system, and their applications in the computer industry are vast.

Liquid Cooling: Liquid cooling is a technology used to cool down computer components, such as processors, graphics cards, and other components that generate a lot of heat. It works by circulating a liquid coolant, such as water or a special coolant, through a series of pipes and radiators. The liquid absorbs the heat from the components and then dissipates it into the air. This technology is becoming increasingly popular in the computer industry due to its ability to provide more efficient cooling than traditional air cooling methods. Liquid cooling can also be used to overclock components, allowing them to run at higher speeds than their rated speeds. This technology is becoming increasingly popular in the gaming industry, as it allows gamers to get the most out of their hardware.

PCB: Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are the backbone of the modern computer industry. They are thin boards made of a non-conductive material, such as fiberglass, with a thin layer of copper on top. This copper layer is etched with a pattern of electrical pathways that connect the various components of a computer together. PCBs are used in almost every electronic device, from computers to cell phones, and are essential for the functioning of these devices. They provide a reliable and efficient way to connect the components of a computer, allowing for faster and more reliable communication between them. The use of PCBs has revolutionized the computer industry, allowing for smaller, faster, and more reliable computers.

Radeon: AMD Radeon, a product line by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), consists of graphics processing units (GPUs) recognized for their strong performance in gaming, content creation, and professional applications. Powered by innovative technologies like the RDNA architecture, Radeon GPUs deliver efficient and powerful graphics processing. The brand also supports features like FreeSync, enhancing visual fluidity and reducing screen tearing during gaming. Moreover, AMD Radeon GPUs embrace real-time ray tracing for heightened realism in lighting and reflections. With a balance between price and performance, Radeon competes with NVIDIA's GeForce graphics cards and remains a popular choice for a wide range of users.