EK's new custom waterblocks help cool delidded AMD Ryzen AM5 CPUs

EKWB
(Image credit: EKWB)

Delidding AMD's AM5 processors produces some great results for their cooling, which is why more enthusiasts are at least considering giving it a try. To cater to those PC builers, EK on Thursday introduced a special water block for that is specifically designed for custom cooling loops involving delidded Ryzen 7000-series AM5 CPUs, including X3D-badged processors with 3D V-Cache. 

The EK-Quantum Velocity² Direct Die D-RGB – AMD Ryzen Edition incorporates a custom-designed cold plate that aligns precisely with the CPU chiplets and I/O die of AMD's Ryzen 7000-series processors to maximize cooling efficiency. In addition, EK adjusted the fin structure of the water block and now it directs more coolant flow over the CPU chiplets, where it is most needed to boost cooling. 

(Image credit: EKWB)

To address the potential structural vulnerabilities caused by removing the integrated heat spreader (IHS), the water block comes with standoffs at the corners that facilitate a more secure and precise fit over the CPU compared to traditional methods that rely on direct contact with the IHS.  

EKWB

(Image credit: EKWB)

The EK-Quantum Velocity² Direct Die D-RGB – AMD Ryzen Edition water block is constructed with a clear acrylic top encased in a black-anodized aluminum frame, drawing design inspiration from the EK-Quantum Vector² RX 7900 XTX Radeon Edition, and, as the name suggests, has addressable RGB LEDs. Meanwhile, the unit is compatible with EK's Velocity² platform and, therefore, a wide range of pumps and accessories. 

(Image credit: EKWB)

For enthusiasts looking for some additional assistance with delidding, EK offers the EK-Quantum Velocity² Direct Die D-RGB – AMD Ryzen Edition Signature Edition which includes specialized delidding tools and accessories from Thermal Grizzly. Among these tools is the Delid-Die-Mate, designed for safely removing the CPU's IHS, and the TG Shield, a compound that protects against potential short circuits caused by liquid metal spillage. 

The EK-Quantum Velocity² Direct Die D-RGB – AMD Ryzen Edition products will be available through the EK Webshop and its Partner Reseller Network. The regular EK-Quantum Velocity² Direct Die D-RGB – AMD Ryzen Edition can be preordered for $269.90, whereas the Signature Edition with bundled delidding tools costs $269.90. Separately, the Thermal Grizzly Ryzen 7000 Delid-Die-Mate and Thermal Grizzly TG Shield cost $69.90 and $14.90, respectively.

Anton Shilov
Contributing Writer

Anton Shilov is a contributing writer at Tom’s Hardware. Over the past couple of decades, he has covered everything from CPUs and GPUs to supercomputers and from modern process technologies and latest fab tools to high-tech industry trends.

TOPICS
  • rluker5
    This is good for AMD CPU owners. Delidding seems a lot tougher on new AMD chips than Intel due to how the AM5 heatspreader, electronic bits, and maybe a relatively delicate cache layer are positioned but the temp gains should be even better than with Intel chips.

    More risk/ more reward.

    It is good to have more options. And I like how this article didn't have a clickbait title like the last one with EK direct die: https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/cpus/intels-latest-cpus-run-so-hot-that-delidding-has-become-common-ekwb-introduced-worlds-first-aio-liquid-cooler-designed-for-delidded-cpus
    I tried direct die cooling with a 5775c back in the day but it wasn't anything fancy. I just put in some washers in the AIO mounting bolts to bring the plate closer to the die. It only got me a couple of degrees on that low powered chip. This seems much better and more needed with the higher heat densities and chonky IHS. And the dedicated block surely optimizes cooling at the die contact.
    Reply
  • hotaru251
    given how 7000 series are designed to boost up to liek 95c likely get some great payoff for it.
    Reply
  • Amdlova
    I will keep with my beloved 35w cpu for a long time. 95°c on cpu it's not for me anymore...
    Don't want heat or noise :) max 20 dB. Today I like to hear the coil wine.
    Reply
  • Djekna80
    rluker5 said:
    This is good for AMD CPU owners. Delidding seems a lot tougher on new AMD chips than Intel due to how the AM5 heatspreader, electronic bits, and maybe a relatively delicate cache layer are positioned but the temp gains should be even better than with Intel chips.

    More risk/ more reward.

    It is good to have more options. And I like how this article didn't have a clickbait title like the last one with EK direct die: https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/cpus/intels-latest-cpus-run-so-hot-that-delidding-has-become-common-ekwb-introduced-worlds-first-aio-liquid-cooler-designed-for-delidded-cpus
    I tried direct die cooling with a 5775c back in the day but it wasn't anything fancy. I just put in some washers in the AIO mounting bolts to bring the plate closer to the die. It only got me a couple of degrees on that low powered chip. This seems much better and more needed with the higher heat densities and chonky IHS. And the dedicated block surely optimizes cooling at the die contact.
    i still have that CPU i put 240MM water cooler nothing fancy under 100$, did not change voltage on cpu but i got to 3.8Ghz temperature is around 50C when gaming, when stress max was 58C and i couple it with 6600M(yeap M) i undervolted graphic i hear pleasant air going trought computer, o yeap i also added 3x120 front, still run every new game 1080p medium min 60fps, and i don`t think i`m going to change until ryzen 9000 or Intel new cpu come out
    Reply
  • Dementoss
    Don't think I would invest in EK products right now: https://www.techpowerup.com/294095/ekwb-lays-off-25-of-workforce-blames-lower-watercooling-sales?cp=3
    Apparently, they have been failing to pay employees for months, according to other news I have seen today, here in the UK.
    Reply