Wednesday, December 28th 2022

EK Launches a 4-in-1 AM5 Socket Delicacy for the SFF Community

EK, the premium liquid cooling gear manufacturer, is releasing yet another unique pump-reservoir-water block combo. This time for AMD AM5 Socket, Ryzen 7000-series CPUs, and AM5 socket-based motherboards. It features the latest socket-specific EK-Quantum Velocity² cooling engine, while the CPU water block has an integrated DDC 4.2 PWM pump that is cooled by the metal part of the water block acting as a heatsink. The combo is the perfect companion for ITX (SFF) builds where space for a dedicated pump and reservoir is an issue. This product effectively combines four different products into a single small enclosure for ultimate space-saving.

The product combines a Velocity² CPU water block, a genuine DDC 4.2 PWM pump with a reservoir, and a DDC heatsink. All this is contained in an assembly significantly smaller than the sum of its parts. A total of four products in a footprint of a hefty CPU water block that fits perfectly. EK-Quantum Velocity² series CPU water blocks embed the next-generation cooling engine. They use a specific combination of mounting pressure and coldplate geometry tailored for the IHS and chiplet layout of AMD AM5 socket processors. Low hydraulic flow restriction enables these products to be used in setups with weaker water pumps or lower pump speeds for added silent operation while still being able to easily achieve top performance. The lathe-turned coldplate is made with precision to cover the IHS effectively and put pressure on the die area.
Using a dedicated reservoir is not required with this water block, as it incorporates a small reservoir to ease the filling process and ensure the water-lubricated DDC pump always has sufficient coolant so it doesn't run dry. It has two G1/4" fill ports to account for both vertical and horizontal motherboard mounting and two sets of inlets and outlets.

The coldplate is manufactured out of the highest-grade, 99.99%-pure electrolytic copper, machined with precision for the best possible contact and heat transfer, and is subsequently nickel-plated. The middle section is made of glass-like CNC-machined cast acrylic. On top of it stands the DDC pump with the block top made of CNC-machined nickel-plated brass.

Since DDC pumps benefit from additional cooling to ensure longer life and fewer issues, the nickel-plated brass top is used as a heatsink for the pump housing, with the heat being transferred away from the pump via thermal pads. The brass top features two fill ports, while the two sets of G1/4" inlets and outlets are located on the side of the block made of durable black acetal.

EK-Quantum Velocity² Patent-Pending Mounting
Because of the integrated, sturdy stock backplate arriving with AM5 motherboards, the patent-pending EK-ExactMount mounting system was re-engineered for an even simpler installation process. The end result is an even easier-to-use and "invisible" mounting mechanism since the entire mounting system is inside the water block, and now it is a true single-piece product. The backplate is factory-mounted on the motherboard, and the spring-loaded Torx screws are integrated into the water block and are screwed by counter-clockwise rotation into the stock backplate of the motherboard.

The integrated mounting screws are engineered with a hard-stop design, so once screws reach the end of the thread, the block is perfectly mounted and tensioned. This removes the risks of over-torquing the water block and potentially damaging your motherboard and/or CPU.

Compatibility
New EK-Quantum Velocity² AM5 CPU water blocks are socket-specific, compatible only with AMD AM5 sockets and Ryzen 7000-series CPUs.

D-RGB Compatibility
This product is compatible with all popular addressable-RGB sync technologies from all major motherboard manufacturers. The arrow marking on the 3-pin D-RGB LED connector is to be aligned with the +5V marking on the D-RGB header. The block's middle section is made of glass-like acrylic and lit with 14 addressable LEDs.

EK-Quantum Velocity² DDC 4.2 PWM D-RGB - AM5 Nickel + Plexi 339.90€ (MSRP).
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55 Comments on EK Launches a 4-in-1 AM5 Socket Delicacy for the SFF Community

#1
Chaitanya
How long before AssTek's lawyers get busy?
Edit: also would like to see AIOs based on that waterblock.
Posted on Reply
#2
n-ster
Oooo this is sexy, but pricey... ouch. Too bad there isn't an AM4 adapter kit or something
Posted on Reply
#3
tabascosauz
ChaitanyaHow long before AssTek's lawyers get busy?
Edit: also would like to see AIOs based on that waterblock.
What has Asetek got to do with anything? Most of these pump blocks just use any DDC.

Like EK, you're kinda late to the party. SFFers have been using these for years.

Barrow AMD CPU water block integrated pump and reservoir LTPRKA-04 LTPRPA-04_巴罗散热 (barrowint.com)
Aquanaut Basic - Ultra low profile CPU block & pump mount combo – Nouvolo
Swiftech APOGEE Drive II CPU Waterblock NO PUMP - Intel 1155 Version APD2-NP-1155 (performance-pcs.com)

And as usual, EK's price is just LMAO
Posted on Reply
#4
Chaitanya
tabascosauzWhat has Asetek got to do with anything? Most of these pump blocks just use any DDC.

Like EK, you're kinda late to the party. SFFers have been using these for years.

Barrow AMD CPU water block integrated pump and reservoir LTPRKA-04 LTPRPA-04_巴罗散热 (barrowint.com)
Aquanaut Basic - Ultra low profile CPU block & pump mount combo – Nouvolo
Swiftech APOGEE Drive II CPU Waterblock NO PUMP - Intel 1155 Version APD2-NP-1155 (performance-pcs.com)

And as usual, EK's price is just LMAO
Just that Asstek has habit of suing competitors(i.e. Lawyers bring more revenue more than engineers). I had built PC using H220(if I remember correctly it had 1st gen of Apogee drive) block few years back but it was one of the products which was withdrawn from US market thanks to Asstek lawsuit.
Posted on Reply
#5
Woomack
I have the LGA1700 version, and it doesn't look as good in reality as in the manufacturer's photos. The top doesn't have a mirror finish, and you can see the CNC milling texture. The thing is huge and heavy. It's designed for the SFF community ... but it doesn't fit most sandwich-type cases as it's too tall - have to count 75mm+fittings as side fittings won't work on many motherboards or if you want to have easy access to RAM. Most sandwich-type cases have space up to 60mm (55-65mm). In the end, you are forced to use a typical large case, so it's more for all those who don't want to use a separate reservoir and pump or simply don't have much space in the desired PC case. I feel it's a good product and a great space saver, but it's still not a product for SFF (I'm not saying about ITX cases that have a size of mATX or ATX).
Posted on Reply
#6
gffermari
They should support the AM4 socket as well.

EK prices remain ridiculous.
Posted on Reply
#7
L'Eliminateur
before even expanding the article i was thinking to myself "what are the odds that it costs more than the 4 separate parts..." and yes, EK did NOT dissapoint.

At this insane overprice, i could either be able to upgrade to a 7950x, or stay on a 7700x and go for a top end GPU and a decent air cooler.

So other than for a 7950X owner or very specific niche builds(mini itx and mini itx case), this product is senseless
Posted on Reply
#9
Asni
Is there a technical reason why all these AIOs include a DDC instead of a D5 pump?
Posted on Reply
#10
ZoneDymo
AsniIs there a technical reason why all these AIOs include a DDC instead of a D5 pump?
size, DDC's are smaller
Posted on Reply
#11
sephiroth117
it's beautifully crafted, it's useful for SFF..but it's really too expensive
Posted on Reply
#12
Dyatlov A
Is it like an AIO? Or What else needs?
Posted on Reply
#13
chodaboy19
There are some "niche" alternatives that have been out for a bit:

www.nouvolo.com/pages/aquanaut

modultra.com/

These work really well in a SSUPD Meshlicious or FormD T1/2, again all very niche and deep pockets needed. I think at least from the pictures, EK's version looks better thought out in the details?
Posted on Reply
#14
cvaldes
tabascosauzWhat has Asetek got to do with anything?
I believe Asetek owns the patent for a waterblock with an integrated pump. So other companies use one of Asetek's designs, pay a license fee for own designs, or find an fee-free alternative like sticking the pump on the coolant tubes or sometimes inside the radiator itself.

EKWB already has other products like AIOs with integrated pump-waterblocks so I'm guessing they paid Asetek the licensing fee for this design which seemingly is covered by this patent.
Posted on Reply
#16
A Computer Guy
cvaldesI believe Asetek owns the patent for a waterblock with an integrated pump. So other companies use one of Asetek's designs, pay a license fee for own designs, or find an fee-free alternative like sticking the pump on the coolant tubes or sometimes inside the radiator itself.

EKWB already has other products like AIOs with integrated pump-waterblocks so I'm guessing they paid Asetek the licensing fee for this design which seemingly is covered by this patent.
It would be interesting to get around that by doing a waterblock + air cooler + integrated pump.
Posted on Reply
#17
ThrashZone
Hi,
Yep all you need is a radiator and some hosing :/
Socket-specific of course ;)
Posted on Reply
#18
Chaitanya
cvaldesI believe Asetek owns the patent for a waterblock with an integrated pump. So other companies use one of Asetek's designs, pay a license fee for own designs, or find an fee-free alternative like sticking the pump on the coolant tubes or sometimes inside the radiator itself.

EKWB already has other products like AIOs with integrated pump-waterblocks so I'm guessing they paid Asetek the licensing fee for this design which seemingly is covered by this patent.
EK has gotten around the patent like many others(CM, Swiftech, etc..) by redesigning their Pump-block combo but it still hasn't stopped Asstek from suing Corsair recently.
Posted on Reply
#19
kapone32
339 Euros!!? Guess how much this cost? It is just a dumb block but I would get this every day over this. I am sure the Regular Eisbear is better and 1/3 the price. EK is too greedy for me. Never again.

ChaitanyaEK has gotten around the patent like many others(CM, Swiftech, etc..) by redesigning their Pump-block combo but it still hasn't stopped Asstek from suing Corsair recently.
Those OEMs are not based out of the US. Cooler Master, Silverstone, EK and Alphacool have always had their own AIO designs. I guess because Corsair basically followed Cooler Master's design with the squarish block (even uses the same mounting process for AM4) on their new AIOs may have hurt Asetek's feelings as they were one of their biggest supporters. If memory serves me only some of the MB vendors are releasing Asetek based systems now.
Posted on Reply
#20
Chaitanya
kapone32339 Euros!!? Guess how much this cost? It is just a dumb block but I would get this every day over this. I am sure the Regular Eisbear is better and 1/3 the price. EK is too greedy for me. Never again.




Those OEMs are not based out of the US. Cooler Master, Silverstone, EK and Alphacool have always had their own AIO designs. I guess because Corsair basically followed Cooler Master's design with the squarish block (even uses the same mounting process for AM4) on their new AIOs may have hurt Asetek's feelings as they were one of their biggest supporters. If memory serves me only some of the MB vendors are releasing Asetek based systems now.
Corsair has cut ties with Asstek and their entire AIO lineup is CoolIT AIOs at this point.
Posted on Reply
#21
kapone32
ChaitanyaCorsair has cut ties with Asstek and their entire AIO lineup is CoolIT AIOs at this point.
This is one of the best things about TPU. context.
Posted on Reply
#22
zlobby
tabascosauzWhat has Asetek got to do with anything? Most of these pump blocks just use any DDC.

Like EK, you're kinda late to the party. SFFers have been using these for years.

Barrow AMD CPU water block integrated pump and reservoir LTPRKA-04 LTPRPA-04_巴罗散热 (barrowint.com)
Aquanaut Basic - Ultra low profile CPU block & pump mount combo – Nouvolo
Swiftech APOGEE Drive II CPU Waterblock NO PUMP - Intel 1155 Version APD2-NP-1155 (performance-pcs.com)

And as usual, EK's price is just LMAO
Sure, EU labor is (typically) more expensive than say, Chinese, but EK are nuts. With their shady past the low demand for such things, I bet they are not moving much units. I'm afraid that their recent layoff was just the begining.
kapone32339 Euros!!? Guess how much this cost? It is just a dumb block but I would get this every day over this. I am sure the Regular Eisbear is better and 1/3 the price. EK is too greedy for me. Never again.




Those OEMs are not based out of the US. Cooler Master, Silverstone, EK and Alphacool have always had their own AIO designs. I guess because Corsair basically followed Cooler Master's design with the squarish block (even uses the same mounting process for AM4) on their new AIOs may have hurt Asetek's feelings as they were one of their biggest supporters. If memory serves me only some of the MB vendors are releasing Asetek based systems now.
:eek: That corrosion!
Posted on Reply
#23
kapone32
zlobbySure, EU labor is (typically) more expensive than say, Chinese, but EK are nuts. With their shady past the low demand for such things, I bet they are not moving much units. I'm afraid that their recent layoff was just the begining.


:eek: That corrosion!
No it is actually dust. I took it out of drawer that has some of my Cooing supplies.
Posted on Reply
#24
zlobby
kapone32No it is actually dust. I took it out of drawer that has some of my Cooing supplies.
I'm talking about the threads and the plugs. I would bet it's galvanic corrosion. Granted, in a very small doses, still...
Posted on Reply
#25
kapone32
zlobbyI'm talking about the threads and the plugs. I would bet it's galvanic corrosion. Granted, in a very small doses, still...
Oh you mean the traces of the Green fluid I use.
Posted on Reply
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