Packaging and Accessories

Aqua Computer operates a web shop based out of Germany, and so we begin with a look at the shipping packaging. A well-sized box was used here, with ample paper packing material all over and around the contents inside to keep them protected.


As mentioned before, Aqua Computer sells the cuplex kyos NEXT not just as an Intel- or AMD-specific option, but also for Intel LGA 115x and LGA 2011(-3, also 2066) specific SKUs to help keep costs low. If you change your mind after having made the purchase, they do sell conversion kits similar to this LGA 2011(-3) kit we see here. It comes in a plastic pouch complete with a color printout manual, the replacement mounting hardware, and a mounting bracket. Rounding off the kit are the required Allen wrenches to replace the mounting brackets, which was nice to see and thus makes it so that you do not need to already have tools on hand.


We now get to the actual CPU block packaging, and Aqua Computer is using their usual black and blue color scheme here. The front has a nice illustration of the block along with the company and product name, and this carries on at the sides and back with more illustrations as well as listed specs and marketing features. We see that there is in fact an outer sleeve that goes over the inner box, which reveals yet more information when removed - this time about the company itself.


Open the box and we are greeted to a two-compartment packaging inside, something that seems to be getting more and more popular in order to isolate the accessories from the actual block underneath. Indeed, on top, we see a color printout manual for this specific combination that goes over not just its installation, but how to use the block's VARIO and VISION features. The manual is barebones on the details, however, and I would really like to see Aqua Computer do a better job here to help out the newcomer and novice.

The other accessories come in a plastic pouch and, this being the Intel LGA 115x version, include the Intel socket backplate that is made out of stainless steel, a rubber gasket to prevent electrical shorting on the back, and the mounting hardware. Here, we have four each of the locking nuts, metal springs, plastic washers, and mounting posts, along with two Allen wrenches, a tube of the excellent Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut thermal paste, and a spreader/applicator for the paste. A complete solution here yet again - just the way I prefer it. The wire/cable you see in the picture above is not an accessory as much as, well, you will see shortly. There is a piece of thick but soft foam below this compartment and around the CPU block, and another has been placed under the block to further protect it from possible shipping mishaps.