EKWB brings direct-die cooling to AM5 platforms

EK has recently released a special edition direct die water block specifically designed for the AMD AM5 socket and delidded Ryzen 7000 CPUs, including the X3D versions. The custom-engineered cooling engine is designed for AM5 direct die cooling, and the cold plate contact surface has projecting areas that precisely fit the CPU chiplets and I/O die.

To install the die guard, the CPU mounting mechanism must be removed first. The die guard keeps the PCB from bending and establishes an electrical connection with the socket pins. This water block supports ARGB sync technologies from major motherboard manufacturers and is EK-Matrix7 compatible, meaning its height and port distance can be adjusted in 7mm increments. The new CPU water block design is inspired by the EK-Quantum Vector² RX 7900 XTX Radeon Edition and features a black-anodised aluminium frame with a see-through glass top.

Unlike the Velocity² Direct Die 1700 water block, the mounting system of the new block uses standoffs at all corners instead of the cold plate contacting the die guard. The fin structure has also been modified to route most of the flow over the chiplets, and some over the central I/O die. This flow optimisation was accomplished using a specialised jet plate and an offset slip, which pushes the coolant to flow across the hottest areas of the micro fins.

In addition to the AMD Ryzen Edition, EK is also launching an EK-Quantum Velocity² Direct Die D-RGB – AMD Ryzen Signature Edition that includes a Thermal Grizzly Delid-Die-Mate delidding tool and Thermal Grizzly TG Shield compound to shield the SMDs around the chips. The EK-Quantum Velocity² Direct Die water blocks for the AM5 platform will begin shipping in early May 2024. The AMD Ryzen Edition water block goes for €269.90, while the AMD Ryzen Signature Edition pushes the price to €349.90. If you want to get the Delid-Die-Mate and the TG Shield separately, the former will cost €69.90 and the latter €14.90.

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KitGuru says: Direct-Die cooling isn't something the average consumer is going to mess with. However, for enthusiasts chasing the best temperatures and performance possible, this will no doubt be a block to consider. 

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