EK launches its first direct-die AIO CPU water cooler

The EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 Direct Die D-RGB is the first AIO CPU cooler designed for delidded Intel CPUs. Designed in collaboration with Der8auer, this cooler features a pump-block combo with a custom-built cold plate to direct die cool Intel LGA 1700-based CPUs.

This AIO cooling system is bringing the benefits of direct die cooling to more PC enthusiasts since delidding would usually only go hand-in-hand with a custom water loop, making it rather expensive. With the introduction of this AIO, EK is bringing direct die cooling to a wider general market.

This direct-die AIO will appeal to users who want to brighten up their PCs with RGB lighting, which is integrated into the fans. Note that the cooler is currently only available with a 360mm radiator, so you'll need a sizeable case to support this AIO cooler. The AIO's cold plate is nickel-plated, ensuring that the AIO is safe to use with liquid metal. Moreover, the cooler includes two pump block coverings: a brushed aluminium skull with a shine-through LED circle and a brushed aluminium cover with a more basic LED circle. The pump coverings can be rotated in 90-degree increments, allowing customers to reorient them to their liking.

The EK-Nucleus AIO is pre-installed with strengthened and sleeved rubber tubing with aluminium covers. Improved fitting placement allows for simple installation and modification of the rubber tubing. The cooler comes with EK-Loop Fan FPT 120 D-RGB 120mm fans. These FPT fans have a full-frame construction, which prevents air from flowing beyond the frame for higher static pressure. The EK Loop FPT fans support daisy-chaining with EK-OmniLink technology, reducing cable clutter and the number of headers required to power the fans.

A pack of Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut and a contact frame are included. The latter prevents warping or bending of the CPU and surrounding region, improving cooling by applying more uniform pressure to the CPU. A protective foam piece is also supplied to prevent liquid metal from spilling into electrical components outside the CPU die. The EK-Nucleus AIO Direct Die D-RGB 1700 is available for pre-order for €202.90 and will be released in mid-March 2024.

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KitGuru says: Do you have an Intel LGA1700-based CPU delidded? Would you prefer a direct die AIO CPU cooler like the EK-Nucleus AIO CR360 Direct Die D-RGB or a custom loop?

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