I'm also torned between these two, but from what i have read, the Heatkiller one is the better performing one. I have to admit i like the EK look more, but performance is more important if it more than 1-2C. I also read the is the new Heatkiller V in the horizon but no one seems to know the release date sadly.

 

I've also read similar things, there is an open-box Velocity2 for $90 in my area which has me leaning towards that. But, like you said, performance is my primary concern.

 

I have a Velocity2 and a much cheaper Alphacool XPX blocks that a 13700K and 12900K are on. Both blocks perform about the same temp wise, the Velocity2 is less restrictive though and I get a better flow rate..

 

Best performing? Optimus Sig or Foundation, and Heatkiller IV. However, with the Optimus you will have to use a Heatkiller backplate and adapt it.

 

Can you clarify the reasoning for the backplate? I’m switching to a Optimus Foundation after underwhelming performance from the EK block. I have seen the mentions of getting a backplate several times but wasn’t sure the full reasoning. Is the block not ready to mount without it?

 

supercool direct die /END GAME

 

Didnt they recently end the game themselves by stopping shipping and communication? Did that get sorted out?

 

Definitely can’t argue the class of the supercool setup but unfortunately they are out of stock and from what I’ve heard might not be restocking. I know several are looking to get into the game (EK and Thermal Grizzly) but that’s been a seemingly dead end too.

As far as OP is concerned, I am having good success with the Ek block I just am chasing rabbits and want to try alternatives. I will admit I do like the aesthetics of the EK block due to the LED radiance through the plexi. I will be installing the Optimus tomorrow when it arrives and will give my thoughts on it. If I don’t see significant benefits: 5°+ gains overall and hopefully better core to core delta (11-12° with EK currently) then I will probably go back to the Velocity 2 for the looks and finally enjoy the system. I’ve finally tuned in a mild overclock that I’m happy with for daily running until more direct die availability.

 

hello plan to build a 13900k with a z790 itx board and plan on using
HEATKILLER IV PRO (INTEL LGA 1X00) BLACK COPPER

question i have to get the backplate also right? and thiers 2 models

A.
HEATKILLER LGA 1700 HEAVY BACKPLATE
B.
HEATKILLER IV BACKPLATE INTEL 1700

which one should i get whats thier difference?

 

@jlodvo

heavy backplate replaces the ILM Backplate, so depending on the motherboard this could help avoid bending.

when you get a mobo from Asus with a stronger backplate it is not really needed and the regular backplate will do.

most helpful lower temprature is a replacement of the ILM with the thermalright contact frame or something simular.

 

Thanks for all the inputs, I'm currently stuck between Heatkiller IV, and the cuplex kryos NEXT vario from aquacomputer. The ability to change the geometry of the base within the waterblock to specifically suit a particular die has me interested, although I wonder if there are truly major performance benefits to it.

 

cuplex kryos NEXT

From VSG's testing:

"The more standard cuplex kryos NEXT was already a fantastic block and outperformed everything else here, and the VARIO feature in this new review sample version took it further ahead. In fact, despite the entire field being so closely packed together, the VARIO technology alone resulted in a larger decrease in the delta T numbers than the block designs from various manufacturers. Of course, this is a result of my particular CPU IHS being somewhat different from what Aqua Computer scanned and averaged for, and your results may vary. They say they have observed as much as 2 °C less due to VARIO optimization on some CPUs as well, so this is definitely working well and not just marketing fluff. "

 

If you go aquacomputer just don't get the silver one it's a waste of money for no performance gain.

 

Has this been tested? cause solid silver should offer at least a few degrees improvement.
Silver should offer performance gains, it’s fallen out of use due it not playing well with nickel plating.

 

I did some research and came with a bulletproof combo for Optimus Waterblocks. Most backplates required 3rd party hardware or sat on top of the stock backplate which introduces more flex to the overall assembly.

GENNEL Metal LGA1700 Motherboard Backplate, CPU Radiator Base Heatsink Mounting Backplane for Intel LGA 1700 https://a.co/d/hHBc7Nb

Thermalright Contact Frame

The backplate accepts the included M3 Optimus Mounting Hardware and also fully replaces the stock backplate. It accepts the #6-32 screws from the Contact Frame creating a very rigid and flat sandwich which prevents any bending. I think mechanically connecting the various layers with equal clamping forces is key.


I’m in the process of lapping my 13900k IHS and will report back with before & afters.

I may pickup a cheap 12600k for de-liding and direct die testing. I think it would be possible to modify the contact frame slightly and use it as a shim.

 

I did some research and came with a bulletproof combo for Optimus Waterblocks. Most backplates required 3rd party hardware or sat on top of the stock backplate which introduces more flex to the overall assembly.

GENNEL Metal LGA1700 Motherboard Backplate, CPU Radiator Base Heatsink Mounting Backplane for Intel LGA 1700 Amazon.com

Thermalright Contact Frame

The backplate accepts the included M3 Optimus Mounting Hardware and also fully replaces the stock backplate. It accepts the #6-32 screws from the Contact Frame creating a very rigid and flat sandwich which prevents any bending. I think mechanically connecting the various layers with equal clamping forces is key.


I’m in the process of lapping my 13900k IHS and will report back with before & afters.

I may pickup a cheap 12600k for de-liding and direct die testing. I think it would be possible to modify the contact frame slightly and use it as a shim.

Is this an Optimus part?

 

Get cheapo block in meantime. Watercool
CPU V is in development and 2023 products. I know some people here are going to jump to it.

 

Do you mind posting information for CPU V? First time I'm hearing of it, but am certainly curious. Thanks in advance!

 

i just do direct die with the optimus block

not convinced anything else would outperform it

 

Another vote for optimus block. I've had the foundation am4 block and now sigv2 for my 13900k. Interestingly ended up with the same generic backplate solution posted above although Optimus did tease a reinforced backplate online months ago.

 

I use ek on my cpu and alphacool on gpu. I've heard heatkiller is best. But all I know is is my tuf 3080 ti oc went from 62 full load to low 40s high 30s full load! That's one hell of a drop. But also I know the type of pads and paste have a lot to do with it. I've never had a problem with either and the ek looks amazing