EK wants to cool AMD Ryzen CPUs without heat spreaders
The company is announcing its first direct-die solutions for AMD Ryzen CPUs.
Shortly after announcing new direct-die coolers for Intel CPUs, the Slovenian cooling company is also launching similar coolers for AMD. The EK Direct-Die series is compatible with delidded AMD Ryzen AM5 CPUs, but it’s important to note that not all AM5 CPUs are supported. The recently released Ryzen 8000G series, which use a different die, are not compatible.
The reason why it’s important is that the block has been designed to cover each of the three chiplets specifically (two CCDs and IO die), while the Hawk Point series uses a monolithic design. Furthermore, using direct-die coolers on APU series may not be as crucial as it is on standard CPU series, as here the TDP may go as high as 170W.
Direct-Die Cooler for AMD Ryzen 7000 CPU, Source: EK
EK confirms that the direct-die coolers are also compatible with the X3D series, which utilize an extra layer of cache on one of the chiplets. Of course, here the cooler application process (and delidding, of course) may require extra caution.
These coolers are equipped with a die guard that replaces the standard socket installation mechanism. According to the company’s claims, this will ensure that the PCB does not bend and avoids any electrical connection with socket pins.
The mounting mechanism differs from the one on the Velocity² Direct Die 1700 water block, as it relies on standoffs at all corners instead of the cold plate making contact with the die guard. The cold plate’s protruding sections were designed to cover the CPU chips.
EK is showcasing its “EK-Quantum Velocity² Direct Die D-RGB – AMD Ryzen Edition” as one of the leading coolers for the series. The name might be hard to remember, but its unique design will surely stand out. It features sandblasted aluminum anodized in black and an acrylic cover with RGB illumination.
Alternatively, customers may opt for the “Signature Edition,” which includes the Thermal Grizzly 7000 delidding tool and Thermal Grizzly thermal compound. This product is priced at €349.90, while the cooler without the tool and paste costs €269.90. It’s certainly not a budget-friendly option, and reselling such a chip later might pose challenges.
Direct-Die Cooler for AMD Ryzen 7000 CPU, Source: EK
Source: EK
