When Intel launched the Core 13000 series “Raptor Lake” last fall, it was immediately clear that the processors cope with high temperatures without any major difficulties, even when high-performance cooling is used. This applies not least to the newly launched flagship Core i9-13900KSwhich has proven to be a very thirsty model.
One of the tactics some use to get better control of the heat is to try on one held, when the processor’s integrated heat spreader is removed to replace original cooling paste or solder with liquid metal. That intervention can be taken one step further, through a direct die-mounting where the processor becomes completely without a heat spreader. Now EKWB releases solutions for just such an intervention.
In collaboration with the well-known overclocker “der8auer” EKWB presents Quantum Velocity2 Direct Die Limited Edition for socket LGA 1700. The water block, which is only released in 100 copies, is gold-plated and specially intended for direct die-mounting. To achieve this, among other things, a specially designed cooling plate is used, which must make good contact with the silicon.
Everything needed to perform the procedure and assemble the whole thing is included in the package. It includes the water block with mounting device, one held-tools from “der8auer” and liquid metal with Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut. Each copy of the limited edition is also given a unique number from 1 to 100.
In addition to the lavish gold-plated variant, EKWB is also launching a more wallet-friendly model. There is no gold here, but the functionality is mostly the same. An important difference is that it does not come with anything held-tool with the water block, but it can instead be bought separately if needed for 74 euros.
For those who already have a Quantum Velocity2 water block, the company is finally launching an upgrade package for the direct die– mounting on LGA 1700. Here only the necessary heatsink and the mounting device required to install the whole thing are included.
The new variants of the EKWB EK-Quantum Velocity2 will be lavish to say the least. The most expensive will be the limited edition, which will be priced at a whopping 349 euros. Those who can do without gold get away with 199 euros, while users who only need to upgrade need to fork out 109 euros. Sales of the products will start via EKWB’s online store in mid-February.
