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Shop the Loop - Alternate Universe
Is this the real deal? Something must be hidden in plain sight! The Alternate Universe build features a CPU block/pump/reservoir combo that shakes our reality and brings the custom loop closer to a realm wherein the AIO feels at home and has a mission to simplify the build. No distribution plate, no problem!
About the Build
The Parallel Universe build has been reimagined with the all-new ultimate combo unit, the EK-Quantum Velocity² DDC 4.2. The added thickness of the Velocity² CPU water block hides a DDC 4.2 PWM pump and a small reservoir. The entire loop in this example build has been streamlined to feature only four components: the GPU block set, two radiators, and the ultimate combo unit.
The Alternate Universe build was carefully planned and assembled to allow the user to go with any motherboard or GPU they want and still be able to achieve the same build every time. The use of the front radiator on the outside of the case, enables having two 360mm radiators mounted in the NYXT H7 case, with the top radiator being the S version and the front one being P-sized for even more thickness. This combined cooling power can easily handle anything you throw at it, so you know the performance will always be top-shelf!
The Ultimate Combo
The DDC 4.2 PWM pump that hides inside the Velocity² combo water block is strong enough to manage any liquid cooling loop without any issues. At the same time, the integrated reservoir at the top ensures the loop filling process is simple and that the pump does not run dry.
Even though the combo unit utilizes four inlet and outlet ports, we used the top ones as they are perfectly located for the tube routing. The other two ports we could have used are tucked away at the side as we believe they would be of much more use in an SFF build.
The top also has two fill ports for you to choose from for extra convenience. To avoid any accidental spills, we filled the loop with the use of a tube connected to the fill port, and we recommend you do the same.
As for the CPU socket, this particular version supports Intel and socket LGA 1700, but the AMD motherboard users need not worry as the AM5 version is also available!
GPU Cooling
GPU is equipped with the EK-Quantum Vector² Strix RTX 3080/90 water block set, so there’s also an active backplate for cooling the GPU’s back side. These water blocks are Matrix7 compliant, which means the ports on the water blocks are positioned perfectly (aside from the water block width, as this depends on which GPU version you are using).
The Strix version used in this build is the widest. So, for example, if you plan to use the narrower RE version, it will only affect the type of fittings you use. The tubing itself can keep the exact same position, but we only need to remove those two 45° angled adapters that offset the ports for the wider Strix block.
This means that no matter which Vector² GPU water block you opt for, the EK-Matrix7 system ensures the tubing is always in the same place. The only thing that requires some modification is the selection of fittings.
Radiator and Fans
The front P360M Surface radiator may seem like it is pushed against the glass and is blocking the airflow, but in fact, it is placed just perfectly to have enough space to breathe and reach peak performance. Being the multiport version, there’s an option to mount the drain valve at its bottom.
The Surface port extender, two micro 90° rotary adapters, and four pieces of 7mm static micro extenders create the place for the drain valve. We used two EK-Loop D-RGB LED Edge Diffused Strips to cover the radiator’s front fan mounting holes. Since we can cut the strip anywhere between the LEDs, we made sure it has the ideal length for the purpose, and it now sits perfectly across the case’s entire front, resembling a portal to an alternate universe.
The top and front radiators are white and covered in white Vardar X3M fans to complete the desired look and provide the perfect airflow.
Tube in Line
All that is left is to use some carefully selected EK fittings and the pre-bent 90° Acrylic tubing that removes the tube bending process from the equation. Front radiator ports use 2x90°rotary adapters in each port to match the line from the GPU and CPU. The top radiator will need a 7mm offset on the front port and a 14mm offset on the back port. The CPU water block combo only needs 90° rotary adapters, while the GPU water block needs 90° and 45° rotary adapters.
And just like that, you suddenly find yourself in an Alternate Universe wherein achieving perfect liquid cooling loops truly is a breeze.
Hardware Specifications:
- PC Case: NZXT H7 Elite White
- Motherboard: Biostar Z690GTA
- Graphics Card: ASUS Strix GeForce RTX 3090
- RAM: Patriot VIPER RGB White
- Processor: Intel® Core™ i9-12900K
- Cables: CableMod White
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Alternate Universe Loop Kit
