Watercool HEATKILLER IV PRO (AMD, AM4, AM5) BLACK COPPER PVD CPU Water Block, G1/4 (18090)

A CPU water block for AMD AM4 and AM5 with a black PVD-coated copper top and a nickel-plated copper base, in the PRO version. The Watercool HEATKILLER IV PRO (AMD, AM4, AM5) BLACK COPPER PVD mounts tool-free with Watercool's Easy-Mount system and takes 16/10 and 19/13 fittings on its 25 mm thread distance.

Properties

• Sockets: AMD AM4, AM5
• Top: Copper, black PVD (DLC) coating
• Base: Nickel-plated copper
• Ports: 2x G1/4, 25 mm apart
• Size: 66 x 59 x 17 mm

The black copper PVD top

This is Watercool's latest HEATKILLER IV in Black Copper PVD. Its top features a high-quality, black, diamond-like carbon coating (Diamond Like Carbon, DLC), applied using a modern plasma process. Watercool describes the surface as extremely hard and wear-resistant. It says the surface provides a stunning deep black appearance while offering optimal protection and long-lasting quality.

What changed in the HEATKILLER IV

Water coolers from the HEATKILLER® CPU series are, in Watercool's words, among the most popular and top-selling CPU water coolers. The series has been constantly improved and optimized since the first HEATKILLER® CPU water cooler launched in 2001, and the HEATKILLER® IV presents the most extensive alterations so far. The points Watercool lists:

• Up to 3 °C better temperatures compared to the previous model, thanks to a completely revised cooling structure
• A real high flow design: increased flow rate thanks to a larger nozzle and collection channel (bigger jet structure and receptacles), resulting in fewer blockages
• Improved reliability: no jet plate, the jet is integrated directly into the cooler
• Tool-free Easy Mount system
• Extra large connectors thanks to 25 mm spacing

New cooling structure and optimized flow

The cooling structure underwent the most significant redesign and was the focus of innovation. Watercool equipped the cooler with considerably finer micro fins to provide a larger surface area, the contact surface of cooling liquid and cooler, and thus better heat dissipation. It also ensured that the fins were designed in such a way that the flow was not compromised. Large-volume receptacles support the flow efficiency.

Compared to the previous model, Watercool eliminated the nozzle plate and integrated it directly into the lid. Watercool writes that this innovative design "allowed us to increase performance", improve flow and optimize reliability. With no jet plate, fewer dust particles can accumulate within the cooling structure. Watercool says the real high flow design also makes the block well suited to lower performing pumps.

What the loop needs

The two G1/4 connection threads take two fittings. On an Intel board? We have the Intel version here, the HEATKILLER IV PRO (INTEL LGA 1X00) BLACK COPPER PVD.

Notes

• Watercool's manual has a page on the orientation of the block on the CPU; read it before you mount.
• A metal washer belongs between spring and mounting bracket on every socket, and a plastic washer between stud and mainboard.
• The AM4 mounting uses the 4 mm plastic spacers, the AM5 mounting the 5 mm ones.

In the box

• HEATKILLER IV PRO (AMD, AM4, AM5) BLACK COPPER PVD
• Mounting hardware
• Installation instructions