EK-Quantum Vector² FTW3 RTX 3090 Ti ABP Set D-RGB

Important Information and Guidelines

Please note the installation of the product is intended to be undertaken by an adequately trained and experienced person. You are installing the product at your own risk. If you are not properly trained or experienced or feel unsure about the installation procedure, please refrain from installing the product yourself and contact EK Water Blocks tech support for assistance. EK disclaims liability for any damages to the product as well as incidental, consequential, or indirect damages incurred due to improper or inappropriate installation.

Before you start using this product, please follow these basic guidelines:

• Carefully read the manual before beginning with the installation process.
• Remove your graphics card from the computer for the safest mounting process to prevent any possible damage to your GPU or its circuit board (PCB).
• The EK Fittings require only a small amount of force to screw them firmly in place since the liquid seal is ensured by the rubber O-ring gaskets.
• The use of corrosion inhibiting coolants is always recommended for liquid cooling systems and mandatory for nickel-plated water blocks!
• Do not use pure distilled water!
• For best results, EK recommends the use of EK-CryoFuel coolants! To reach optimal performance, make sure to thoroughly bleed the air out of your water block!

Box Contents

The following items are included in the EK-Quantum Vector² FTW3 RTX 3090 Ti ABP Set D-RGB package:

Visual representation of all included components, showing the water block, various screws, standoffs, washers, terminals, plugs, nuts, Allen keys, thermal grease, spludger tool, and thermal pads with their respective quantities.

Water Block Dimensions

The water block has the following dimensions:

• Overall Length: 318.2 mm
• Width: 142.5 mm
• Height: 41 mm
• Terminal Block Thickness: 35.5 mm
• Key mounting point distances: 95.9 mm and 123.9 mm.

Diagrams illustrate these dimensions from top-down and side views.

Technical Specifications and Water Block Parts

Specifications

• Material: Nickel-plated coldplate, Plexi top plate
• Dimensions: (LxHxW): 318.2 x 155 x 41 mm
• D-RGB LED count: 34
• D-RGB cable length: 50 cm
• D-RGB connector: 3-pin 5V digital LED header

Parts List

An exploded view diagram illustrates the assembly of the water block, with numbered components corresponding to the parts list below. Key components include the nickel-plated coldplate, plexi top plate, various screws, standoffs, O-rings, terminal badges, and the D-RGB LED strip.

Preparing the Graphics Card

Step 1: Removing the Stock Cooler

For this step, you will need: Phillips Head Screwdriver.

Diagram showing the back of the GPU with arrows indicating 15 screws to remove for the stock cooler backplate. Carefully detach the Stock Cooler Backplate from the PCB.

Diagram showing the GPU cooler assembly with arrows pointing to 9 screws securing the cooler to the PCB. Carefully detach the PCB from the stock cooler and disconnect all cables connecting the stock cooler to the PCB.

⚠️ Always remove the stock cooler slowly - it might be firmly glued to the PCB with thermal pads.

Preparing the Water Block for Installation

Step 2: Cleaning the PCB

Wipe off the remains of the original thermal compound using a nonabrasive cloth or Q-tip, as shown in the sample image, until the components and circuit board are completely clean. EK recommends the use of denatured alcohol for removing TIM leftovers. After that, remove all remaining stock thermal pads from the PCB.

Step 1: Terminal Badge and Screws

For this step, you will need: Phillips Head Screwdriver, Allen Key 2.5mm.

Diagram showing the water block assembly. Arrows indicate removing the terminal badge (attached by magnets) and unscrewing three (3) M4 x 20 DIN7984 screws. Additionally, ten (10) M3 x 10 AX1 screws need to be removed.

DO NOT REMOVE THE UPPER TERMINAL BADGE!

Step 2: Active Backplate and O-rings

Diagram showing the active backplate being removed from the terminal. Two (2) O-rings (14 x 1 mm) need to be removed.

Step 3: Standoffs and PCB Cardboard

For this step, you will need: EK-Plug Out Spludger Tool.

Diagram showing the GPU PCB with standoffs. Arrows indicate removing ten (10) M2.5-M3 x 6.6 standoffs using the included tool. The M3.5-M2.5 x 11.3 standoff should not be removed. If it unscrews, tighten it back with a 4 mm wrench. The PCB cardboard is also shown for removal.

The PCB cardboard is printed on 1:1 scale.

Cutting and Placing Thermal Pads

Step 1: Pad Application

Our GPU water block comes with thermal pads that have to be cut into smaller pieces to cover all the VRM components, such as COILs, MOSFETs, and drivers.

Thermal Pad F - 1.0 mm (120 x 16 mm)

Thermal Pad F - 1.5 mm (120 x 16 mm)

Thermal Pad G - 2.0 mm (120 x 24 mm)

Diagram of a GPU PCB showing specific areas marked 'F1', 'F1.5', and 'G2' where the cut thermal pads should be placed on VRM components like coils and MOSFETs.

⚠️ You must remove the protective foil from both sides of the thermal pad before installation.

Replacement thermal pads:

• Thermal Pad F 1.0 mm – (120 x 16 mm) EAN: 3830046996732
• Thermal Pad F 1.5 mm – (120 x 16 mm) EAN: 3830046996749
• Thermal Pad G 2.0 mm – (120 x 24 mm) EAN: 3830046996794

For this step, you will need: Scissors.

Applying Thermal Compound

Step 1: Grease Application

For this step, you will need: Thermal Grease.

Diagram of a GPU IHS (Integrated Heat Spreader) with a cross shape indicating the area for applying thermal grease. Apply the enclosed EK-TIM Ectotherm thermal grease thinly and evenly over the entire surface of the IHS.

⚠️ The excessive or uneven application of thermal grease may lead to poor performance!

Attaching the Water Block

Step 1: Positioning the Water Block

Diagram showing the water block being carefully positioned onto the graphics card, aligning mounting holes of the PCB with holes of the water block.

⚠️ Pay attention not to use too much force when pressing the block down to the PCB since chip dies are prone to cracking.

⚠️ Before placing the Water Block, make sure all the Thermal Pads are placed correctly!

Step 2: Tightening Screws

Diagram showing the water block attached to the GPU PCB. Arrows indicate inserting eight (8) M2.5 x 4 AX1 screws with PVC washers to tighten the PCB. Tighten the screws evenly using the Phillips-head screwdriver. EK recommends you start tightening the screws around the GPU core first and then continuing outward to prevent damaging the GPU. Always use a plastic washer under each screw.

Diagram showing the I/O bracket being secured with one (1) M2.5 x 6 AX1 Screw, one (1) M2.5 Nut, and one (1) additional M2.5 x 4 AX1 Screw.

For this step, you will need: Phillips Head Screwdriver.

Step 3: Placing Standoffs

Diagram showing the placement of ten (10) M2.5-M3 x 6.6 standoffs into mounting holes.

Place the M2.5-M3 x 6.6 Standoff in each of the ten (10) mounting holes of the standoff M3.5-M2.5 x 11.3 (as shown in the image) and tighten them evenly with the EK-Plug-Out Spludger Tool.

⚠️ Do not use excessive force!

For this step, you will need: EK-Plug Out Spludger Tool.

Attaching the Active Backplate

Step 1: Backplate Thermal Pads

After attaching the water block, a few more thermal pads need to be placed on the backside of the GPU PCB. Once cut to size, thermal pads should be placed on the PCB, as illustrated. EK made sure to provide you with more than an adequate quantity of thermal pads to complete this Step.

Thermal Pad F - 1.0 mm (120 x 16 mm)

Thermal Pad F - 1.5 mm (120 x 16 mm)

Thermal Pad G - 2.0 mm (120 x 24 mm)

Diagram of the backside of the GPU PCB showing specific areas marked 'F1.5' and 'G2' for placing thermal pads.

Replacement thermal pads:

• Thermal Pad F 1.0 mm – (120 x 16 mm) EAN: 3830046996732
• Thermal Pad F 1.5 mm – (120 x 16 mm) EAN: 3830046996749
• Thermal Pad G 2.0 mm – (120 x 24 mm) EAN: 3830046996794

Step 2: Backplate and O-rings

Diagram showing two (2) O-rings (14 x 1 mm) being placed into the cold plate, and the active backplate being carefully positioned onto the standoffs. Ensure the O-rings stay in the slots.

⚠️ Before attaching the Active Backplate, make sure all the Thermal Pads are placed correctly!

Step 3: Securing the Backplate

For this step, you will need: Phillips Head Screwdriver, Allen Key 2.5mm.

Diagram showing the water block assembly with the active backplate attached. Arrows indicate inserting ten (10) M3 x 10 AX1 screws into the water block standoffs and tightening them with a Phillips head screwdriver. After attaching the AX1 Screws, three (3) terminal screws M4 x 20 DIN7984 need to be attached using an Allen Key 2.5mm. The terminal badge can be reused, after securing the terminal screws.

Fittings and Tubing

Step 1: Installing Fittings

For this step, you will need: EK-Loop Multi Allen Key.

Diagram showing the water block with G1/4 threaded male fittings being screwed in. Tubing is shown attached. The EK-Plug G1/4 is shown for sealing unused ports.

Screw-in two (2) G1/4 threaded male fittings. Attach the liquid cooling tubes and connect the water block to the cooling loop.

⚠️ Do not forget to plug the remaining two openings using the enclosed EK-Plug G1/4 or its equivalent.

EK recommends using EK fittings with all EK water blocks.

⚠️ CAUTION: When using connectors other than EK fittings, pay special attention to the length of the fittings' male G1/4" thread – 5mm is the maximum G1/4" thread length allowed!

Inserting the Graphics Card into the Chassis

Carefully lift your graphics card with the installed water block and insert it into your PC's motherboard PCI Express expansion slot. Please keep in mind that your graphics card is heavier than before it was equipped with the water block.

⚠️ You need to be very careful when handling the graphics card. Avoid all unnecessary manipulation of the water block assembly that might damage your card or water block.

Connecting the D-RGB LED Strip

Step 1: LED Connection

Diagram showing a 3-pin D-RGB connector being plugged into a motherboard's D-RGB HEADER. The pinout is specified as +5V, Digital, Empty, Ground.

Plug the 3-pin connector of the distribution plate D-RGB LED light to the D-RGB HEADER on the motherboard. The LED will work if the pin layout on the header is as follows: +5V, Digital, Empty, Ground.

⚠️ Incorrect installation or installation to a wrong header can damage the LED strip or the header itself!

Testing the Loop

To make sure the installation of EK components was successful, EK recommends performing a leak test for 24 hours. When your loop is complete and filled with coolant, connect the pump to a PSU outside of your system. Do not connect power to any of the other components. Turn on the PSU and let the pump run continuously.

It is normal for the coolant level to drop during this process as air collects in the distribution plate. Inspect all parts of the loop, and in the eventuality that coolant leaks, fix the issue and repeat the testing process. Ensure that all hardware is dry before the system is powered on in order to prevent any damage.

Warranty

EK Water Blocks products are warranted against defects of materials and quality for a period of 24 months, starting with the date of delivery to the end-user. During this period, products will be repaired or have parts replaced at EK's discretion, provided that:

1. The product is returned to the agent from whom it was purchased.
2. The product has been purchased by the end-user and has not been used for commercial purposes.
3. The product has not been misused, handled carelessly, or used in a manner other than the way described in the instructions manual.

This warranty does not confer rights other than those expressly set out above and does not cover any claims for consequential loss or damage. This warranty is offered as an extra benefit and does not affect your statutory rights as a consumer.

This warranty is voided if the product comes in contact with aggressive UV additives or other improper liquids. EK water blocks are sealed with a warranty-voiding circular label, proving the water block has withstood a pressure leak test. Removing the label will void the leak-free guarantee, but not the guarantee on the product itself.

Any other RMA issues can be reported to EK Customer Support at www.ekwb.com/support for further analysis.

Support and Service

In case you need assistance or wish to order spare parts or a new mounting mechanism, please contact:

https://www.ekwb.com/customer-support/

For spare parts orders, refer to the page with "TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND WATER BLOCK PARTS" where you can find the EAN number of each part you might need. Include the EAN number with quantity in your request. Mounting Mechanism EAN can be found under "BOX CONTENTS".

Thermal pads are readily available in the EK shop.

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