Important Guidelines
Before starting, please follow these basic guidelines:
- Carefully read this manual before beginning 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).
- EK Fittings require only a small amount of force to screw them firmly in place, as the liquid seal is ensured with rubber O-ring gaskets.
- The use of quality, market-proven corrosion-inhibiting coolants is always strongly recommended for any liquid cooling system.
- Do not use pure distilled water as a cooling liquid. For best results, EK recommends the use of EK-CryoFuel Coolants.
- Ensure to bleed air out of your water block thoroughly to reach optimal performance.
Box Contents
The mounting mechanism is universal; you may not need all the screws.
- EK-Quantum Vector RTX 3080/3090 D-RGB (1 pc)
- M2.5x4 AX1 Screws (16 pcs)
- M2.5x6 AX1 Screws (13 pcs)
- M2.5x8 AX1 Screws (2 pcs)
- M3x4 DIN7985 Screws (2 pcs)
- Thermal Grease (1 pc)
- M2.5 PVC Washers (16 pcs)
- EK-Plug G1/4 (2 pcs)
- EK-Loop Multi Allen Key (1 pc)
- Allen Key 2.5 mm (1 pc)
- M2.5 Nuts (2 pcs)
- Thermal Pad F 1.0 mm (4 pcs)
Water Block Dimensions
The water block has the following dimensions:
- Length: 220.15 mm
- Width: 112.51 mm
- Height: 20.55 mm
- Mounting hole spacing (approximate): 91.70 mm, 120.70 mm
A detailed diagram shows these measurements.
Preparing the Graphics Card
Step 1: Removing the Stock Cooler
Place your graphics card on a flat surface and carefully remove the stock cooler. Ensure all LED and fan connectors are unplugged. Follow the subsequent steps to install the EK-Quantum Vector RTX 3080/3090 D-RGB water block.
Step 2: Cleaning the PCB
Wipe off any remaining original thermal compound using a non-abrasive cloth or Q-tip until the components and circuit board are completely clean. EK recommends using denatured alcohol for removing thermal interface material (TIM) leftovers.
Step 3: Cutting and Placing Thermal Pads
Your GPU water block includes thermal pads that need to be cut into smaller pieces to cover VRM components like coils, MOSFETs, and drivers. Ensure the protective foil is removed from both sides of each thermal pad before installation.
Replacement thermal pads: 4x Thermal Pad F 1.0mm (120x16mm) EAN: 3830046996732.
Once cut to size, place the thermal pads on the PCB as illustrated in the diagrams. EK provides an adequate quantity of thermal pads for this step.
Step 4: Applying Thermal Compound
Apply the enclosed EK-TIM Ectotherm thermal grease (thermal compound) on the CPU heat spreader (IHS) in a thin, even layer across the entire surface, as shown in the image.
Excessive or uneven application of thermal grease may lead to poor performance!
For this step, you will need: Thermal Grease (1 pc), EAN: 3830046998446.
Installing the Water Block
Step 1: Placing the Block on the Graphics Card
This procedure is standard for all full-cover water blocks. Carefully position the water block with preinstalled standoffs onto the graphics card. Ensure the mounting holes on the PCB align with the holes on the water block. This applies similarly to other components.
Pay attention not to use excessive force when pressing the block down onto the PCB, as chip dies are prone to cracking.
Step 2: Attaching the Block to the Graphics Card
Use twelve (12) M2.5 x 4 AX1 screws and M2.5 PVC washers. Tighten the screws evenly using a Phillips head screwdriver. EK recommends starting with screws around the GPU core and then proceeding outwards to prevent GPU damage. Always use a plastic washer under each screw.
For this step, you will need:
- M2.5 x 4 AX1 Screws (12 pcs)
- M2.5 PVC Washers (12 pcs)
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
Checking for Contact
If necessary, temporarily remove the water block to check for uniform surface contact between the block and components. Pay special attention to the VRM section of the graphics card. Verify that the water block makes contact with the intended integrated circuits. Repeat the previous steps to re-attach the block if needed.
If you fail to obtain good contact, please re-check or contact EK support at support.ekwb.com.
Step 4: 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. Be aware that your graphics card will be significantly heavier after the water block installation.
Handle the graphics card with extreme care. Avoid unnecessary manipulation of the water block assembly, which could damage your card or the water block.
Installation of Fittings and Tubing
Screw in two (2) G1/4 threaded male fittings. Attach the liquid cooling tubes and connect the water block(s) to the cooling loop.
Do not forget to plug the remaining two openings with the enclosed EK-Plug G1/4 or its equivalent. You can use any opening as an inlet/outlet port.
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. The maximum allowed thread length is 5mm.
Connecting the D-RGB LED Strip
Plug the 4-pin D-RGB connector from the GPU water block into the D-RGB Header on your motherboard or controller. The LED strip will work only if the pin layout on the header is as follows: +5V, Data, Empty, Ground.
Incorrect installation or connection to a wrong header can damage the LED strip or the header itself!
*Optional step
Testing the Loop
To ensure the installation of EK components was successful, perform a 24-hour leak test. Once your loop is complete and filled with coolant, connect the pump to a PSU outside of your system. Do not connect power to any other components. Turn on the PSU and let the pump run continuously.
Inspect all parts of the loop. If coolant leaks are found, fix the issue and repeat the testing process. To prevent possible damage, ensure all hardware is dry before powering on the system.
Support and Service
For assistance, please contact:
EKWB d.o.o.
Pod lipami 18
1218 Komenda
Slovenia - EU
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