EK-FC Terminal User Guide
3rd revision, Jan 25th 2017
General Information: Serial vs. Parallel Flow
Understanding the flow configuration is crucial for optimal performance and system stability.
Serial or Successive Flow
In a serial configuration, water flows sequentially through each connected water block. It enters the first block, passes through it, then enters the second block, and so on, before exiting the system. This configuration typically results in higher restriction and lower overall system flow compared to parallel flow.
[Diagram Description: Visual representation of three water blocks connected in a line. Orange arrows indicate water entering the top of the first block, flowing through it, then entering the second block, flowing through it, and finally entering the third block before exiting to the right. A circular graphic in the last block shows a partially filled water level.]
Parallel Flow
In a parallel configuration, water flows through all connected blocks simultaneously. The incoming water is split, with a portion flowing through each block independently, and then recombined before exiting. This setup generally provides higher total system flow as the restriction is distributed across multiple blocks.
[Diagram Description: Visual representation of three water blocks arranged side-by-side. Orange arrows indicate water entering a manifold at the top, splitting to flow simultaneously through each of the three blocks, and then converging at the bottom before exiting to the right. A circular graphic in one of the blocks shows a partially filled water level.]
Choosing Inlet and Outlet Port
Using the correct inlet and outlet port configuration is of highest importance. Incorrect port usage can lead to water bypassing the water blocks, causing the graphics card to overheat and potentially sustain irreparable damage.
[!] As a result, the bypassed graphics card will overheat and may get damaged beyond repair!
EK-FC Terminal Dual Serial Port Configuration
[Diagram Description: A dual-port water block terminal shown from the top. Orange arrows indicate mandatory inlet ports at the top center and outlet ports at the right center. Text labels state 'No inlet or outlet possible' for the side ports. 'OPTIONAL*' labels are shown for the bottom ports, indicating they can be used for additional connections.]
EK-FC Terminal Dual Parallel Port Configuration
[Diagram Description: A dual-port water block terminal shown from the top. Orange arrows indicate mandatory inlet ports at the top center and outlet ports at the right center. Text labels state 'OPTIONAL*' for the top and bottom ports, indicating flexibility in inlet/outlet placement. Text labels state 'No inlet or outlet possible' for the side ports.]
EK-FC Terminal Triple Serial Port Configuration
[Diagram Description: A triple-port water block terminal shown from the top. Orange arrows indicate mandatory inlet ports at the top center and outlet ports at the right center. Text labels state 'No inlet or outlet possible' for the side ports. 'OPTIONAL*' labels are shown for the top and bottom ports, indicating they can be used for additional connections.]
EK-FC Terminal Triple Parallel Port Configuration
[Diagram Description: A triple-port water block terminal shown from the top. Orange arrows indicate mandatory inlet ports at the top center and outlet ports at the right center. Text labels state 'OPTIONAL*' for the top and bottom ports, indicating flexibility in inlet/outlet placement. Text labels state 'No inlet or outlet possible' for the side ports.]
EK-FC Terminal QUAD Semi-P Port Configuration
[Diagram Description: A quad-port (four-port) water block terminal shown from the top. Orange arrows indicate mandatory inlet ports at the top center and outlet ports at the right center. Text labels state 'No inlet or outlet possible' for the side ports. 'OPTIONAL*' labels are shown for the top and bottom ports, indicating they can be used for additional connections.]
Note: Every optional hole can be used with EK-Extender G1/4 – Nickel (EAN: 3831109845165).
Attaching the EK-FC Terminal
Follow these steps to correctly install your EK-FC Terminal interconnect to your graphics card water blocks.
General Installation Steps
Please take the following steps for installing any EK-FC Terminal interconnect to your graphics cards water blocks:
- Remove the pre-installed Terminal from the water block. Unfasten the three (3) M4 screws using Allen (hex) key 2.5mm. Save the O-ring gaskets and M4 Screws from the original terminal.
- Install the gaskets (OR 15x1mm) in the grooved slots on your new EK-FC Terminal interconnect. Ensure the gaskets are installed correctly; each water block or blank link requires two (2) gaskets.
- Secure the new EK-FC Terminal to each water block using the original screws that came with the water block itself, using the enclosed Allen (hex) key 2.5mm.
- If necessary, plug all unused Terminal ports using appropriate EK-FC Terminal Blank Links (Serial or Parallel – depending on your interconnect type). Consult pages 7 and 8 of this manual for details.
- Plug all remaining unused G1/4 threaded ports, if any, using Allen (hex) key 6mm and install your connector fittings for both inlet and outlet.
[!] Save the O-ring gaskets and M4 Screws (mentioned in the first paragraph) from the FC Single Terminal.
EK-FC Terminal BLANK Parallel Attachment
[Diagram Description: An exploded view showing the EK-FC Terminal BLANK Parallel component. Three screws labeled 'Screw M4x25 DIN7984' are shown aligned with mounting holes. Gaskets labeled 'OR 15x1mm gasket' are positioned to seal the connection.]
Tighten the three (3) enclosed M4x25 DIN7984 screws to the EK-FC Terminal BLANK Parallel using Allen (hex) key 2.5mm.
[!] Make sure the small OR 15x1mm gaskets are correctly installed! Pay attention to the placement and ensure they are not pinched in any way to avoid leaking!
EK-FC Terminal BLANK Serial Attachment
[Diagram Description: An exploded view showing the EK-FC Terminal BLANK Serial component. Three screws labeled 'Screw M4x28 DIN7984' are shown aligned with mounting holes. Gaskets labeled 'OR 15x1mm gasket' are positioned to seal the connection.]
Tighten the three (3) enclosed M4x28 DIN7984 screws to the EK-FC Terminal BLANK Serial using Allen (hex) key 2.5mm.
[!] Make sure the small OR 15x1mm gaskets are correctly installed! Pay attention to the placement and ensure they are not pinched in any way to avoid leaking!
EK-FC Terminal Angled Attachment
[Diagram Description: An exploded view showing the EK-FC Terminal Angled component being attached to a graphics card water block. Two screws labeled 'M4x28 DIN7984' and one screw labeled 'M4x10 DIN7984' are shown aligned with mounting holes. Gaskets labeled 'OR 15x1mm gasket' are positioned between the terminal and the water block.]
EK-FC Terminal Direct Attachment
[Diagram Description: An exploded view showing the EK-FC Terminal Direct component being attached to a graphics card water block. Three screws labeled 'M4x28 DIN7984' are shown aligned with mounting holes. Gaskets labeled 'OR 15x1mm gasket' are positioned between the terminal and the water block.]
EK-FC Terminal Rotary 90° Attachment
[Diagram Description: An exploded view showing the EK-FC Terminal Rotary 90° component being attached to a graphics card water block. Three screws labeled 'M4x8 DIN7984' are shown aligned with mounting holes. Gaskets labeled 'OR 15x1mm gasket' are positioned between the terminal and the water block.]
