Parts and Terminology
The following section details every individual part of an assembled Magnitude CPU Water Block and the terminology used throughout this manual. It also lists every physical variation of these parts and their corresponding versions. While some parts may be physically cross-compatible between different Magnitude CPU Water Blocks, they should be assembled as stated for optimal performance. Material, finish, and color variations are not listed as they do not affect fitment or performance.
Magnitude CPU Water Blocks that do not feature a D-RGB LED Strip are assembled with a fourth O-Ring between the Top and Accent. This O-Ring is not used to seal the assembly but may be exchanged with an LED Strip when adding the D-RGB Accent. Note that the LED Strip connector does not fit through the hole in the Frame!
Exploded View of Components:
The diagram shows an exploded view of the EK-Quantum Magnitude CPU Water Block assembly. Components are labeled and include:
- Mounting Mechanism: Includes Screws, Springs, Standoffs, and Plastic Washers.
- EK Badge: The EK logo.
- Top: The main housing of the water block.
- Accent: A decorative frame around the top.
- LED Strip: An optional lighting component.
- Frame: The outer structure holding the top and other components. Specific sizes are listed: 75x75 (115X), 80x80 (20XX), 54x90 (AM4).
- O-Ring: Seals components.
- Inlet O-Ring: Specific O-ring for the inlet port.
- Insert: Component that directs coolant flow. Specific inserts for 115X, 20XX, AM4.
- Jet Plate O-Ring: O-ring for the jet plate.
- Jet Plate: Component that controls coolant spray. Different versions exist (e.g., 0.5P, 0.6P, 0.5C, 0.6C, 0.7C).
- Coldplate: The part that contacts the CPU IHS. Different versions exist (Flat, Minor Curve, Major Curve).
- Screw (x4): Used for assembly.
- Backplate: Mounts on the rear of the motherboard. Includes Rubber Gasket. Specific backplates for 115X and AM4.
The diagram also shows the relationship between these parts during assembly.
Changing the Coldplate
Original Magnitude Coldplates have a subtle curvature to achieve the best possible contact with the IHS of standard CPUs. If you choose to replace or modify the IHS, it is also possible to replace the Coldplate of your Magnitude with a Flat version. To install the Flat Coldplate or to re-install your original Curved Coldplate, follow these instructions:
STEP 1: Remove the Coldplate
Diagram shows the bottom of the CPU water block. Arrows indicate unscrewing four screws using a 2.5mm Allen (hex) key to remove the Coldplate.
Unscrew the four Screws from the bottom of the CPU Water Block in an anticlockwise direction and remove the Coldplate. A 2.5mm Allen (hex) key is supplied for this.
STEP 2: Replace the Jet Plate
Diagram shows the water block base with the Jet Plate visible. An arrow indicates replacing or aligning the Jet Plate.
Replace the Jet Plate according to the table below, ensure that it is correctly aligned in the Insert and the O-Rings remain in position.
| Socket | Default Jet | Optional Jet |
|---|
| 115X | 0.6C | 0.7C |
| 115X - Flat Coldplate | 0.5C | - |
| 20XX | 0.5P | 0.6P |
| 20XX - Flat Coldplate | 0.5P | - |
| AM4 | 0.5P | 0.6P |
| AM4 - Flat Coldplate | 0.5P | - |
STEP 3: Install the New Coldplate
Diagram shows the desired Coldplate being placed onto the water block assembly, aligning curvature markings. Arrows indicate screwing in four screws.
Put the desired Coldplate in place paying attention to the orientation. Failure to do so will prevent installation of the Screws. The curvature marking should be on the same side as the curvature marking of the Frame. Lastly, screw in the four Screws, do not use excessive force!
Changing the Accent
It is possible to exchange the Accent on any Magnitude CPU Water Block for an Accent with a different color or material finish. A translucent D-RGB Accent can also be used to add lighting to any version of Magnitude with an opaque Top.
STEP 1: Disassemble Frame and Top
Diagram shows the bottom of the CPU water block. Arrows indicate unscrewing four screws using a 2.5mm Allen (hex) key to remove the Frame, Coldplate, and LED Strip (if installed).
Unscrew the four Screws from the bottom of the CPU Water Block in an anticlockwise direction, remove the Frame, Coldplate and LED Strip if installed. A 2.5mm Allen (hex) key is supplied for this. If an LED Strip is already installed and you do not wish to change where the cable exits, then it does not need to be removed from the Frame.
STEP 2: Remove and Replace Accent
Diagram shows the Top assembly with the Accent piece being removed or replaced.
Remove and replace the Accent. The Accent can fit in any orientation.
STEP 3: Refit O-Ring (Without LED Strip)
Diagram shows the Top assembly and an O-Ring being placed between the Top and Accent.
If applicable, refit the O-Ring between the Top and Accent. This is not required for operation of the block but ensures the Accent is tightly fitted without an LED Strip.
STEP 3 (WITH LED STRIP): Install LED Strip
Diagram shows the LED Strip being inserted through the Frame and fitted between the Top and Accent.
First, insert the LED Strip through the desired corner of the Frame and then fit the LED Strip between the Top and Accent. When using a Plexi Top, the LED Strip should face inwards. When using an Acetal or Nickel Top, the LED Strip should face outwards.
STEP 4: Reassemble Frame
Diagram shows the Frame being positioned onto the Top assembly, aligning curvature markings. Arrows indicate screwing in four screws.
Position the Frame on the Top paying attention to the orientation. Failure to do so will prevent installation of the Screws. The curvature marking should be in line with the Jet Plate opening as illustrated. Ensure that the Jet Plate is still aligned in the Insert and the O-Rings remain in position.
Replacing the Jet Plate
All Magnitude CPU Water Blocks are supplied with an additional Jet Plate that is 0.1mm thicker than the default Jet Plate. If the Coldplate touches the edges of the IHS and prevents optimal contact in the center, then it is recommended to install the thicker Jet Plate.
STEP 1: Remove Coldplate
Diagram shows the bottom of the CPU water block. Arrows indicate unscrewing four screws using a 2.5mm Allen (hex) key to remove the Coldplate.
Unscrew the four Screws from the bottom of the CPU Water Block in an anticlockwise direction and remove the Coldplate. A 2.5mm Allen (hex) key is supplied for this.
STEP 2: Install New Jet Plate
Diagram shows the water block base with the Jet Plate visible. An arrow indicates replacing or aligning the Jet Plate.
Choose the appropriate Jet Plate according to the table below, ensure that it is correctly aligned in the Insert and the O-Rings remain in position.
| Socket | Default Jet | Optional Jet |
|---|
| 115X | 0.6C | 0.7C |
| 115X - Flat Coldplate | 0.5C | - |
| 20XX | 0.5P | 0.6P |
| 20XX - Flat Coldplate | 0.5P | - |
| AM4 | 0.5P | 0.6P |
| AM4 - Flat Coldplate | 0.5P | - |
STEP 3: Reinstall Coldplate
Diagram shows the Coldplate being placed onto the water block assembly, aligning curvature markings. Arrows indicate screwing in four screws.
Replace the Coldplate paying attention to the orientation. Failure to do so will prevent installation of the Screws. The curvature marking should be on the same side as the curvature marking of the Frame. Lastly, screw in the four Screws, do not use excessive force!
Reversing the Flow Direction
Magnitude 115X and 20XX CPU Water Blocks can be assembled with each part in multiple orientations to deliver exactly the same thermal and hydraulic performance when the flow direction or branding must be reversed. For AM4 versions, it is not recommended to rotate the Insert relative to the CPU socket due to its asymmetrical design. The following orientations will deliver optimal performance:
Diagram shows four examples of CPU water block assemblies with IN and OUT ports labeled, illustrating different orientations for flow direction and branding.
To prevent any possible incorrect assemblies, the Screw hole pattern is not square. Consequently, the Top, Frame, Insert, Jet Plate, and Coldplate can only be rotated by 180°; otherwise, it will not be possible to install the Screws. The Accent, O-Ring, and LED Strip may be installed in any orientation. The Insert can be rotated by following the steps below.
STEP 1: Disassemble Frame and Coldplate
Diagram shows the bottom of the CPU water block. Arrows indicate unscrewing four screws using a 2.5mm Allen (hex) key to remove the Frame and Coldplate.
Unscrew the four Screws from the bottom of the CPU Water Block in an anticlockwise direction, then remove the Frame and Coldplate. A 2.5mm Allen (hex) key is supplied for this. If an LED Strip is already installed and you do not wish to change where the cable exits, then the Frame does not need to be removed from the cable.
STEP 2: Remove O-Ring, Jet Plate, and Insert
Diagram shows the Top assembly with the O-Ring, Jet Plate, and Insert being removed.
Remove the O-Ring, Jet Plate, and Insert.
STEP 3: Reinstall Insert and O-Rings
Diagram shows the Insert being placed back into the Top, with O-Rings in position. Radii on the inside of the Top are indicated.
Make sure that the Inlet and Jet Plate O-Rings are still correctly located inside the Insert and place it back into the Top in the desired orientation. Radii on the inside of the Top allow the Insert to fit only two ways.
STEP 4: Reassemble Frame and O-Ring
Diagram shows the Frame being positioned onto the Top assembly, with an O-Ring placed between them. Curvature markings are indicated.
Put the Frame into place and then refit the O-Ring between the Frame and Top. Pay attention to the orientation of the Frame. Failure to do so will prevent installation of the Screws. The curvature marking should be in line with either end of the Jet Plate opening as illustrated.
STEP 5: Install Jet Plate
Diagram shows the Jet Plate being positioned correctly within the Insert.
Fit the Jet Plate and make sure it is correctly positioned in the Insert.
STEP 6: Reinstall Coldplate
Diagram shows the Coldplate being placed onto the assembly. Arrows indicate screwing in four screws.
Replace the Coldplate paying attention to the orientation. Failure to do so will prevent installation of the Screws. The curvature marking should be on the same side as the curvature marking of the Frame. Lastly, screw in the four Screws, do not use excessive force!
Installing the Water Block - 115X and AM4
STEP 1: Prepare Motherboard
Diagram shows a motherboard on a surface, with mounting mechanism parts laid out.
Place the motherboard on an even surface and remove the Mounting Mechanism from the plastic bags. Magnitude CPU Water Blocks include only the parts required for the chosen socket.
STEP 2: Remove Stock Components (AM4 ONLY)
Diagram shows the CPU socket area of a motherboard with hold-down clamps and UNC 6-32 screws. An AMD factory backplate is also shown.
Using a Philips head screwdriver, remove the four UNC #6-32 Screws which secure the plastic hold-down clamps to the motherboard. Remove the clamps as well as the original motherboard backplate and store them away. See the illustration to identify these parts.
STEP 3: Prepare Rubber Gasket (115X ONLY)
Diagram shows the Rubber Gasket, highlighting the outer part and the removable inner core.
The Rubber Gasket is an essential part of the Mounting Mechanism and must be used. For installation with 115X sockets, the Inner core must be removed! Both pieces should be used for installation with AM4 sockets.
STEP 4: Position Backplate and Gasket
Diagram shows the motherboard face down. A Metal Backplate and Rubber gasket are shown being aligned with mounting holes.
Turn your motherboard face down and position the Rubber Gasket and Backplate directly in line with the mounting holes. The ribbed side of the Backplate should be facing up! Both parts of the Rubber Gasket should be used for AM4!
Once aligned, carefully rotate the motherboard assembly while holding the backplate in position with one hand.
STEP 5: Install Standoffs and Washers
Diagram shows standoffs (M4 x 21mm) and plastic washers being loosely installed onto the motherboard mounting points.
Loosely install all four Standoffs and Plastic Washers before proceeding to tighten them completely. It is mandatory for 115X and AM4 to install the Plastic Washers as they prevent damage to the motherboard PCB. Using pliers or similar tools is not recommended.
CONTINUE INSTALLATION FROM STEP 3 ON PAGE 19!
Installing the Water Block - 20XX
STEP 1: Prepare Motherboard
Diagram shows a motherboard on a surface, with mounting mechanism parts laid out.
Place the motherboard on an even surface and remove the Mounting Mechanism from the plastic bags. Magnitude CPU Water Blocks include only the parts required for the chosen socket.
STEP 2: Install Standoffs
Diagram shows standoffs (M4 x 14mm) being installed into the ILM Heat Sink studs on the motherboard.
Install all four Standoffs tightly into the ILM Heat Sink studs by hand. Using pliers or similar tools is not recommended.
STEP 3: Clean IHS and Apply Thermal Compound
Diagram shows cleaning the CPU's Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS) with a non-abrasive cloth or Q-tip, and then applying a line of thermal compound.
Wipe the IHS clean using a non-abrasive cloth or Q-tip as shown in the illustration. Once clean, apply a line of Thermal Compound on one edge of the IHS and use a credit card or similar to spread it evenly. The layer of Thermal Compound must be thin and even in thickness over the entire surface of the IHS. Excessive or irregular application may lead to poor performance! This method applies for Thermal Grizzly Hydronaut Thermal Compound as supplied with all Magnitude CPU Water Blocks.
STEP 4: Mount Water Block
Diagram shows the CPU Water Block being positioned onto the installed standoffs on the motherboard.
Remove the protective sticker and position the CPU Water Block onto the Standoffs. To achieve optimal performance, mount the CPU Water Block in one of the orientations prescribed on page 13.
STEP 5: Insert Springs
Diagram shows springs being inserted into the mounting holes on the water block assembly.
Insert all four Springs inside the Frame.
STEP 6: Tighten Screws
Diagram shows screws being inserted and tightened in a cross pattern to secure the water block.
Loosely insert all four Screws before proceeding to tighten them two revolutions at once in a cross pattern. Stop when every Screw is flush with its hole inside the Frame!
Repeat this process from Step 3 onwards after observing the spread of Thermal Compound if you are not certain with the installation. If the Thermal Compound was not thinly spread in the center of the IHS, then changing the Jet Plate may improve results, see page 11.
