EK-Classic CPU Water Block 115x/20xx/AMD D-RGB

LGA 2011(-3) Socket Motherboards

Diagram shows LGA 2011 M3 Thumb Screws being installed into motherboard standoffs.

STEP 1: Prepare Mounting Mechanism

Prepare the foil bag with the mounting mechanism. Install four (4) specific LGA 2011 M3 thumb screws into the four threaded stubs on the LGA 2011 socket's integrated latch mechanism (ILM). The screws are to be installed using no tools (e.g., pliers).

It is recommended to remove the motherboard from the chassis before proceeding with the CPU water block installation due to space constraints in various PC cases.

Diagram illustrates cleaning the CPU IHS with a nonabrasive cloth and applying thermal compound in a blob or line.

STEP 2: Clean and Apply Thermal Compound

Cleaning the CPU: Wipe the CPU's contact surface with a nonabrasive cloth or Q-tip.

Applying thermal compound: On the clean CPU IHS (Integrated Heat Spreader), apply a blob or line of the enclosed thermal compound.

EK recommends the quantity of about two rice grains of thermal compound. There is no need to cover the whole IHS. Applying too much thermal grease will disrupt cooling performance!

STEP 3: Mount the Water Block

Diagram depicts placing the water block over mounting screws, with coiled springs and thumb nuts being installed.

Remove the sticker from the water block cold plate. Align the water block over the mounting screws on the LGA 2011(-3) motherboard with a pre-installed CPU.

Before proceeding with installation, it is mandatory to remove the protective foil from the backside of the water block.

Place an enclosed compression spring and a thumb nut over each M3 thumb screw. Start fastening two thumb nuts at a time, preferably in a cross pattern, but do not tighten them fully until all four are partially screwed in. Then, using your fingers only, screw in all four thumb nuts until you reach the end of the thread.

STEP 4: Install Fittings and Complete Installation

Diagram shows tightening fitting barbs into the water block ports.

Tighten the fitting barbs in a clockwise direction until the gasket underneath is compressed.

The installation of the CPU water block is now complete.

With EK-Supremacy Classic series water blocks, it is mandatory to use the port closest to the center of the water block as the INLET port. Mixing these ports up may result in poor thermal performance of the water block.

LGA 115X/1200 Socket Motherboards

Diagram shows a motherboard being removed from a PC case.

STEP 1: Prepare Motherboard

If already installed, please remove the motherboard from the computer case. Place it on an even surface with the front facing downward.

STEP 2: Prepare Backplate Rubber Gasket

Diagram shows the rectangular rubber gasket for the backplate.

The enclosed rubber gasket is an essential part of the backplate and mounting system, and therefore must be used every time you install this water block on the motherboard.

STEP 3: Install Backplate and Gasket

Diagram shows the metal backplate and rubber gasket being placed on the rear of the motherboard, aligning with CPU socket holes.

Install the backplate rubber gasket and place the metal backplate for Intel® LGA 115x/1200 socket to the back of your motherboard, ribbed side up (facing away from the motherboard). Align the holes on the motherboard with holes on the rubber gasket and backplate.

Make sure to orientate the rubber gasket to fit past the CPU socket ILM backplate. On certain ITX form factor motherboards, the rubber gasket may need to be trimmed with household scissors.

Using one hand, carefully rotate the motherboard assembly with the front side facing up while holding the backplate and rubber gasket in place with the other hand.

STEP 4: Install Mounting Screws

Diagram shows M3 thumb screws with PVC washers being installed through the motherboard into the backplate.

Install four (4) M3 thumb screws into your motherboard. It is mandatory to put a plastic washer underneath each M3 thumb screw. Tighten the screws to the metal backplate until you reach the end of the thread. Using tools (e.g., pliers) is not recommended.

STEP 5: Clean and Apply Thermal Compound

Diagram shows cleaning the CPU IHS and applying thermal compound.

Cleaning the CPU: Wipe the CPU's contact surface with a nonabrasive cloth or Q-tip.

Applying Thermal Compound: On the clean CPU IHS, apply a blob or line of enclosed thermal compound.

EK recommends the quantity of about two rice grains of thermal compound. There is no need to cover the whole IHS. Applying too much thermal grease will disrupt cooling performance!

STEP 6: Mount the Water Block

Diagram shows the water block being placed over the mounting screws, with coiled springs and thumb nuts being installed.

Align the water block over the mounting screws on the LGA 115x/1200 motherboard with a pre-installed CPU.

Before proceeding with installation, it is mandatory to remove the protective foil from the backside of the water block.

Place an enclosed coiled spring and a thumb nut over each M4 thumb screw. Start fastening two thumb nuts at a time, preferably in a cross pattern, but don't tighten them fully until all four are partially screwed in. Then – using your fingers only – screw in all four thumb nuts until you reach the end of the thread.

STEP 7: Install Fittings and Complete Installation

Diagram shows tightening fitting barbs into the water block ports.

Tighten the fitting barbs in the clockwise direction until the gasket underneath is compressed.

With EK-Supremacy Classic series water blocks, it is mandatory to use the port closest to the center of the water block as the INLET port. Mixing these ports up may result in poor thermal performance of the water block.

STEP 8: Install Motherboard into Case

Diagram shows the motherboard with the installed water block being placed back into the computer case.

Install the motherboard back into the computer case. The installation of the CPU water block is now complete.

STEP 1: Replace Mounting Plate

Diagram shows removing M4x14 screws to detach the copper base from the mounting plate.

Place the water block on an even surface and, using the 2.5mm Allen key in the counter-clockwise direction, remove four M4x14 DIN 7991 screws attaching the copper base to the top.

STEP 2: Install AMD Mounting Plate

Diagram shows replacing the Intel mounting plate with the AMD mounting plate and reattaching the copper base.

Replace the factory-installed Intel® mounting plate with the AMD® one. You will feel the mounting plate locking into position when placed correctly onto the top. Reseat the O-ring gasket into the gap between the mounting plate and water block top.

Pay special attention to the orientation of the copper base. It should be placed as shown in the picture.

Reinstall the M4x14 screws and use the 2.5mm Allen key in the clockwise direction to screw them in.