Installation Manual for EK-FB ASUS Maximus XI HERO Water Block
This product is intended for installation only by expert users. Please consult with a qualified technician for installation. Improper installation may result in damage to your equipment. EK Water Blocks assumes no liability whatsoever, expressed or implied, for the use of these products, nor their installation. The following instructions are subject to change without notice. Please visit our web site at www.ekwb.com for updates. Before installation of this product please read important notice, disclosure and warranty conditions printed on the back of the box.
Before you start using this product please follow these basic guidelines:
- Please carefully read the manual thoroughly before beginning with the installation process!
- Please remove your motherboard from the computer to assure safest mounting process in order to prevent any possible damages to your CPU and/or motherboard's circuit board (PCB).
- The EK-HFB and EK-ACF type 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 quality, market proved corrosion inhibiting coolants is always strongly recommended for any liquid cooling system.
STEP 1: GENERAL INFORMATION
Sample photo of ASUS Maximus XI HERO RGB Hero motherboard, highlighting the CPU socket, Mosfets, and M9H PCH (SB).
Bag Content:
Bag content is universal for all water blocks, you may not need all screws.
| Item | Description | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
M4x8 DIN7984 | Screws | 5pcs |
M2.5x5 AX1 | Screws | 5pcs |
M4 PVC washer | Washers | 5pcs |
M2.5 PVC washer | Washers | 5pcs |
Thermal grease | Thermal compound | 1pc |
2.5mm Allen key | Tool | 1pc |
M2.5 adhesive PVC washer | Washers | 5pcs |
Replacement mounting mechanism: FB Z270 MB (EAN: 3831109872338)
STEP 1: PREPARING YOUR MOTHERBOARD
Removing Stock Cooler
Remove all encircled screws. There are 4 screws on the back of the motherboard that need to be removed in order to remove the factory installed MOSFET heat pipe cooling solution.
Caution: Do not remove the PCH (SB) Cooler!
Image Description: Close-up photo of a motherboard showing the CPU socket and surrounding components, with circles indicating screws to be removed for the stock cooler.
STEP 2: PREPARING YOUR MOTHERBOARD
1. Applying Thermal Compound
Apply thermal compound on CPU heat spreader (IHS) - see sample photo on right with enclosed EK-TIM Ectotherm thermal grease.
The quantity of about two rice grains is just about right. There is no need to cover the whole IHS. Applying too much thermal grease will have negative impact on the cooling performance!
Image Description: Sample photo showing the correct application of thermal compound on a CPU heat spreader (IHS), indicating a small quantity resembling two rice grains.
2. Cutting Thermal Pads
Your block comes with thermal pads which needs to be trimmed in order to fit the voltage regulation area (MOSFET) on the motherboard's circuit board. WARNING: DIMENSIONS ON PICTURES BELOW ARE SCALED.
Thermal pad F-1.0mm (for mosfets):
Image Description: Diagram illustrating the dimensions and placement of thermal pads on the motherboard. One diagram shows a 1.0mm thermal pad for MOSFETs, measuring 16mm x 120mm.
Thermal pad F-1.0mm (for inductor coils):
Image Description: Diagram illustrating the dimensions and placement of thermal pads on the motherboard. Another shows a 1.0mm thermal pad for inductor coils, also measuring 16mm x 120mm.
Place 1mm thermal pads in larger strips over marked areas and make sure all mosfet chips are covered.
Place 1mm thermal pads in larger strips over marked areas and make sure all Inductor chips are covered.
Image Description: Diagram showing the placement of 1mm thermal pads on the motherboard's PCB, covering MOSFET and inductor areas. Red dashed lines indicate the areas to be covered.
Instruction: PLEASE REMOVE THE PROTECTIVE FOIL FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE THERMAL PADS PRIOR TO INSTALLATION!
STEP 3: PLACING THE BLOCK ON TO MOTHERBOARD
Placing the Block on the Motherboard
Place the EK-FB Maximus XI HERO Monoblock series water block gently to the motherboard or vice versa (as shown on photo below). Make sure that mounting holes are aligned. There is no use for M2.5 adhesive PVC washer on Maximus XI HERO motherboard (as the motherboard has its own washers already glued by manufacturer).
Image Description: Photograph showing the EK-FB Maximus XI HERO Monoblock water block being carefully placed onto the ASUS Maximus XI HERO motherboard, with mounting holes aligned.
STEP 4: ATTACHING BLOCK ON TO THE MOTHERBOARD
Prior to fastening the screws please make sure the mounting holes on the motherboard's circuit board are aligned with the water block.
- A) Mosfet part: Use four (4) M2.5x5 AX1 screws with PVC washers. Tighten the screws evenly. Do not use excessive force when tightening the screws!
- B) CPU part: Use four (4) M4x8 DIN7984 screws with washers. Tighten the screws using enclosed 2.5mm Allen key.
Use the enclosed screws and washers as shown in picture below:
Image Description: Diagram illustrating the correct screws and washers to be used for attaching the water block. It shows M4x8 screws with washers for the CPU part and M2.5x5 AX1 screws with PVC washers for the MOSFET part.
Inlet Port and Coolant Recommendation
For the EK-FB Maximus XI HERO Monoblock series water block to operate properly the G1/4 port nearest to the right edge of the water block MUST BE USED AS THE INLET PORT. EK recommends the use of EK-ACF fittings. When using fittings other than EK-ACF series please use hose clamps or appropriate substitute to secure the tubing to the barb. The use of biocide containing and corrosion inhibiting coolant is always recommended for any liquid cooling system.
Image Description: Close-up view of the water block's G1/4 ports, with a prominent indicator highlighting the port nearest to the right edge as the mandatory inlet port. Text reads 'IMPORTANT: USE THIS OPENING AS AN INLET PORT!'. Shows tubing connected.
Required Tools and Mounting Screws:
Image Description: Visual representation of required tools: scissors, a Phillips screwdriver, and an Allen key, alongside the mounting screws (M4x8, M2.5x5 AX1) and PVC washer.
