EK-Quantum Vector FE RTX 4080 D-RGB GPU Water Block User Guide
Important Safety Information and Guidelines
Installation of this product is intended for adequately trained and experienced persons. You are installing the product at your own risk. If you are not properly trained or experienced, or feel unsure about the installation procedure, please refrain from installing the product yourself and contact EKWB tech support for assistance. EKWB disclaims liability for any damages to the product or incidental, consequential, or indirect damages incurred due to improper or inappropriate installation.
Before using this product, follow these basic guidelines:
- Remove your graphics card from the computer for the safest mounting process to prevent 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 by rubber O-ring gaskets.
- The use of corrosion-inhibiting coolants is always recommended for liquid cooling systems and mandatory for nickel-plated water blocks.
- Do not use pure distilled water.
- For best results, EKWB recommends the use of EK-CryoFuel coolants. Ensure the water block is thoroughly bled of air for optimal performance.
Box Contents
The package for the EK-Quantum Vector FE RTX 4080 D-RGB includes:
- EK-Quantum Vector2 FE RTX 4080 D-RGB (1 pc)
- M2.5x4 AX1 Screw (7 pcs)
- M2.5x8 AX1 Screw (1 pc)
- Standoff 4.5/2.5 (1 pc)
- M3x10 AX1 Screw (1 pc)
- Polyamid Washer M2.5 0.5mm (7 pcs)
- Standoff M2.5-M3 x 6.6mm (1 pc)
- Quantum Plug (2 pcs)
- Terminal OR - Vector2 14x1 mm (2 pcs)
- Nut M2.5 (2 pcs)
- I/O Bracket (1 pc)
- EK-Plug Out Spludger Tool (1 pc)
- Thermal Grease (1 pc)
- Thermal Pad F 1.0 mm (5 pcs) (EAN: 3830046996732)
- Thermal Pad F 2.0 mm (3 pcs) (EAN: 3830046996756)
- Thermal Pad G 1.0 mm (120 x 24 mm) (2 pcs) (EAN: 3830046996770)
- Allen Key 2.5 mm (1 pc)
- Allen Key 2 mm (1 pc)
- EK-Loop Multi Allen Key (1 pc) (EAN: 106046)
Water Block Dimensions
The water block has the following approximate dimensions: Length 236 mm, Height 148 mm, Width 27 mm. The main body is 124 mm wide, with a height of 96 mm. The front profile shows a thickness of 27 mm, with specific component depths of 25.5 mm and 236 mm overall length.
Technical Specifications and Water Block Parts
The EK-Quantum Vector FE RTX 4080 D-RGB is available in Nickel Plexi and Nickel Acetal variants.
Nickel Plexi Variant
- Dimensions: (L x H x W): 236 x 148 x 27 mm
- D-RGB LED count: 12
- D-RGB cable length: 50 cm
- D-RGB connector: 3-pin 5V digital LED header (Pinout: +5V | Data | Blocked | Ground)
Key parts include:
- Coldplate (Ni)
- Top plate (Plexi)
- LED Cover (N.elox)
- Backplate (B.elox)
- LED D-RGB strip
- Various screws, standoffs, terminals, and O-rings.
Nickel Acetal Variant
- Dimensions: (L x H x W): 236 x 148 x 27 mm
- D-RGB LED count: 34
- D-RGB cable length: 50 cm
- D-RGB connector: 3-pin 5V digital LED header (Pinout: +5V | Data | Blocked | Ground)
Key parts include:
- Coldplate (Ni)
- Top plate (Acetal)
- Backplate (B. Elox)
- Light Guide LED D-RGB Strip
- Various screws, standoffs, terminals, and O-rings.
Installation Guide
Preparing the Graphics Card
Ensure you have a clean, flat surface, preferably with soft material like foam, to place the graphics card on.
- Step 1: Remove the Top Cover, which is attached magnetically.
- Step 2: Unscrew four (4) orange-marked Phillips head screws and four (4) blue-marked Torx stock screws from the GPU.
- Step 3: Remove the backplate.
- Step 4: Carefully pull out the flat-ribbon FAN cable and lift it upwards.
- Step 5: For the FAN connector with the silvery clover, push the cover sideways and then lift the black plastic connector upwards.
- Step 6: Unscrew six (6) marked Torx screws from the slot cover and one (1) Torx screw on the top of the I/O Bracket.
- Step 7: Detach the I/O Bracket.
- Step 8: Unscrew four (4) Torx screws from the PCB holder.
- Step 9: Remove the PCB holder.
- Step 10: Detach the PCB from the original cooler.
Preparing the Water Block for Installation
- Step 1: Unscrew six (6) Screws AX1 M2.5 x 8 mm. Remove the backplate along with its attached screws and standoffs. Crucially, the standoffs must remain on the Screws AX1 M2.5 x 8 mm. Remove and save the PCB cardboard. Do not remove standoffs from screws! If a standoff detaches from a screw, replace it with a spare and screw it onto the AX1 M2.5 x 8 screws. Do not push the standoff onto the screw.
Cutting and Placing Thermal Pads
The water block kit includes thermal pads that need to be cut to size for covering VRM components like COILs, MOSFETs, and drivers.
- Step 1: Cut the provided thermal pads into smaller pieces to cover all necessary VRM components. Remove the protective foil from both sides of each thermal pad before installation. The included pads are:
- Thermal Pad F 1.0 mm (120 x 16 mm)
- Thermal Pad F 2.0 mm (120 x 16 mm)
- Thermal Pad G 1.0 mm (120 x 24 mm)
- Step 2: Place the cut thermal pads onto the PCB components as indicated in the diagrams. Typically, F1 pads cover VRMs, F2 pads cover other components, and G1 pads are used in specific locations.
Applying Thermal Compound
- Step 1: Apply the enclosed thermal grease thinly and evenly across the GPU's Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS). Avoid excessive or uneven application, as this can lead to poor performance.
Attaching the Water Block
- Step 1: Carefully position the water block, with its pre-installed standoffs, onto the graphics card. Align the mounting holes of the PCB with the holes on the water block. Pay attention not to use too much force when pressing the block down onto the PCB, as chip dies are prone to cracking. Ensure all thermal pads are correctly placed before proceeding.
- Step 2: Use five (5) M2.5 x 4 AX1 Screws and Polyamide Washers to secure the PCB to the water block. Tighten the screws evenly using a Phillips-head screwdriver. It is recommended to start tightening screws around the GPU core first, then continue outwards to prevent GPU damage.
Installing the Backplate
- Step 1: After attaching the water block, cut additional thermal pads (F1, F2, G1) into smaller pieces to cover the necessary components on the backplate. Remove the protective foil from both sides of each thermal pad.
- Step 2: Apply the cut thermal pads onto the backplate as indicated in the diagrams, ensuring they cover the relevant components.
Attaching the Backplate
- Step 1: Position the I/O Bracket and the backplate (including its screws and standoffs) onto the GPU PCB. Ensure all holes are aligned. Tighten the screws evenly. Before attaching the backplate, verify all thermal pads are correctly placed. Do not use excessive force.
Inserting the Graphics Card into the Chassis
Carefully lift the graphics card with the installed water block and insert it into your PC's motherboard PCI Express expansion slot. Be aware that the graphics card is now heavier. Handle the card with care to avoid unnecessary manipulation that might damage the card or the water block assembly.
Fittings and Tubing
Screw two (2) G1/4 threaded male fittings into the water block's ports. Attach the liquid cooling tubes and connect the water block to the cooling loop. Plug the remaining two openings using the enclosed EK-Plug G1/4 or equivalent fittings. EKWB recommends using EK fittings with their water blocks. When using connectors other than EK fittings, pay special attention to the length of the fittings' male G1/4" thread; 5mm is the maximum allowed thread length.
Connecting the D-RGB LED Strip
Connect the 3-pin connector of the distribution plate's D-RGB LED light strip to the D-RGB HEADER on the motherboard. The LED strip will function correctly if the pin layout on the header matches: +5V, Digital, Empty, Ground. Incorrect installation or connection to a wrong header can damage the LED strip or the motherboard header itself.
Testing the Loop
For successful installation, EKWB recommends performing a leak test for 24 hours. Once the loop is complete and filled with coolant, connect the pump to a PSU outside of your system, without powering any other components. Turn on the PSU and let the pump run continuously. It is normal for the coolant level to drop as air collects. Inspect all parts of the loop for leaks; if any are found, fix the issue and repeat the testing process. Ensure all hardware is dry before powering on the system to prevent damage.
Warranty
EKWB products are warranted against defects in materials and quality for 24 months from the date of delivery to the end-user. During this period, products will be repaired or have parts replaced at EKWB's discretion, provided:
- The product is returned to the agent from whom it was purchased.
- The product was purchased by the end-user and has not been used for commercial purposes.
- The product has not been misused, handled carelessly, or used in a manner contrary to the instructions in the manual.
This warranty does not confer rights other than those expressly stated and does not cover consequential loss or damage. It is an additional benefit and does not affect statutory consumer rights. The warranty is void if the product contacts aggressive UV additives or other improper liquids. EKWB water blocks are sealed with a warranty-voiding label, indicating the water block has passed a pressure leak test. Removing this label voids the leak-free guarantee, but not the product guarantee itself. For RMA issues, contact EK Customer Support at www.ekwb.com/support.
Support and Service
For assistance, to order spare parts, or a new mounting mechanism, contact EKWB Customer Support at https://www.ekwb.com/customer-support/. When ordering spare parts, refer to the 'TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND WATER BLOCK PARTS' section for the EAN number of each required part. Include the EAN number and quantity in your request. The Mounting Mechanism EAN can be found under 'BOX CONTENTS'. Thermal pads are readily available in the EK shop.
Social Media
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- Twitter: @EKWaterBlocks
- YouTube: ekwaterblocks
- Twitch: EKWBofficial