Installation Manual for EK-Vector Trio RTX 2080 Water Block

Important Information

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 the important notice, disclosure, and warranty conditions printed on the back of the box.

BAG CONTENT: Bag content is universal for all water blocks; you may not need all screws.

Before You Start

1. Please carefully read the manual thoroughly before beginning with the installation process!
2. Please remove your Graphics card from the computer to ensure the safest mounting process in order to prevent any possible damages to your GPU and/or graphics card circuit board (PCB).
3. 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.
4. The use of corrosion inhibiting coolants is always recommended for any liquid cooling system.

Step 1: Preparing Your Graphics Card

1. Removing Factory Provided Backplate

Remove all encircled screws. All heat sink assembly screws should be removed, including self-adhesive washers on both sides of the PCB (if present). Also remove encircled screws on the IO bracket using a Phillips screwdriver.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows the types of screws to be removed from the graphics card's backplate and IO bracket.

2. Removing Stock Cooler

Remove all encircled screws using a Phillips screwdriver. All heat sink assembly screws should be removed, including self-adhesive washers on both sides of the PCB (if present). After you remove the housing, do not forget to unplug the fans.

Diagram Description: A diagram illustrates the removal of screws securing the stock cooler and the disconnection of fan cables from the graphics card.

3. Cleaning the PCB

Carefully detach the original stock cooler after removing all screws securing it to the board. Wipe off the remains of the original thermal compound using a non-abrasive cloth or Q-tip until the components and circuit board are completely clean. EKWB recommends the use of denatured alcohol for removing TIM leftovers.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows a Q-tip being used to clean thermal paste from a component on the graphics card PCB.

4. Applying Thermal Compound

Wipe off the remains of the original thermal compound using a non-abrasive cloth or Q-tip until the components and circuit board are completely clean. Apply thermal compound: lightly coat the NVIDIA GPU chip with the enclosed EK-TIM Ectotherm thermal grease. EKWB recommends applying thermal grease in a cross form for best performance.

Diagram Description: A diagram illustrates the application of thermal grease to the GPU chip in a cross pattern.

5. Cutting Thermal Pads

Your block comes with thermal pads, some of which are already pre-cut. Others have to be cut into smaller chunks to cover all the VRM components such as MOSFETs and drivers. PLEASE REMOVE THE PROTECTIVE FOIL FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE THERMAL PADS PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.

Replacement thermal pads:

• Thermal Pad E - 0.5mm (RAM 8x) – (EAN: 3830046996688)
• Thermal Pad G - 1mm (120x24mm) - (EAN: 3830046996770)

6. Placing Thermal Pads on PCB

Place thermal pads on the circuit board as shown in the diagram. Refer to numbering in the previous picture when applying thermal pads of different sizes or thicknesses. EK made sure to provide customers with more than adequate quantity of thermal pads to complete this step.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows the placement of thermal pads on the graphics card PCB. Thermal Pad E (0.5mm) is indicated for memory ICs, with multiple instances shown. Thermal Pad G (1mm) is indicated for MOSFETs, with multiple instances shown.

Thermal Pad E - 0.5mm (for memory IC):

Thermal Pad G - 1mm (for Mosfet):

Step 2: Installing the Water Block

1. Placing the Block on to the Graphics Card

Carefully position the water block with preinstalled standoffs onto the graphics card. During this process, please make sure you align mounting holes on the PCB with holes on the water block (this applies to other tops as well). Also, pay attention not to use too much force by pressing the block down onto the PCB. Chip dies are prone to cracking.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows the water block being carefully aligned and placed onto the prepared graphics card.

2. Attaching the Block to the Graphic Card

Use a Phillips screwdriver and the enclosed M2.5x4 AX1 (14) screws. EKWB recommends users to start tightening the screws around the GPU core and continue outwards. Always use a plastic washer under each and every screw! If a washer is already present on the circuit board (usually around the four GPU core screw holes), there is no need for an additional washer.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows the types and quantities of screws and washers required for this step: M2.5x4 AX1 (14 pcs), M2.5 PVC washer (14 pcs).

Step 3: Checking for Contacts

If necessary, temporarily remove the water block to check for uniform surface contact between the block and the components. Pay special attention to the VRM section of the graphics card. Check whether the water block makes contact with the intended integrated circuit. Then, repeat sub-steps in the previous section to re-attach the block. In case you fail to obtain good contact, please check again your thermal pad thickness or contact our support service at http://www.ekwb.com/support.

Step 4: Installation of Fittings and Tubing

Screw in the two G1/4 threaded male fittings. Attach the liquid cooling tubes and connect the water-block(s) into the cooling circuit. EKWB recommends using EK-ACF fittings with the EK-Vector Trio RTX 2080 series water blocks. To ensure that the tubes are securely attached to the barb/fittings, please use hose clamps or an appropriate substitute.

You can use any opening as an inlet/outlet port. Do not forget to plug the remaining two openings with the enclosed EK-Plug G1/4 or equivalent.

CAUTION: In case of using connectors other than EK-ACF series compression fittings, take special attention to the length of the fittings' male G1/4" thread. 5mm is the maximum allowed G1/4" thread length!

Diagram Description: A diagram illustrates the connection of fittings and tubing. It shows an "Acetal Terminal", "Tubing", "GEFORCE RTX" branding on the graphics card, an "EK-ACF Fitting", and an "EK-Plug G1/4".

Step 5: Inserting the Card in Your PC Case

Carefully lift your graphics card with the installed block and insert it into your PC's motherboard PCI-express expansion slot. Please bear in mind that your graphics card is probably heavier than when it was equipped with the original heat sink fan assembly. One needs to be very careful when handling the graphics card. Avoid all unneeded manipulation of the VGA/water block assembly that might damage your card or water block during final installation.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows a graphics card with a water block being carefully inserted into a motherboard's PCI-express slot.

Step 6: Connecting the RGB LED Strip

Plug the 4-pin connector from the water block's RGB LED light to the RGB_HEADER on the motherboard. The LED will work if the pin layout on the header is as follows: +12V G R B.

Please ensure that the arrow indicated on the connector is plugged into the +12V line as indicated on your motherboard. Failure to do so will damage your motherboard or LED strip.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows a motherboard's RGB header with labels +12V, G, R, B, and CH. It also shows a 4-pin connector with an arrow indicating the +12V pin.

All disclosures, notices, and warranty conditions are available on the EKWB website. Please read the terms of use.

Released on 27th of February, 2019; Revision 1