EK-Quantum Vector² XC3 RTX 3080/90 D-RGB GPU Water Block
User Guide
This product is intended for installation by expert users only. Please consult with a qualified technician. Improper installation may result in damage to your equipment. EK assumes no liability whatsoever, expressed or implied, for the use of this product or its installation. The following instructions are subject to change without notice. Please, read the manual carefully before starting the installation process. For updates, you can visit our official website www.ekwb.com.
Before you start using this product, please follow these basic guidelines:
- Carefully read the manual before beginning the installation process.
- Remove your graphics card from the computer for the safest mounting process to prevent any possible damage to your GPU or its circuit board (PCB).
- The EK 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 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, EK recommends the use of EK-CryoFuel coolants!
- To reach optimal performance, make sure to thoroughly bleed the air out of your water block!
Box Contents
The following items are included in the package:
- EK-Quantum Vector² XC3 RTX 3080/90 D-RGB GPU Water Block (1 pc)
- M2.5x4 AX1 Screw (8 pcs)
- M2.5x8 AX1 Screw (1 pc)
- Standoff Ø4.5/2.5 (1 pc)
- M3x10 AX1 Screw (1 pc)
- Polyamid Washer M2.5 0.5mm (8 pcs)
- Standoff M2.5-M3 x 6.6mm (1 pc)
- EK-Loop Multi Allen Key (1 pc)
- Quantum Plug (2 pcs)
- Terminal OR - Vector² 14x1 mm (2 pcs)
- Nut M2.5 (2 pcs)
- Allen Key 2.5 mm (1 pc)
- Allen Key 2 mm (1 pc)
- EK-Plug Out Spludger Tool (1 pc)
- Thermal Grease (1 pc)
- Thermal Pad F 1.0 mm (6 pcs) (EAN: 3830046996732)
- Thermal Pad F 1.5 mm (1 pc) (EAN: 3830046996749)
- Thermal Pad F 2.0 mm (2 pcs) (EAN: 3830046996756)
Water Block Dimensions
The water block has the following dimensions:
- Length: 302 mm
- Width: 134 mm
- Height: 27 mm
- Port spacing: 123.7 mm (center-to-center)
- Port to edge distance: 95.7 mm
- Thickness (front): 25.5 mm
- Thickness (rear): 27 mm
- Features "Vector²" branding on the side.
Technical Specifications and Water Block Parts
NICKEL PLEXI Version
Specifications for the Nickel Plexi version:
- Dimensions: (LxHxW): 302 x 134 x 27mm
- D-RGB LED count: 17
- D-RGB cable length: 50 cm
- D-RGB connector: 3-pin 5V digital LED header
| Position | EAN | Description | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 104963 | Coldplate (Nickel) | 1 |
| 2 | 103969 | Standoff (Acetal) | 1 |
| 3 | 104582 | Top plate (Plexi) | 1 |
| 4 | 103947 | FC Terminal | 1 |
| 5 | 104580 | Backplate (Black e.) | 1 |
| 6 | 103965 | Main O-ring 128 x 2 mm | 1 |
| 7 | 104106 | Terminal OR - 14 x 1 mm | 2 |
| 8 | 9024 | Screw M4 x 10 7984DIN | 11 |
| 9 | 8208 | Screw M3 x 8 7991DIN | 2 |
| 10 | 104187 | Screw M2.5 x 8 AX1 | 8 |
| 11 | 103987 | Standoff M3.5-M2.5 x 3 | 4 |
| 12 | 103988 | Standoff M4-M2.5 x 3 | 4 |
| 13 | 103986 | Standoff M3.5-M2.5 x 11.3 | 6 |
| 14 | 104188 | Standoff fi 4.5/2.5 | 8 |
| 15 | 103942 | Terminal badge | 1 |
| 16 | 8311 | Screw M4 x 20 DIN7984 | 3 |
| 17 | 104216 | Disc magnet 3 x 3 | 2 |
| 18 | 103964 | Mylar sticker | 2 |
| 19 | 100663 | EK RGB Badge | 2 |
| 20 | 104570 | LED Cover | 1 |
| 21 | 101556 | LED D-RGB strip 500/300 mm | 1 |
| 22 | 103975 | Bridge plate | 1 |
| 23 | 103962 | Plexi insert | 1 |
NICKEL ACETAL Version
Specifications for the Nickel Acetal version:
- Dimensions: (LxHxW): 302 x 134 x 27 mm
- D-RGB LED count: 28
- D-RGB cable length: 50 cm
- D-RGB connector: 3-pin 5V digital LED header
| Position | EAN | Description | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 104963 | Coldplate (Nickel) | 1 |
| 2 | 103947 | FC Terminal (Acetal) | 1 |
| 3 | 104580 | Backplate (Black e.) | 1 |
| 4 | 103965 | Main O-ring 128 x 2 mm | 1 |
| 5 | 104106 | Terminal OR - 14 x 1 mm | 2 |
| 6 | 9024 | Screw M4 x 10 DIN7984 | 11 |
| 7 | 8202 | Screw M3 x 12 DIN7991 | 2 |
| 8 | 104187 | Screw M2.5 x 8 AX1 | 8 |
| 9 | 103987 | Standoff M3.5-M2.5 x 3 | 4 |
| 10 | 103988 | Standoff M4-M2,5 x 3 | 4 |
| 11 | 103986 | Standoff M3.5-M2.5 x 11.3 | 6 |
| 12 | 104188 | Standoff fi 4.5/2.5 | 8 |
| 13 | 103966 | Light guide | 1 |
| 14 | 103972 | Standout (Acetal) | 1 |
| 15 | 104583 | Top plate (Acetal) | 1 |
| 16 | 103942 | Terminal badge | 1 |
| 17 | 8311 | Screw M4 x 20 DIN7984 | 3 |
| 18 | 104216 | Disc magnet 3 x 3 | 2 |
| 19 | 104211 | Mylar sticker | 2 |
| 20 | 100663 | EK - Badge | 2 |
| 21 | 104295 | LED D-RGB Dense Strip Double | 1 |
| 22 | 103975 | Bridge Plate | 1 |
| 23 | 103962 | Plexi insert | 1 |
Preparing the Graphics Card
Option 1: Removing the Stock Cooler (GPU Versions Without a Backplate)
Required Tool: Phillips Head Screwdriver
For GPUs without a backplate (e.g., EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 XC3 BLACK GAMING): Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the eleven marked screws and the Stock Cooler Backplate from the backside of the GPU. Do not remove the unmarked I/O Bracket screw. Carefully detach the PCB from the stock cooler and disconnect all cables connecting the stock cooler to the PCB. Remove the stock cooler slowly, as it may be firmly glued to the PCB with thermal pads.
Option 2: Removing the Stock Cooler (GPU Versions With a Backplate)
Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the twelve marked screws and the Stock Cooler Backplate from the backplate's side. Carefully detach the PCB from the stock cooler and the backplate, and disconnect all cables connecting the stock cooler to the PCB. Remove the stock cooler slowly, as it may be firmly glued to the PCB with thermal pads.
Step 2: Cleaning the PCB
Wipe off the remains of the original thermal compound using a nonabrasive cloth or Q-tip until the components and circuit board are completely clean. EK recommends using denatured alcohol for removing thermal interface material (TIM) leftovers. After cleaning, remove all remaining stock thermal pads from the PCB.
Preparing the Water Block for Installation
Step 1: Backplate and Standoffs
Unscrew eight (8) Screws AX1 M2.5 x 8. Remove the backplate along with the eight (8) Screws M2.5 x 8 AX1 and backplate standoffs. Ensure the standoffs remain attached to the screws. Remove any cardboard. Save the backplate set for later steps.
Caution: Do not remove standoffs from screws. If a standoff detaches, replace it with a spare one. When reattaching, screw the standoff onto the AX1 M2.5 x 8 screw, do not push it on.
Required Tool: Phillips Head Screwdriver
Cutting and Placing Thermal Pads
Step 1: Pad Preparation
The EK-Quantum Vector² XC3 RTX 3080/90 D-RGB block requires thermal pads to be cut into smaller pieces to cover all VRM components. EK provides an adequate quantity of thermal pads for this step.
Caution: Remove the protective foil from both sides of each thermal pad before installation.
Replacement Thermal Pads:
- Thermal Pad F 1.0 mm – (120 x 16mm) EAN: 3830046996732
- Thermal Pad F 1.5 mm – (120 x 16mm) EAN: 3830046996749
- Thermal Pad F 2.0 mm – (120 x 16mm) EAN: 3830046996756
Required Tool: Scissors
Step 2: Pad Placement
The provided cardboard is printed in scale 1:1. Cut the Thermal Pads according to the printed sizes. Place the cut thermal pads onto the water block as shown in the diagram.
Caution: Before attaching the PCB to the Water Block, ensure all Thermal Pads are placed correctly.
Applying Thermal Compound
Step 1: Application
Apply the enclosed EK-TIM Ectotherm thermal grease (thermal compound) on the GPU heat spreader (IHS) as shown in the diagram. The layer of the thermal compound should be thin and even across the entire surface of the IHS.
Caution: Excessive or uneven application of thermal grease may lead to poor performance.
Required Tool: Thermal Grease
Attaching the Water Block
Step 1: Mounting
Carefully position the water block with preinstalled standoffs onto the graphics card. Ensure the mounting holes of the PCB align with the holes of the water block.
Caution: Before attaching the PCB to the Water Block, ensure all the Thermal Pads are placed correctly.
Step 2: Securing the Water Block
Use six (6) M2.5 x 4 AX1 Screws and PVC washers to tighten the PCB onto the water block. Tighten the screws evenly using the Phillips-head screwdriver. After attaching the PCB, use one (1) M2.5 x 8 AX1 Screw and one (1) M2.5 Nut to secure the I/O Bracket.
EK recommends starting to tighten the screws around the GPU core first, then moving outward to prevent damage to the GPU.
Ensure screws are present in the marked locations.
Preparing the Backplate
Step 1: Backplate Thermal Pad Placement
After attaching the water block, apply additional thermal pads to the backplate to cover necessary components. EK provides an adequate quantity of thermal pads.
Caution: Remove the protective foil from both sides of each thermal pad before installation.
Replacement Thermal Pads:
- Thermal Pad F 1.0 mm – (120 x 16mm) EAN: 3830046996732
- Thermal Pad F 1.5 mm – (120 x 16mm) EAN: 3830046996749
- Thermal Pad F 2.0 mm – (120 x 16mm) EAN: 3830046996756
Required Tool: Scissors
Apply the thermal pads onto the backplate as shown in the diagrams for 3080/3080Ti and 3090 models, referencing F1 (1.0mm), F1.5 (1.5mm), and F2 (2.0mm) pads.
Attaching the Backplate
Step 1: Mounting the Backplate
Place the backplate with eight (8) M2.5 x 8 AX1 Screws and Standoffs onto the PCB. Ensure all holes are aligned. Tighten the screws according to the numerical order shown in the diagram. Do not use excessive force.
Required Tool: Phillips Head Screwdriver
Inserting the Graphics Card into the Chassis
Carefully lift your 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 heavier with the water block installed. Handle the graphics card with care, avoiding unnecessary manipulation of the water block assembly to prevent damage.
Fittings and Tubing
Step 1: Connecting Fittings
Screw in two (2) G1/4 threaded male fittings. Attach the liquid cooling tubes and connect the water block to the cooling loop.
Important: Plug the remaining two openings using the enclosed EK-Plug G1/4 or an equivalent plug.
EK recommends using EK fittings with all EK water blocks.
Caution: 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.
Required Tool: EK-Loop Multi Allen Key
Connecting the D-RGB LED Strip
Step 1: Connection
Plug the 3-pin connector of the distribution plate D-RGB LED light into the D-RGB HEADER on the motherboard. The LED will function if the pin layout on the header is: +5V, Digital, Empty, Ground.
Caution: Incorrect installation or connection to a wrong header can damage the LED strip or the motherboard header.
Testing the Loop
To ensure successful installation, perform 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. Do not connect power to 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 in the distribution plate. Inspect all parts of the loop for leaks. If leaks are found, fix the issue and repeat the testing process. Ensure all hardware is dry before powering on the system to prevent damage.
Warranty
EK 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 EK's discretion, provided the product is returned to the original seller, was purchased by the end-user, and has not been misused, handled carelessly, or used contrary to the instructions manual. This warranty does not confer rights beyond those stated and does not cover consequential loss or damage. This warranty is an extra benefit and does not affect statutory consumer rights. The warranty is void if the product contacts aggressive UV additives or other improper liquids. EK water blocks are sealed with a warranty-voiding circular label, proving a pressure leak test was passed. 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 for further analysis.
Support and Service
For assistance, spare parts, or mounting mechanism orders, please contact EK Customer Support at https://www.ekwb.com/customer-support/.
For spare parts orders, refer to the "TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND WATER BLOCK PARTS" section to find EAN numbers. Include the EAN number and quantity in your request. Mounting Mechanism EAN can be found under "BOX CONTENTS". Thermal pads are available in the EK shop.
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