EK-Pro GPU WB RTX 30x0 Water Block User Guide

Important Guidelines

Before you start using this product, please follow these basic guidelines:

• Carefully read the manual before beginning with 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).
• EK Fittings require only a small amount of force to screw them firmly in place since the liquid seal is ensured with the rubber O-ring gaskets.
• The use of quality market-proven corrosion-inhibiting coolants is always strongly recommended for any liquid cooling system.
• Do not use pure distilled water as a cooling liquid! For best results, EK recommends the use of EK-CryoFuel Coolants. Make sure to bleed air out of your water block thoroughly in order to reach optimal performance.

Box Contents

Illustration of the EK-Pro GPU WB RTX 3080/3090 Ni +Inox water block.

Water Block Dimensions

Diagram illustrating the water block's dimensions. The overall length is 230.3 mm, height is 152.6 mm, and thickness is 21.8 mm. Other specific measurements are also indicated.

Technical Specifications and Water Block Parts

Exploded view diagram of the water block assembly, with numbered components corresponding to the table below.

Preparing the Graphics Card

Step 1: Removing the Stock Cooler

Place your graphics card on a flat surface and carefully remove the stock cooler. Do not forget to unplug all LED and fan connectors. Pay attention to the following steps to install the EK-Pro GPU WB RTX 30x0 water block onto the graphics card.

Step 2: Cleaning the PCB

Wipe off the remains of the original thermal compound using a non-abrasive cloth or Q-tip, as shown in the sample image, until the components and circuit board are completely clean. EK recommends the use of denatured alcohol for removing TIM leftovers. After that, remove all remaining stock thermal pads from the PCB.

Diagram illustrating the GPU PCB, highlighting the area where thermal compound and pads should be cleaned or removed.

Thermal Management

Cutting and Placing Thermal Pads

Your GPU water block comes with pre-cut thermal pads to cover all the VRM components, such as COILs, MOSFETs, and drivers. Please use 1.0mm thick thermal pads which should be placed on the PCB, as illustrated below. EK has provided more than an adequate quantity of thermal pads to complete this step.

⚠ You must remove the protective foil from both sides of the thermal pad before installation.

Diagram showing the placement of 1.0mm thermal pads on the GPU PCB, covering VRM components.

Applying Thermal Compound

Step 1: Apply the enclosed EK-TIM Ectotherm thermal grease (thermal compound) on the GPU heat spreader – IHS – as shown in the image. The layer of the thermal compound must be thin and even over the entire surface of the IHS.

⚠ The excessive or uneven application of thermal grease may lead to poor performance!

Diagram illustrating the application of thermal grease on the GPU's Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS).

Installing the Water Block

Step 1: Placing the Block on the Graphics Card

This procedure is the same for all full-cover water blocks. Carefully position the water block with pre-installed standoffs on the graphics card. During this process, make sure you have aligned mounting holes of the PCB with holes of the water block.

⚠ Pay attention not to use too much force when pressing the block down to the PCB since chip dies are prone to cracking.

Diagram showing the correct alignment of the water block onto the graphics card PCB.

Step 2: Attaching the Backplate

Make sure that three (3) self-adhesive M2.5 plastic washers are in place as shown in the picture. Pay attention to the front area, where I/O ports are; those metal springs may get in the way when inserting. Holes on the PCB and block need to be perfectly aligned!

Diagram illustrating the placement of M2.5 washers and indicating alignment points for the water block.

Step 3: Installing Thermal Pads

Install 1.0mm thick thermal pads on the PCB, as illustrated below, to ensure better connection between the graphic card and backplate. EK has provided more than an adequate quantity of thermal pads to complete this step.

Diagram showing the placement of 1.0mm thermal pads on the PCB, intended for contact with the backplate.

Step 4: Attaching the Backplate

Use seven (7) M2.5 x 8 AX1 screws. Tighten the screws evenly using a Phillips head screwdriver. The screws must be present on the places marked below.

Diagram showing the locations on the graphics card where the seven M2.5 x 8 AX1 screws should be inserted to attach the backplate.

Checking the Contact in Case of High Temperatures

If necessary, temporarily remove the water block to check for uniform surface contact between the block and 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 steps from the previous section to re-attach the block.

⚠ In case you fail to obtain good contact, please check again or contact our support service at https://www.ekwb.com/customer-support/.

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. Please keep in mind that your graphics card is heavier than before it was equipped with the water block.

⚠ You need to be very careful when handling the graphics card. Avoid all unnecessary manipulation of the water block assembly that might damage your card or water block.

Testing the Loop

To ensure the installation of EK components was successful, we recommend you perform a 24-hour leak test. When your loop is complete and filled with coolant, connect the pump to a PSU outside your system. Do not connect power to any of the other components. Turn on the PSU and let the pump run continuously.

Inspect all parts of the loop, and in case of coolant leaks, fix the issue and repeat the testing process. To prevent possible damage, please ensure all hardware is dry before the system is powered on.

Support and Service

In case you need assistance or wish to order spare parts or a new mounting mechanism, please contact:

https://www.ekwb.com/customer-support/

For spare parts orders, refer to the page with "TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND WATER BLOCK PARTS" where you can find the EAN number of each part you might need. Include the EAN number with quantity in your request. Mounting Mechanism EAN can be found under "BOX CONTENTS". Thermal pads are readily available in the EK shop.

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