EK-Quantum Vector² Xtreme RTX 3080/90 ABP Set D-RGB GPU Water Block

Important Information

The installation of this product is intended for adequately trained and experienced persons. Installation is at your own risk. If you are not properly trained or experienced, refrain from installing the product yourself and contact EK tech support for assistance. EK disclaims liability for any damages to the product or consequential damages incurred due to improper or inappropriate installation.

Before starting, 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 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 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, thoroughly bleed the air out of your water block.

Box Contents

The box contains the following items:

• EK-Quantum Vector² Xtreme RTX 3080/90 ABP Set D-RGB GPU Water Block
• M2.5x4 AX1 Screws (9 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 (9 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 2.0 mm (4 pcs) (EAN: 3830046996756)

Water Block Dimensions

Dimensions: (LxHxW): 308.5 x 148 x 41 mm

Front View Dimensions:

• Total Length: 308.5 mm
• Terminal to Terminal Length: 212.5 mm
• PCB Mounting Holes to Terminal Length: 184.5 mm
• Height: 148 mm

Side View Dimensions:

• Water Block Height: 35.5 mm
• PCB to Water Block Height: 41 mm

Technical Specifications and Water Block Parts

NICKEL PLEXI

• Dimensions: (LxHxW): 308.5 x 148 x 41 mm
• D-RGB LED count: 30
• D-RGB cable length: 50 cm
• D-RGB connector: 3-pin 5V digital LED header

Preparing the Graphics Card

Step 1: Removing the Stock Cooler

Place your graphics card on a flat surface and carefully remove the stock cooler. Unplug all LED and fan connectors. Pay attention to the following steps when installing the EK-Quantum Vector² Xtreme RTX 3080/3090 water block onto your graphics card.

Step 2: Cleaning the PCB

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. EK recommends using denatured alcohol for removing TIM leftovers. After that, remove all remaining stock thermal pads from the PCB.

Preparing the Water Block for Installation

Step 1

First, remove the terminal badge attached to the terminal with two magnets. Under the badge, unscrew three (3) M4 x 20 DIN7984 screws. Additionally, eight (8) M3 x 10 AX1 screws need to be removed.

DO NOT REMOVE THE UPPER TERMINAL BADGE!

Tools needed: Phillips Head Screwdriver, Allen Key 2.5mm.

Step 2

Carefully remove the complete active backplate with the terminal. Additionally, two (2) O-rings 14 x 1 EPDM50 need to be removed.

Cutting and Placing Thermal Pads

Step 1

Your GPU water block comes with thermal pads that need to be cut into smaller pieces to cover all VRM components, such as coils, MOSFETs, and drivers.

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

Replacement thermal pads:

• Thermal Pad F 1.0 mm – (120 x 16 mm) EAN: 3830046996732
• Thermal Pad F 2.0 mm – (120 x 16 mm) EAN: 3830046996756

Step 2

Once cut to size, thermal pads should be placed on the PCB as illustrated. EK provides more than an adequate quantity of thermal pads to complete this step.

Before attaching the PCB to the Water Block, make sure all the Thermal Pads are placed correctly!

Tools needed: Scissors.

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!

Tools needed: Thermal Grease.

Attaching the Water Block

Step 1

Carefully position the water block with pre-installed standoffs on the graphics card. Align the mounting holes of the PCB with the holes of the water block.

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

Before attaching the PCB to the Water Block, make sure all the Thermal Pads are placed correctly!

Step 2

Use five (5) 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.

Tools needed: Phillips Head Screwdriver.

Step 3

Place the M2.5-M3 x 6.6 Standoff in each of the eight (8) mounting holes of the standoff M3.5-M2.5 x 11.3 (as shown in the image) and tighten them evenly with the EK-Plug-Out Spludger Tool.

Do not use excessive force!

Tools needed: EK-Plug Out Spludger Tool.

Attaching the Active Backplate

Step 1

After attaching the water block, place a few more thermal pads on the backside of the GPU PCB. Once cut to size, place the thermal pads on the PCB as illustrated. EK provides more than an adequate quantity of thermal pads to complete this step.

Replacement thermal pads:

• Thermal Pad F 1.0 mm – (120 x 16 mm) EAN: 3830046996732
• Thermal Pad F 2.0 mm – (120 x 16 mm) EAN: 3830046996756

For 3080/3080Ti: Refer to the diagram for thermal pad placement.

For 3090: Refer to the diagram for thermal pad placement.

Step 2

Put two O-rings 14 x 1 into slots on the cold plate. Carefully place the active backplate on the standoffs as shown in the image. Ensure the O-rings stay in the slots while placing the active backplate on the PCB.

Before attaching the Active Backplate, make sure all the Thermal Pads are placed correctly!

Step 3

Place eight (8) M3 x 10 AX1 screws into the water block standoffs and tighten them using a Phillips head screwdriver. Then, attach three (3) terminal screws M4 x 20 DIN7984 using an Allen Key 2.5mm. The terminal badge can be reused after securing the terminal screws.

Pay attention not to use too much force when tightening the active backplate.

Tools needed: Phillips Head Screwdriver, Allen Key 2.5mm.

Fittings and Tubing

Step 1

Screw-in two (2) G1/4 threaded male fittings. Attach the liquid cooling tubes and connect the water block to the cooling loop.

Do not forget to plug the remaining two openings using the enclosed EK-Plug G1/4 or its equivalent.

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 – 5 mm is the maximum G1/4" thread length allowed!

Tools needed: EK-Loop Multi Allen Key.

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. Note 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 unnecessary manipulation of the water block assembly that might damage your card or water block.

Connecting the D-RGB LED Strip

Step 1

Plug the 3-pin connector of the distribution plate D-RGB LED light to the D-RGB HEADER on the motherboard. The LED will work if the pin layout on the header is as follows: +5V, Digital, Empty, Ground.

Incorrect installation or installation to a wrong header can damage the LED strip or the header itself!

Testing the Loop

To ensure the installation of EK components was successful, perform a leak test for 24 hours. When your 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 during this process as air collects in the distribution plate. Inspect all parts of the loop. If coolant leaks are found, fix the issue and repeat the testing process. Ensure all hardware is dry before powering on the system to prevent any damage.

Warranty

EK products are warranted against defects of materials and quality for a period of 24 months, starting 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 that:

1. The product is returned to the agent from whom it was purchased.
2. The product has been purchased by the end-user and has not been used for commercial purposes.
3. The product has not been misused, handled carelessly, or used in a manner other than described in the instructions manual.

This warranty does not confer rights other than those expressly set out above and does not cover any claims for consequential loss or damage. This warranty is offered as an extra benefit and does not affect your statutory rights as a consumer. This warranty is voided if the product comes into contact with aggressive UV additives or other improper liquids. EK water blocks are sealed with a warranty-voiding circular label, proving the water block has withstood a pressure leak test. Removing the label will void the leak-free guarantee, but not the guarantee on the product itself. Any other RMA issues can be reported to EK Customer Support at www.ekwb.com/support for further analysis.

Support and Service

For assistance or to order spare parts or a new mounting mechanism, 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 the EAN number of each part. Include the EAN number with the 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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