EK-FC1080 GTX G1 Water Block Installation Manual

STEP 1: PREPARING YOUR GRAPHIC CARD

1. REMOVING STOCK COOLER

Remove all encircled screws using 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 fan.

Bag Content: Bag content is universal for all water blocks, you may not need all screws.

• M2.5x4 AX1 (16pcs)
• M2.5x6 AX1 (13pcs)
• M2.5x8 AX1 (2pcs)
• M3x4 DIN7985 (2pcs)
• M2.5 helix nut (6pcs)
• PVC Washer (1pc)
• Thermal grease EK plug G1/4 (16pcs)
• 2.5mm Allen key (1pc)
• 6mm Allen key (1pc)
• Replacement mounting mechanism: FC - Tip F (M2,5 x AX1) (EAN: 3831109872215) (1pc)

Description of Image: A Gigabyte graphics card with screws circled for removal of the stock cooler.

REMOVING FACTORY PROVIDED BACKPLATE

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

Description of Image: A Gigabyte graphics card backplate with screws circled for removal.

1. CLEANING THE PCB

Carefully detach the original stock cooler after removing all screws securing it to the board. Wipe off the remains (by using non-abrasive cloth or q-tip, as shown on sample photo) of the original thermal compound until the components and circuit board are completely clean. EKWB recommends the use of denatured alcohol for removing TIM leftovers.

Description of Image: Close-up of a GPU PCB being cleaned with a cotton swab.

2. APPLYING THERMAL COMPOUND

Wipe off the remains (by using non-abrasive cloth or q-tip) of the original thermal compound until the components and circuit board are completely clean. Apply thermal compound: lightly coat NVIDIA GPU chip with enclosed EK-TIM Ectotherm thermal grease. EKWB recommends to apply thermal grease in cross form for best performance (see sample picture).

Description of Image: A GPU chip with thermal paste applied in a cross pattern.

3. CUTTING THERMAL PADS

Your block comes with thermal pads, some of which are already pre-cut. Others have to be cut to smaller chunks in order 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 F - 1.0mm (120x16mm) – (EAN: 3830046996732)

4. PLACING THERMAL PADS ON PCB

Place thermal pads on the circuit board as shown on the picture below. Refer to numbering in 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.

• 1: Thermal pad E - 0.5mm (for memory IC):
• 2: Thermal pad F - 1.0mm (for Vdd VRM):

Description of Image: A graphics card PCB with numbered locations indicating where to place thermal pads of different sizes and thicknesses.

STEP 2: INSTALLING THE WATER BLOCK

1. PLACING THE BLOCK ON TO THE GRAPHICS CARD

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

Description of Image: An EK water block being carefully placed onto a graphics card.

2. ATTACHING THE BLOCK TO THE GRAPHIC CARD

Use a Philips screwdriver to screw with the enclosed M2,5x4 AX1 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 the washer is already present on the circuit board (usually around the four GPU core screw holes) there is no need for additional washer.

In this step you will need:

• Screw M2,5x4 AX1 (11pcs)
• M2.5 PVC washer (11pcs)
• Philips head screwdriver

Description of Image: A graphics card with the water block attached, showing screws being tightened.

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 previous section to re-attach the block. In case you fail to obtain good contact, please check again that 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-FC1080 GTX G1 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 opening with 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!

Description of Diagram: A close-up of a water block port showing an EK-ACF fitting, tubing, and an EK-Plug.

STEP 5: INSERTING THE CARD IN YOUR PC CASE

Carefully lift your graphics card with installed block and insert it in 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 original heat sink fan assembly. One needs to be very careful when handling the graphics card. Avoid all un-needed manipulation of the VGA/water block assembly that might damage your card or water block during final installation.

REQUIRED TOOLS:

• scissors
• Philips head screwdriver