EK-Quantum Vector² FTW3 RTX 3080/90 D-RGB GPU Water Block User Guide

Introduction and Safety Information

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.

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).
• EK Fittings require only a small amount of force to screw them firmly in place, as the liquid seal is ensured by 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, ensure you thoroughly bleed the air out of your water block.

Box Contents

The package includes the following items:

• EK-Quantum Vector² FTW3 RTX 3080/90 D-RGB (1 pc)
• M2.5x4 AX1 Screw (8 pcs)
• M2.5x8 AX1 Screw (1 pc)
• M3x10 AX1 Screw (1 pc)
• Polyamid Washer M2.5 0.5mm (8 pcs)
• Standoff Ø4.5/2.5 (1 pc)
• Standoff M2.5-M3 x 6.6mm (1 pc)
• MS-Quantum Plug (2 pcs)
• Nut M2.5 (2 pcs)
• EK-Loop Multi Allen Key (1 pc)
• Allen Key 2 mm (1 pc)
• Allen Key 2.5 mm (1 pc)
• EK-Plug Out Spludger Tool (1 pc)
• Thermal Grease (1 pc)
• Thermal Pad F 1.0 mm (5 pcs)
• Thermal Pad G 1.0 mm (2 pcs)
• Thermal Pad G 2.0 mm (4 pcs)

Water Block Dimensions

The water block has the following dimensions:

• Length: 328.5 mm
• Height: 155 mm
• Width: 27 mm
• Other dimensions: 123.5 mm, 95.5 mm, 142.5 mm, 3 mm.

Technical Specifications and Water Block Parts

Nickel Plexi Version:

• Dimensions: (LxHxW): 328.5 x 155 x 27 mm
• D-RGB LED count: 17
• D-RGB cable length: 50cm
• D-RGB connector: 3-pin 5V digital LED header

Nickel Acetal Version:

• Dimensions: (LxHxW): 328.5 x 155 x 27 mm
• D-RGB LED count: 19
• D-RGB cable length: 50cm
• 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. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the thirteen (13) marked screws. Remove the Stock Backplate and the Stock Cooler Backplate from the backside of the GPU. Carefully and slowly detach the PCB from the stock cooler and disconnect the four cables connecting the stock cooler to the PCB.

Always remove the stock cooler slowly and with uniform force; it might 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 the use of 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: Backplate Standoffs

Unscrew eight (8) Screws AX1 M2.5x8 as shown in the image. Remove the backplate together with these eight screws and the backplate standoffs. Ensure the standoffs remain on the screws. Remove any cardboard. Save the backplate set for later steps.

Do not remove standoffs from screws! In case a standoff detaches from the screw, replace it with a spare one. When replacing the standoff, make sure to screw it onto the AX1 M2.5x8 screw. Do not push the standoff onto the screw!

For this step, you will need: Phillips Head Screwdriver ?

Cutting and Placing Thermal Pads

Step 1: Preparing Thermal Pads

Your EK-Quantum Vector² FTW3 RTX 3080/90 D-RGB block requires thermal pads to be cut into smaller pieces to cover all VRM components. EK has provided an adequate quantity of thermal pads for this step.

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

Replacement thermal pads available:

• Thermal Pad F 1.0 mm (120 x 16 mm) EAN: 3830046996732
• Thermal Pad G 1.0 mm (120 x 24mm) EAN: 3830046996770
• Thermal Pad G 2.0 mm (120 x 24mm) EAN: 3830046996794

For this step, you will need: Scissors ✂️

Step 2: Placing Thermal Pads

The included cardboard is printed in a 1:1 scale. Cut the Thermal Pads to the size printed on the cardboard. Once cut, place the Thermal Pads onto the block as shown in the diagrams. Thermal Pads of thicknesses 1 mm and 2 mm are included.

Before attaching the PCB to the Water Block, make sure all the 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 image. The layer of 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! ⚠️

For this step, you will need: Thermal Grease ?

Attaching the Water Block

Step 1: Positioning the Water Block

Carefully position the water block with pre-installed standoffs onto the graphics card. During this process, ensure you have aligned the mounting holes of the PCB with the holes of the water block.

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

Step 2: Securing the Water Block

Use eight (8) M2.5x4 AX1 Screws and PVC washers to tighten the PCB onto the water block. Tighten the screws evenly using the Phillips-head screwdriver. EK recommends starting the tightening process around the GPU core first, then continuing outward to prevent damage to the GPU.

Always use a plastic washer under each screw! ⚙️

Screws must be present in the places marked on the picture.

For this step, you will need: Phillips Head Screwdriver ?

Installing the Backplate

Step 1: Applying Thermal Pads to Backplate

After attaching the water block, a few more thermal pads need to be cut into smaller pieces to cover the necessary components on the backplate. EK has provided an adequate quantity of thermal pads for this step.

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

Replacement thermal pads available:

• Thermal Pad F 1.0 mm (120 x 16 mm) EAN: 3830046996732
• Thermal Pad G 1.0 mm (120 x 24mm) EAN: 3830046996770
• Thermal Pad G 2.0 mm (120 x 24mm) EAN: 3830046996794

For this step, you will need: Scissors ✂️

Step 2: Placing Thermal Pads on Backplate

Apply the thermal pads onto the backplate as shown in the diagrams below:

For 3080/3080Ti:

Place G2 Thermal Pads (120 x 24 x 2.0 mm) in the designated areas.

For 3090:

Place G1 Thermal Pads (120 x 24 x 1.0 mm) and G2 Thermal Pads (120 x 24 x 2.0 mm) in the designated areas.

Attaching the Backplate to the Water Block

Step 1: Alignment and Securing

Place the backplate with eight (8) M2.5x8 AX1 Screws and Standoffs onto the PCB. Make sure all the holes are aligned. Tighten screws according to the numerical order shown in the image.

Do not use excessive force! ⚠️

Before attaching the Backplate to the PCB, make sure all the Thermal Pads are placed correctly! ✔️

For this step, you will need: 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. 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. ⚠️

Fittings and Tubing

Step 1: Connecting Fittings and Tubing

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

For this step, you will need: EK-Loop Multi Allen Key ?

Connecting the D-RGB LED Strip

Step 1: Connection to Motherboard

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. In the eventuality that coolant leaks, fix the issue and repeat the testing process. Ensure that all hardware is dry before the system is powered on to prevent any damage. ✔️

Warranty

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

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 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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