EK-Quantum Vector Aorus RTX 2080 D-RGB Water Block Installation Manual

Important Information and Guidelines

This product is intended for installation by expert users. Consult a qualified technician if needed. EK Water Blocks is not liable for damage due to improper installation. Visit www.ekwb.com for updates.

Before Installation: Read the important notice, disclosure, and warranty conditions printed on the back of the box.

Basic Guidelines:

• Please carefully read the manual before beginning the installation process.
• Remove your graphics card from the computer to ensure the safest mounting process and prevent any possible damage to your GPU and/or graphics card circuit board (PCB).
• The 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 any liquid cooling system.

Bag Content

The bag content is universal for all water blocks; you may not need all screws.

Replacement mounting mechanism: FC - Tip F (M2,5 x AX1) (EAN: 3831109872215)

Step 1: Preparing Your Graphics Card

1.1 Removing Stock Cooler

Remove all encircled screws from the heat sink assembly, including any self-adhesive washers on both sides of the PCB (if present).

1.2 Removing Factory Provided Backplate

Remove all encircled screws using a Phillips screwdriver. Ensure all heat sink assembly screws and self-adhesive washers are removed. After removing the housing, do not forget to unplug the fans.

1.3 Cleaning the PCB

Carefully detach the original stock cooler after removing all screws securing it to the board. 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. EKWB recommends the use of denatured alcohol for removing TIM leftovers.

1.4 Applying Thermal Compound

Lightly coat the NVIDIA GPU chip with the enclosed EK-TIM Ectotherm thermal grease. EKWB recommends applying thermal grease in a cross form for best performance.

1.5 Cutting Thermal Pads

Your block comes with thermal pads, some of which are already pre-cut. Others have to be cut into smaller chunks 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 - 1mm (120x16mm) (EAN: 3830046996732)

Thermal Pad Placement Guide:

• Thermal pad E - 0.5mm (for memory IC): Apply 16 pads.
• Thermal pad F - 1mm (for Mosfet): Apply 2 pads.

1.6 Placing Thermal Pads on PCB

Place the thermal pads on the circuit board as shown in the diagrams. Refer to the numbering in the previous picture when applying thermal pads of different sizes or thicknesses. EK has provided more than adequate quantity of thermal pads to complete this step.

Step 2: Installing the Water Block

2.1 Placing the Block onto the Graphics Card

Carefully position the water block with pre-installed standoffs onto the graphics card. During this process, please make sure you align the mounting holes on the PCB with the holes on the water block. Also, pay attention not to use too much force by pressing the block down onto the PCB, as chip dies are prone to cracking.

2.2 Attaching the Block to the Graphics Card

Use a Phillips screwdriver and the enclosed M2.5x4 AX1 screws (12 pcs). 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.

Step 3: Checking for Contacts

If necessary, temporarily remove the water block to check for uniform surface contact between the block and the components, paying special attention to the VRM section of the graphics card. Check whether the water block makes contact with the intended integrated circuit. Then, repeat the sub-steps in the previous section to re-attach the block. In case you fail to obtain good contact, please check again your thermal pad thickness or contact EKWB support service at 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-fittings with the EK-Quantum Vector RTX Aorus 2080 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 openings with the enclosed EK-Plug G1/4 fittings 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!

Visual Description: Diagram shows a graphics card with a water block attached, connected via tubing to an EK-Fitting and an EK-Plug G1/4.

Step 5: Inserting the Card in Your PC Case

Carefully lift your graphics card with the installed water block and insert it into 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 the 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.

Step 6: Connecting the D-RGB LED Strip

Plug the 3-pin connector from the water block's D-RGB LED light into the RGB_HEADER on the motherboard. The LED will work if the pin layout on the header is as follows: +5V G R B.

Please ensure that the arrow indicated on the connector is plugged into the +5V line as indicated on your motherboard. Failure to do so will damage your motherboard or LED strip.

Visual Description: Diagram shows a 3-pin connector labeled with an arrow, connecting to a motherboard RGB header labeled +5V, G, R, B.

Required Tools

• Scissors
• Philips head screwdriver