EK-Quantum Magnitude CPU Water Block
User Guide
Introduction and Disclaimer
These products are intended for installation by expert users only. Consult with a qualified technician for installation. Improper installation may result in damage to equipment. EK Water Blocks assumes no liability for the use or installation of these products. Instructions are subject to change without notice. Visit www.ekwb.com for updates. Read all important notices, disclosures, and warranty conditions before installation.
Before using this product, follow these basic guidelines:
- Read the entire manual before starting installation.
- Remove your motherboard from the computer for a safer mounting process and to prevent damage to other components.
- EK-Quantum Torque fittings require minimal force to screw firmly; the liquid seal is ensured by O-ring compression, not thread tightness.
- Use only G1/4 fittings with a parallel thread (1/4" BSPP), with a maximum thread engagement of 5.75mm.
- Corrosion inhibiting coolants are always recommended for liquid cooling systems.
- Do not use pure distilled water; EK recommends EK-CryoFuel coolants for best results.
- Thoroughly bleed air from the CPU Water Block for optimal performance.
Compatibility
Each EK-Quantum Magnitude CPU Water Block is specific to one physical socket specification (115X, 20XX, or AM4) but is cross-compatible with the following electronic socket specifications:
- EK-Quantum Magnitude - 115X: Intel LGA 1156, Intel LGA 1155, Intel LGA 1150, Intel LGA 1151
- EK-Quantum Magnitude - 20XX: Intel LGA 2011 (square ILM only), Intel LGA 2011-v3 (square ILM only), Intel LGA 2066 (square ILM only)
- EK-Quantum Magnitude - AM4: AMD AM4
- EK-Quantum Magnitude D-RGB - 1700: Intel LGA 1700
What is Enclosed
The package contents vary slightly depending on the specific model. Below is a general list:
- EK-Quantum Magnitude - 115X CPU Water Block: Mounting Mechanism (115x/1700/AM4), 4x Screws, 4x Springs, 4x Standoffs (115x/1700/AM4), 4x Plastic Washers, 2.5mm Allen (hex) key, Rubber Gasket, Backplate - 115X, Additional Jet Plate - 0.7C, Thermal Grizzly Hydronaut (1.0g) Thermal Compound.
- EK-Quantum Magnitude - 20XX CPU Water Block: Mounting Mechanism (20XX), 4x Screws, 4x Springs, 4x Standoffs (20XX), 2.5mm Allen (hex) key, Additional Jet Plate - 0.6P, Thermal Grizzly Hydronaut (1.0g) Thermal Compound.
- EK-Quantum Magnitude - AM4 CPU Water Block: Mounting Mechanism (115x/1700/AM4), 4x Screws, 4x Springs, 4x Standoffs (115x/1700/AM4), 4x Plastic Washers, 2.5mm Allen (hex) key, Rubber Gasket, Backplate - AM4, Additional Jet Plate - 0.6P, Thermal Grizzly Hydronaut (1.0g) Thermal Compound.
- EK-Quantum Magnitude D-RGB - 1700 CPU Water Block: Mounting Mechanism (115x/1700/AM4), 4x Screws, 4x Springs, 4x Standoffs (115x/1700/AM4), 4x Plastic Washers, 2.5mm Allen (hex) key, Rubber Gasket, Backplate, Thermal Grizzly Hydronaut (1.0g) Thermal Compound.
Quick Installation Guide
Parts and Terminology
This section details the individual parts of the assembled Magnitude CPU Water Block and the terminology used throughout the manual. It lists physical variations and their applications. While some parts may be cross-compatible, assembly should follow stated guidelines for optimal performance. Material, finish, and color variations do not affect fitment or performance.
Magnitude CPU Water Blocks without D-RGB LED Strips have a fourth O-Ring between the Top and Accent, which is not for sealing but can be exchanged with an LED Strip. The LED Strip connector may not fit through the frame hole.
Changing the Coldplate
Original Magnitude Coldplates have a subtle curvature for optimal contact with standard CPU Integrated Heat Spreaders (IHS). A Flat Coldplate version is available for users who modify or replace the IHS.
STEP 1: Unscrew the four screws from the bottom of the CPU Water Block in an anticlockwise direction and remove the Coldplate. A 2.5mm Allen (hex) key is supplied.
STEP 2: Replace the Jet Plate according to the table below, ensuring correct alignment in the Insert and that O-Rings remain in position.
Socket | Default Jet | Optional Jet |
---|---|---|
115X | 0.6C | 0.7C |
115X - Flat Coldplate | 0.5C | - |
20XX | 0.5P | 0.6P |
20XX - Flat Coldplate | 0.5P | - |
AM4 | 0.5P | 0.6P |
AM4 - Flat Coldplate | 0.5P | - |
1700 | 0.6C | - |
1700 - Flat Coldplate | 0.5C | - |
STEP 3: Place the desired Coldplate, paying attention to orientation. The curvature marking should align with the Frame's curvature marking. Screw in the four screws, avoiding excessive force.
Changing the Accent
The Accent can be exchanged for one with a different color or material finish. A translucent D-RGB Accent can add lighting to opaque-top versions.
STEP 1: Unscrew the four screws from the bottom of the CPU Water Block in an anticlockwise direction. Remove the Frame, Coldplate, and LED Strip if installed. A 2.5mm Allen (hex) key is supplied. If an LED Strip is installed and its cable exit is not being changed, the Frame does not need to be removed.
STEP 2: Remove and replace the Accent. The Accent can fit in any orientation.
STEP 3 (WITHOUT LED STRIP): If applicable, refit the O-Ring between the Top and Accent. This is not required for operation but ensures the Accent is tightly fitted without an LED Strip.
STEP 3 (WITH LED STRIP): Insert the LED Strip through the desired corner of the Frame and fit it between the Top and Accent. For Plexi Tops, the LED Strip should face inwards. For Acetal or Nickel Tops, it should face outwards.
STEP 4: Position the Frame on the Top, paying attention to orientation. The curvature marking should align with the Jet Plate opening. Ensure the Jet Plate and O-Rings remain in position.
Replacing the Jet Plate
All Magnitude CPU Water Blocks include an additional Jet Plate that is 0.1mm thicker than the default. This thicker plate is recommended if the Coldplate touches the IHS edges and prevents optimal contact in the center.
STEP 1: Unscrew the four screws from the bottom of the CPU Water Block in an anticlockwise direction and remove the Coldplate. A 2.5mm Allen (hex) key is supplied.
STEP 2: Choose the appropriate Jet Plate from the table below and ensure it is correctly aligned in the Insert with the O-Rings in position.
Socket | Default Jet | Optional Jet |
---|---|---|
115X | 0.6C | 0.7C |
115X - Flat Coldplate | 0.5C | - |
20XX | 0.5P | 0.6P |
20XX - Flat Coldplate | 0.5P | - |
AM4 | 0.5P | 0.6P |
AM4 - Flat Coldplate | 0.5P | - |
1700 | 0.6C | - |
1700 - Flat Coldplate | 0.5C | - |
STEP 3: Replace the Coldplate, paying attention to orientation. The curvature marking should align with the Frame's curvature marking. Screw in the four screws, avoiding excessive force.
Reversing the Flow Direction
Magnitude 115x, 1700, and 20XX Water Blocks can be assembled in multiple orientations to achieve the same thermal and hydraulic performance when flow direction or branding needs to be reversed. For AM4 versions, rotating the Insert relative to the CPU socket is not recommended due to its asymmetrical design. The following orientations deliver optimal performance.
Note: To prevent incorrect assemblies, the screw hole pattern is not square. The Top, Frame, Insert, Jet Plate, and Coldplate can only be rotated by 180°; otherwise, screws cannot be installed. The Accent, O-Ring, and LED Strip can be installed in any orientation. The Insert can be rotated by following the steps below.
STEP 1: Unscrew the four screws from the bottom of the CPU Water Block in an anticlockwise direction, then remove the Frame and Coldplate. A 2.5mm Allen (hex) key is supplied. If an LED Strip is installed and its cable exit is not being changed, the Frame does not need to be removed.
STEP 2: Remove the O-Ring, Jet Plate, and Insert.
STEP 3: Ensure the Inlet and Jet Plate O-Rings are correctly located inside the Insert. Place the Insert back into the Top in the desired orientation. The Top's internal radii allow the Insert to fit in only two ways.
STEP 4: Put the Frame into place and refit the O-Ring between the Frame and Top. Pay attention to the Frame's orientation; failure to do so will prevent screw installation. The curvature marking should align with either end of the Jet Plate opening.
STEP 5: Fit the Jet Plate and ensure it is correctly positioned in the Insert.
STEP 6: Replace the Coldplate, paying attention to orientation. The curvature marking should align with the Frame's curvature marking. Screw in the four screws, avoiding excessive force.
Installing the Water Block - 115X, 1700 and AM4
STEP 1: Place the motherboard on an even surface and remove the Mounting Mechanism from the plastic bags. Magnitude CPU Water Blocks include only the parts required for the chosen socket.
STEP 2 (AM4 ONLY): Using a Philips head screwdriver, remove the four UNC #6-32 screws securing the plastic hold-down clamps to the motherboard. Remove the clamps and the original motherboard backplate, storing them away.
STEP 3 (115X ONLY): The Rubber Gasket is essential for the Mounting Mechanism. For 115x and 1700 sockets, the Inner core must be removed. Both pieces of the Rubber Gasket should be used for AM4 sockets.
STEP 4: Turn your motherboard face down and position the Rubber Gasket and Backplate in line with the mounting holes. The ribbed side of the Backplate should face up. Both parts of the Rubber Gasket should be used for AM4. Align carefully and rotate the motherboard assembly while holding the backplate.
STEP 5: Loosely install all four Standoffs and Plastic Washers before tightening them completely. Plastic Washers are mandatory for 115x, 1700, and AM4 to prevent motherboard PCB damage. Using pliers or similar tools is not recommended.
CONTINUE INSTALLATION FROM STEP 3 ON PAGE 19!
Installing the Water Block - 20XX
STEP 1: Place the motherboard on an even surface and remove the Mounting Mechanism from the plastic bags. Magnitude CPU Water Blocks include only the parts required for the chosen socket.
STEP 2: Install all four Standoffs tightly into the ILM Heat Sink studs by hand. Using pliers or similar tools is not recommended.
STEP 3: Wipe the IHS clean using a non-abrasive cloth or Q-tip. Apply a thin line of Thermal Compound on one edge of the IHS and spread it evenly with a credit card or similar tool. The layer of Thermal Compound must be thin and even across the entire IHS surface. Excessive or irregular application may lead to poor performance. This method applies to Thermal Grizzly Hydronaut Thermal Compound.
STEP 4: Remove the protective sticker and position the CPU Water Block onto the Standoffs. Mount the CPU Water Block in one of the orientations prescribed on page 13 for optimal performance.
STEP 5: Insert all four Springs inside the Frame.
STEP 6: Loosely insert all four Screws, then tighten them two revolutions at a time in a cross pattern. Stop when each Screw is flush with its hole inside the Frame. If the Thermal Compound spread was not thin and even in the center of the IHS, consider changing the Jet Plate (see page 11).
Connecting the D-RGB LED Strip
STEP 1: Plug the 3-pin D-RGB connector from your CPU Water Block into a D-RGB header on your motherboard or controller. The LED Strip will only function if the header pinout is: +5V, Digital, Empty, Ground.
Warning: Incorrect installation or connection to the wrong header may result in damage to the LED Strip or header.
Support and Service
For assistance, please contact:
EKWB d.o.o.
Pod lipami 18
1218 Komenda
Slovenia - EU
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