EK-Quantum Vector² FTW3 RTX 3080/90 ABP Set D-RGB

Introduction and Safety Guidelines

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 EK's official website www.ekwb.com.

Before you start using this product, please follow these basic guidelines:

• Carefully read the manual before beginning with 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).
• The EK Fittings require only a small amount of force to screw them firmly in place since 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, make sure to thoroughly bleed the air out of your water block!

Box Contents

The package includes the following components:

• EK-Quantum Vector² FTW3 RTX 3080/90 ABP Set D-RGB (1 pc)
• 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)
• Nut M2.5 (2 pcs)
• Terminal OR - Vector2 14x1 mm (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 (7 pcs)
• Thermal Pad F 2.0 mm (3 pcs)
• Thermal Pad G 1.5 mm (1 pc)

EAN: 104906

Thermal Grease EAN: 104549

Water Block Dimensions

The water block has the following dimensions:

• Overall Length: 328.1 mm
• Main Body Width: 142.5 mm
• Overall Width (with terminal): 155 mm
• Main Body Height: 41 mm
• Base Height: 35.5 mm
• Port Spacing (center-to-center): 95.7 mm and 123.7 mm

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, 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: Removing Terminal Badge and Screws

First, remove the terminal badge attached to the terminal with two magnets. Under the badge, unscrew three (3) screws M4x20 DIN7984. Additionally, nine (9) screws M3x10 AX1 need to be removed as shown in the image. ? DO NOT REMOVE THE UPPER TERMINAL BADGE!

Tools required: [Phillips Head Screwdriver], [Allen Key 2.5mm].

Step 2: Removing Active Backplate and O-rings

Carefully remove the complete active backplate with the terminal. Additionally, two (2) O-rings OR 14x1 EPDM50 need to be removed.

Step 3: Unscrewing Standoffs and Removing PCB Cardboard

Unscrew nine (9) M2.5-M3x6.6 standoffs using the included [EK-Plug Out Spludger Tool]. Ensure you do not unscrew the M3.5-M2.5x11.3 standoffs. If an M3.5-M2.5x11.3 standoff is accidentally unscrewed, carefully tighten it back with a 4mm wrench. After removing the standoffs, the PCB cardboard (Printed Circuit Board cardboard) needs to be removed. The PCB cardboard is printed in 1:1 scale.

Tool required: [EK-Plug Out Spludger Tool].

Cutting and Placing Thermal Pads

Step 1: Cutting Thermal Pads

Your GPU water block comes with thermal pads that need to be cut into smaller pieces to cover all the VRM components, such as COILs, MOSFETs, and drivers. ⚠️ You must remove the protective foil from both sides of the thermal pad before installation.

Thermal Pad Specifications:

• Thermal Pad F 1.0 mm (120 x 16 mm)
• Thermal Pad F 2.0 mm (120 x 16 mm)
• Thermal Pad G 1.5 mm (120 x 24 mm)

Replacement thermal pads can be ordered using the following EANs:

• Thermal PAD F 1.0 mm - (120 x 16 mm) – 3830046996732
• Thermal PAD F 2.0 mm - (120 x 16 mm) – 3830046996756
• Thermal PAD G 1.5 mm - (120 x 24 mm) – 3830046996787

Step 2: Placing Thermal Pads on PCB

The cardboard is printed in scale 1:1. Cut thermal pads to the size printed on the cardboard. Once cut to size, thermal pads should be placed on the PCB. Be careful to choose the right thermal pad thickness.

Applying Thermal Compound

Step 1: Applying Thermal Grease

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!

Tool required: Thermal Grease.

Attaching the Water Block

Step 1: Positioning the Water Block

Carefully position the water block with preinstalled standoffs on the graphics card. During this process, make sure you have aligned 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 since 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: Tightening Screws

After placing the PCB onto the water block, use AX1 M2.5x4 screws and PVC washers to tighten the PCB onto the water block. Tighten the screws evenly. EK recommends starting tightening the screws around the GPU core first and then continuing outward to prevent damaging the GPU. Always use a plastic washer under each screw!

Tool required: [Phillips Head Screwdriver].

Step 3: Attaching Standoffs

Place the M2.5-M3 x 6.6 Standoff in each of the nine (9) 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!

Tool required: [EK-Plug Out Spludger Tool].

Attaching the Active Backplate

Step 1: Placing Thermal Pads on Back of PCB

After attaching the water block, more thermal pads need to be placed on the back side of the GPU PCB. Once cut to size, thermal pads should be placed on the PCB, as illustrated. EK has provided an adequate quantity of thermal pads to complete this step.

Thermal Pad Specifications:

• Thermal Pad F 1.0 mm (120 x 16 mm)
• Thermal Pad F 2.0 mm (120 x 16 mm)
• Thermal Pad G 1.5 mm (120 x 24 mm)

Replacement thermal pads:

• Thermal PAD F 1.0 mm - (120 x 16 mm) – 3830046996732
• Thermal PAD F 2.0 mm - (120 x 16 mm) – 3830046996756
• Thermal PAD G 1.5 mm - (120 x 24 mm) – 3830046996787

Thermal Pad Placement Diagrams:

For 3080/3080Ti:

Apply F2 thermal pads (120 x 16 x 2.0 mm) to the indicated locations. Apply G1.5 thermal pads (120 x 24 x 1.5 mm) to the indicated locations.

For 3090:

Apply F1 thermal pads (120 x 16 x 1.0 mm) to the indicated locations. Apply F2 thermal pads (120 x 16 x 2.0 mm) to the indicated locations. Apply G1.5 thermal pads (120 x 24 x 1.5 mm) to the indicated locations.

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

Step 2: Placing O-rings and Active Backplate

Put two O-rings 14x1 EPDM 50 into the slots on the copper plate. Then, carefully place the active backplate onto the standoffs as shown in the image. While positioning the active backplate on the PCB, ensure the O-rings stay in their slots.

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

Step 3: Tightening Screws

Place nine (9) M3X10 AX1 screws into the water block standoffs and tighten them using a Phillips head screwdriver. After attaching the AX1 Screws, three (3) terminal screws M4X20 DIN7984 need to be attached 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 down to the GPU PCB.

Tools required: [Phillips Head Screwdriver], [Allen Key 2.5mm].

Fittings and Tubing

Step 1: Attaching 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!

Tool required: [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. 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.

Connecting the D-RGB LED Strip

Step 1: Connecting 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 that 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: https://www.ekwb.com/customer-support/

For spare parts orders, refer to the page with "TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND WATER BLOCK PARTS" where you can find the EAN number of each part you might need. 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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