EK-FC Terminal System Installation Manual

Introduction and Disclaimer

This product is intended for installation only by expert users. Please consult with a qualified technician for installation. Improper installation may result in damage to your equipment. EK Water Blocks assumes no liability whatsoever, expressed or implied, for the use of these products, nor their installation. The following instructions are subject to change without notice. Please visit the EKWB website at www.ekwb.com for updates. Before installation, please read the important notice, disclosure, and warranty conditions printed on the product packaging.

Before starting, please follow these basic guidelines:

1. Carefully read this manual before beginning the installation process.
2. Remove your motherboard from the computer to ensure the safest mounting process and prevent any possible damage to your CPU and/or motherboard's circuit board (PCB).
3. EK High Flow, EK-PSC, and EK CSQ type 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.
4. The use of corrosion inhibiting coolants is always recommended for any liquid cooling system.

Important Notice: Screw Tightening

!!! DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN THE SCREWS !!! Over-tightening the screws during the assembly process may damage the thread in the block's Top, stripping the M4 thread or cracking the top, rendering the block's top useless.

Step 1: General Information

This section provides a sample picture showing the EK-FC Terminal TRIPLE Parallel configuration. The image depicts a computer hardware component, likely a terminal block for a graphics card water cooling setup, designed for parallel fluid flow.

Step 2: General Information: Serial vs. Parallel Flow

Understanding fluid flow is crucial for optimal performance. The EK-FC Terminal system supports two main configurations:

Serial or Successive Flow

In a serial configuration, water starts flowing initially through the first block, continues to the second block, and ends up with the third block. This setup results in lower overall system flow compared to parallel flow due to higher fluid restriction.

Parallel Flow

In a parallel configuration, water flows through all blocks simultaneously. With this setup, each water block receives approximately one-third of the total flow. The total system flow is higher compared to serial flow.

Step 3: Choosing Inlet and Outlet Port

It is of highest importance to use the correct inlet and outlet port configuration. Not using the correct ports may result in water bypassing the water blocks instead of flowing through them. As a result, the bypassed graphics card may overheat and get damaged beyond repair.

Please Note:

• Only one port must be used as an inlet and one port as an outlet.
• Ports can be exchanged; meaning an inlet port can be used as an outlet, and an outlet port can be used as an inlet.

Diagrams illustrate various port connection possibilities for different EK-FC Terminal configurations (Dual Parallel, Dual Serial, Triple Parallel, Triple Serial, QUAD Semi-P). These diagrams show which ports are available for inlet/outlet and which are optional.

Port descriptions include:

• "No inlet or outlet possible"
• "Inlet or outlet possible"
• "Outlet or inlet possible"
• "Optional outlet or inlet. To use this port use G1/4 Extender." (EAN: 3831109845165)

Step 4: Attaching the EK-FC Terminal Interconnect

Follow these steps to install any EK-FC Terminal interconnect to your graphics card's water blocks:

1. Remove the preinstalled FC Single Terminal from the water block using a 2.5mm Allen key by unfastening the three M4 Screws. Save these screws for later mounting of the EK-FC Terminal series.
2. Save the O-ring gaskets and M4 Screws from the FC Single Terminal.
3. Install OR 15x1 mm O-ring gaskets into the grooved slots on the EK-FC Terminal interconnect. Ensure gaskets are installed correctly. Each water block or blank link requires two (2) gaskets.
4. Secure the EK-FC Terminal interconnect with M4x28 DIN7984 Screws (included with the EK-FC water block) using the enclosed 2.5mm Allen (hex) key.
5. If necessary, plug all unused Terminal ports using appropriate EK-FC Terminal Blank Links (Serial or Parallel, depending on the bridge type). Follow installation guides provided with the Blank Links.
6. Plug all unneeded G1/4 threaded ports using the 6mm Allen (hex) key (if needed) and install inlet/outlet fittings. EKWB recommends EK-PSC and EK-CSQ compression fittings.

The diagram shows the EK-FC Terminal series interconnect with components such as an EK-CSQ type compression fitting, an EK-Plug G1/4, the interconnect itself, M4x28 DIN7984 screws, and OR 15x1mm gaskets.

!!! ATTENTION !!!

!!! DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN THE SCREWS !!! Doing so will render your water block useless. Once you feel the screw grab, use no more than 1/4 of a turn.

Step 5: Other Instructions

VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE: Once installation is completed, it is recommended to test the cooling circuit for leaks prior to powering up the computer. A 24-hour leak test is advised. Do not test the water block using tap water pressure, as this can rupture the top housing and render the block unusable, voiding the warranty.

While EK Water Blocks strives to provide comprehensive tutorials, EKWB assumes no liability, expressed or implied, for any consequential damage(s) to your equipment resulting from the use of EK Water Blocks cooling products, whether due to errors or omissions in these instructions or defects in the products.

Warranty Information

EKWB products are warranted against defects in materials or workmanship for a period of 24 months from the date of delivery to the final user. During this period, products will be repaired or have parts replaced at EKWB's discretion, provided that:

• The product is returned to the authorized reseller from whom it was purchased.
• The product has been purchased by an end user and has not been used for commercial purposes.
• The product has not been misused, handled carelessly, or used in a manner contrary to the provided installation and usage instructions.

This warranty does not confer rights other than those expressly stated and does not cover claims for consequential loss or damage. It is offered as an extra benefit and does not affect statutory consumer rights. The warranty is voided if the product comes into contact with aggressive additives or other improper liquids.

Required Tools

The following tools are required for installation:

• Allen (hex) key 6mm (enclosed)
• Allen (hex) key 2.5mm (enclosed)

Support and Product Suggestions

For support, please visit: www.ekwb.com/support

For product suggestions, please visit: thinkcell.ekwb.com