EK-FC1080 GTX Ti Strix Water Block Installation Manual

Bag Content

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: 3830046996732)

General Guidelines

1. Please carefully read the manual before beginning with the installation process.
2. Please remove your Graphics card from the computer to assure the safest mounting process in order to prevent any possible damages to your GPU and/or graphics card circuit board (PCB).
3. The EK-HFB and EK-ACF 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.

Step 1: Preparing Your Graphics Card

1.1 Removing Stock Cooler

Remove all encircled screws. All heat sink assembly screws should be removed, including self-adhesive washers on both sides of the PCB (if present). Also remove encircled screws on the IO bracket using a Phillips screwdriver. After you remove the housing, do not forget to unplug the fan and RGB LED panel.

1.2 Removing Factory Provided Backplate

Remove all encircled screws using pliers. All heat sink assembly screws should be removed, including self-adhesive washers on both sides of the PCB (if present). Remove two screws on the IO bracket using a Phillips screwdriver.

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

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. Apply 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 to smaller chunks in order 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 (for memory ICs): EAN: 3830046996688
• Thermal Pad F - 1mm (for Mosfet): EAN: 3830046996732

Placement Guide:

• 1: Thermal pad E - 0.5mm (for memory IC): Requires 8 pads.
• 2: Thermal pad F - 1mm (for Mosfet): Requires 2 pads.

Refer to the diagrams for precise placement of these pads on the PCB, indicating where the '1' and '2' numbered pads should be applied.

1.6 Placing Thermal Pads on PCB

Place 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 quantities of thermal pads to complete this step.

Step 2: Installing the Water Block

2.1 Placing the Block on 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 (this applies for other tops as well). Also, pay attention not to use too much force when pressing the block down onto the PCB, as chip dies are prone to cracking.

2.2 Attaching the Block to the Graphic Card

Use a Philips screwdriver to screw in the enclosed M2.5x4 AX1 screws. 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. If a washer is already present on the circuit board (usually around the four GPU core screw holes), there is no need for an additional washer.

This step requires 13x M2.5x4 AX1 screws and 13x PVC Washers.

Step 3: Checking for Contacts

If necessary, temporarily remove the water block to check for uniform surface contact between the block and the components. Pay special attention to the VRM section of the graphics card. Check whether the water block makes contact with the intended integrated circuits. Then, repeat the sub-steps in the previous section to re-attach the block. In case you fail to obtain good contact, please re-check 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-ACF fittings with the EK-FC1080 GTX Ti Strix 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 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!

The diagram shows the connection points for tubing and fittings, indicating INLET and OUTLET ports, compression fittings, and G1/4 plugs.

Step 5: Inserting the Card in Your PC Case

Carefully lift your graphics card with the installed 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.

Required Tools

• Scissors
• Philips head screwdriver