Installation Manual for EK-Quantum Vector FTW3 RTX 2080 Water Block

Bag Content

Bag content is universal for all water blocks, you may not need all screws.

• M2.5x4 AX1 (16pcs)
• M2.5x6 AX1 (13pcs)
• M2.5x8 AX1 (2pcs)
• M3x4 DIN7985 (2pcs)
• M2.5 helix nut (6pcs)
• PVC Washer (16pcs)
• EK plug G1/4 (1pc)
• 6mm Allen key (1pc)
• 2.5mm Allen key (1pc)
• Thermal grease (1pc)
• Replacement mounting mechanism: FC - Tip F (M2,5 x AX1) (EAN: 3831109872215) (16pcs)

Step 1: Preparing Your Graphic Card

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). After you remove the housing, do not forget to unplug the fans and RGB LED panel.

Diagram description: Image shows a graphics card with screws circled for removal to detach the stock cooler. Arrows indicate where to unplug fans and RGB LED panel.

2. Removing Factory Provided Backplate

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

Remove four screws on the IO bracket using Phillips screwdriver.

Diagram description: Image shows the back of a graphics card with screws circled for removal to detach the backplate. Arrows point to screws on the IO bracket.

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.

Diagram description: Image shows a graphics card with thermal paste being cleaned off the GPU chip and surrounding components with a q-tip.

4. Applying Thermal Compound

Wipe off the remains of the original thermal compound 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.

Diagram description: Image shows a graphics card GPU chip with thermal grease applied in a cross pattern.

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 (RAM 8x) – (EAN: 3830046996688)
• Thermal Pad F - 1.0mm (120x16mm) - (EAN: 383004699732)

Table description: A table shows the quantity of thermal pads needed for different components. For memory ICs (Thermal pad E - 0.5mm), 16 pads are needed. For Mosfets (Thermal pad F - 1mm), 12 pads are needed.

6. Placing Thermal Pads on PCB

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

Diagram description: Image shows the back of a graphics card with numbered thermal pads being placed on specific components like memory chips and VRMs.

Step 2: Installing the Water Block

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 mounting holes on the PCB with holes on the water block. Also, pay attention not to use too much force by pressing the block down to the PCB, as chip dies are prone to cracking.

Diagram description: Image shows a water block being aligned and placed onto a graphics card.

2. Attaching the Block to the Graphic Card

Use a Philips screwdriver to screw in the enclosed M2.5x4 AX1 (15) 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 the washer is already present on the circuit board (usually around the four GPU core screw holes), there is no need for an additional washer.

Required for this step:

• M2.5x4 AX1 Screws (15pcs)
• M2.5 PVC washer (15pcs)
• Philips head screwdriver

Diagram description: Image shows the water block being attached to the graphics card with screws and 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 circuit. Then, repeat 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 http://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 FTW3 RTX 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 or equivalent.

CAUTION: In case of using connectors other than EK- 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!

Diagram description: Image shows G1/4 fittings being screwed into the water block, with tubing connected. An EK-Plug G1/4 is shown for sealing unused ports.

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.

Step 6: Connecting the RGB LED Strip

Connecting the RGB LED Strip

Plug the 4-pin connector from the Water block's RGB LED light to the RGB_HEADER on the motherboard. The LED will work if the pin layout on the header is as follows: +12V GR B. Please ensure that the arrow indicated on the connector is plugged into the +12V line as indicated on your motherboard. Failure to do so will damage your motherboard or LED strip.

Diagram description: Image shows a 4-pin RGB LED connector from the water block being plugged into a motherboard's RGB_HEADER. The pinout (+12V GR B) is indicated.

Connecting the D-RGB LED Strip

Plug the 3-pin connector from the Water block's 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: +5VGRB. 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.

Diagram description: Image shows a 3-pin D-RGB LED connector from the water block being plugged into a motherboard's D-RGB_HEADER. The pinout (+5VGRB) is indicated.

Required Tools:

• Scissors
• Philips head screwdriver