EK-Quantum Vector² FTW3 RTX 3080/90 D-RGB GPU Water Block

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. EKWB 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 our official website www.ekwb.com.

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

• Carefully read the manual before beginning 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, EKWB 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 following components are included in the box:

[Diagram: Visual representation of the EK-Quantum Vector² FTW3 RTX 3080/90 D-RGB GPU Water Block and all included accessories.]

• EK-Quantum Vector² FTW3 RTX 3080/90 D-RGB GPU Water Block
• M2.5x4 AX1 Screw (8 pcs)
• M2.5x8 AX1 Screw (1 pc)
• M3x10 AX1 Screw (1 pc)
• Polyamid Washer M2.5 0.5mm (8 pcs)
• Standoff Ø4.5/2.5 (1 pc)
• Standoff M2.5-M3 x 6.6mm (1 pc)
• MS-Quantum Plug (2 pcs)
• Nut M2.5 (2 pcs)
• EK-Loop Multi Allen Key (1 pc)
• Allen Key 2 mm (1 pc)
• Allen Key 2.5 mm (1 pc)
• EK-Plug Out Spludger Tool (1 pc)
• Thermal Grease (1 pc)
• Thermal Pad F 1.0 mm (5 pcs)
• Thermal Pad G 1.0 mm (2 pcs)
• Thermal Pad G 2.0 mm (4 pcs)

EAN: 104905 (for the water block assembly), EAN: 104549 (for thermal pads)

Water Block Dimensions

[Diagram: Top and side views of the water block with dimensions indicated. Overall dimensions: 328.5 mm (Length) x 155 mm (Height) x 27 mm (Width). Other dimensions shown include 123.5 mm and 95.5 mm for port spacing, and 142.5 mm for mounting hole spacing. The terminal block has a thickness of 3 mm.]

Technical Specifications and Water Block Parts

Nickel Plexi Version

Dimensions: (LxHxW): 328.5 x 155 x 27 mm

D-RGB LED count: 17

D-RGB cable length: 50cm

D-RGB connector: 3-pin 5V digital LED header

[Diagram: Exploded view of the Nickel Plexi water block assembly with numbered parts.]

Nickel Acetal Version

Dimensions: (LxHxW): 328.5 x 155 x 27 mm

D-RGB LED count: 19

D-RGB cable length: 50cm

D-RGB connector: 3-pin 5V digital LED header

[Diagram: Exploded view of the Nickel Acetal water block assembly with numbered parts.]

Preparing the Graphics Card

Step 1: Removing the Stock Cooler

[Diagram: Graphics card with arrows indicating the 13 screw locations on the stock cooler and backplate.]

Place your graphics card on a flat surface and use the 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.

[warning] 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

[Diagram: GPU PCB showing the area of the Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS) where thermal compound needs to be cleaned.]

Wipe off the remains of the original thermal compound using a nonabrasive cloth or Q-tip, as shown in the sample image, until the components and circuit board are completely clean. EKWB 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

[Diagram: Shows the backplate and standoffs being prepared. An inset detail a standoff screwed onto an AX1 M2.5x8 screw.]

Step 1: Prepare Backplate Standoffs

Unscrew eight (8) Screws AX1 M2.5x8 as shown in the image. Remove the backplate together with eight (8) Screws AX1 M2.5x8 and backplate standoffs. Standoffs must stay on Screws AX1 M2.5x8. Remove cardboard. Save the backplate set for later steps.

[warning] Do not remove standoffs from screws! In case the standoff detaches from the screw, replace it with a spare one. When replacing the standoff, make sure that you screw it onto the AX1 M2.5x8 screw. Do not push the standoff onto the screw AX1 M2.5x8!

For this step, you will need: [screwdriver] Phillips Head Screwdriver

Cutting and Placing Thermal Pads

Your EK-Quantum Vector² FTW3 RTX 3080/90 D-RGB block comes with Thermal Pads that have to be cut into smaller pieces to cover all the VRM components. EKWB has provided an adequate quantity of Thermal Pads to complete this step.

[Diagram: Shows dimensions of Thermal Pad F (1.0 mm, 120 x 16 mm) and Thermal Pad G (1.0 mm, 120 x 24 mm) and (2.0 mm, 120 x 24 mm).]

[caution] You must remove the protective foil from both sides of the thermal pad before installation.

Replacement thermal pads:

• Thermal Pad F 1.0 mm – (120 x 16 mm) EAN: 3830046996732
• Thermal Pad G 1.0 mm – (120 x 24mm) EAN: 3830046996770
• Thermal Pad G 2.0 mm – (120 x 24mm) EAN: 3830046996794

For this step, you will need: [scissors] Scissors

Step 1: Cut Thermal Pads

[Diagram: GPU PCB showing the placement and dimensions of the thermal pads.]

The cardboard is printed in scale 1:1. Cut Thermal Pads to the size printed on the cardboard. Once cut to the size, Thermal Pads should be placed on the block, as shown in the picture. Thermal Pads of thicknesses 1 and 2 mm are included.

Step 2: Place Thermal Pads

[caution] Before attaching the PCB to the Water Block, make sure all the Thermal Pads are placed correctly!

Applying Thermal Compound

[Diagram: GPU Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS) showing the area where thermal grease should be applied.]

Step 1: Apply 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.

[warning] The excessive or uneven application of thermal grease may lead to poor performance!

For this step, you will need: Thermal Grease

Attaching the Water Block

[Diagram: Shows the water block being carefully positioned onto the graphics card, aligning mounting holes.]

Step 1: Position Water Block

Carefully position the water block with preinstalled standoffs on the graphics card. During this process, make sure you have aligned mounting holes of the PCB with holes of the water block.

[caution] Before attaching the PCB to the Water Block, make sure all the Thermal Pads are placed correctly!

Securing the Water Block

[Diagram: Shows the water block secured to the PCB with M2.5x4 AX1 screws and PVC washers. Arrows indicate screw locations.]

Step 2: Tighten Screws

Use eight (8) M2.5x4 AX1 Screws and PVC washers to tighten the PCB on the water block. Tighten the screws evenly using the Phillips-head screwdriver. EKWB recommends you start tightening the screws around the GPU core first, and then continuing outward to prevent damage to the GPU.

Always use a plastic washer under each screw!

Screws must be present in the places marked on the picture.

For this step, you will need: [screwdriver] Phillips Head Screwdriver

Installing the Backplate

[Diagram: Shows thermal pad placement on the backplate for 3080/3080Ti and 3090 GPUs.]

After attaching the water block, a few more thermal pads need to be cut into smaller pieces to cover all the necessary components. EKWB has provided an adequate quantity of thermal pads to complete this step.

[caution] You must remove the protective foil from both sides of the thermal pad before installation.

Replacement thermal pads:

• Thermal Pad F 1.0 mm – (120 x 16 mm) EAN: 3830046996732
• Thermal Pad G 1.0 mm – (120 x 24mm) EAN: 3830046996770
• Thermal Pad G 2.0 mm – (120 x 24mm) EAN: 3830046996794

For this step, you will need: [scissors] Scissors

For 3080/3080Ti: Apply thermal pads as shown in the diagram (G2 pads).

For 3090: Apply thermal pads as shown in the diagram (G1 and G2 pads).

Attaching the Backplate to the Water Block

[Diagram: Shows the backplate being attached to the water block assembly with screws and standoffs, indicating a numerical order for tightening.]

Step 1: Secure Backplate

Place the backplate with eight (8) M2.5x8 AX1 Screws with Standoffs onto the PCB. Make sure all the holes are aligned.

Tighten screws according to the numerical order shown in the image!

[warning] Do not use excessive force!

[caution] Before attaching the Backplate to the PCB, make sure all the Thermal Pads are placed correctly!

For this step, you will need: [screwdriver] Phillips Head Screwdriver

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.

[warning] 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.

Fittings and Tubing

[Diagram: Shows G1/4 threaded male fittings being screwed into the water block, and tubing connected.]

Step 1: Connect 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.

[caution] Do not forget to plug the remaining two openings using the enclosed EK-Plug G1/4 or its equivalent.

EKWB 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!

For this step, you will need: EK-Loop Multi Allen Key

Connecting the D-RGB LED Strip

[Diagram: Shows a 3-pin D-RGB connector being plugged into a motherboard D-RGB header.]

Step 1: Connect D-RGB Header

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.

[warning] Incorrect installation or installation to a wrong header can damage the LED strip or the header itself!

Testing the Loop

To make sure the installation of EKWB components was successful, we recommend you 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 of the 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, and 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 in order to prevent any damage.

Warranty

Our 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 our 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 the way 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 in contact with aggressive UV additives or other improper liquids. EKWB 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

In case you need assistance or wish 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.

Social Media

• Facebook: EKWaterBlocks
• Twitter: @EKWaterBlocks
• Instagram: ekwaterblocks
• YouTube: EKWBofficial
• Twitch: ekwaterblocks

[EK logo]