EK-Quantum Vector Trio RTX 3080/3090 D-RGB GPU Water Block User Guide

Option 1: Using the MSI GeForce 3080/90 Suprim X

Step 1: Removing the Stock Cooler and Backplate

• You will need a Phillips Head Screwdriver.
• Place your graphics card on a flat surface and carefully remove the stock cooler. Ensure all LED and fan connectors are unplugged.
• Use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove the five (5) green marked screws from the GPU bracket side.
• Then, remove the fifteen (15) red marked screws with the Phillips head screwdriver and carefully detach the stock backplate from the PCB.
• After removing the stock backplate, remove four (4) blue marked screws on the retention bracket.
• Warning: Always remove the stock cooler slowly, as it might be firmly glued to the PCB with thermal pads.

Option 2: Using the MSI GeForce RTX 3080/90 Gaming X Trio

Step 1: Removing the Stock Cooler and Backplate

• You will need a Phillips Head Screwdriver.
• Place your graphics card on a flat surface and carefully remove the stock cooler. Ensure all LED and fan connectors are unplugged.
• Use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove the three (3) green marked screws from the GPU bracket side.
• Then, remove the fifteen (15) red marked screws with the Phillips head screwdriver and carefully detach the stock backplate from the PCB.
• After removing the stock backplate, remove four (4) blue marked screws on the retention bracket.
• Warning: Always remove the stock cooler slowly, as it might be firmly glued to the PCB with thermal pads.

Step 2: Cleaning the PCB

• Carefully detach the original stock cooler after removing all securing screws.
• 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 using denatured alcohol for removing TIM leftovers.

Step 2: Cutting and Placing Thermal Pads

Your GPU water block comes with thermal pads that need to be cut into smaller pieces to cover all VRM components, such as COILs, MOSFETs, and drivers.

• Thermal Pad F – 1.0 mm (120 x 16 mm)
• Warning: You must remove the protective foil from both sides of the thermal pad before installation.
• Replacement thermal pads: 5x Thermal Pad F 1.0 mm – (120 x 16 mm) EAN: 3830046996732
• Once cut to size, place the thermal pads on the PCB as illustrated in the diagrams. EK provides an adequate quantity of thermal pads.

Step 1: Applying Thermal Compound

• 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!
• You will need Thermal Grease for this step.

Option 1: Using the MSI GeForce 3080/90 Suprim X

Step 1: Attaching the Additional Standoff

• From the mounting mechanism, take the additional standoff with the wrench and attach it to the water block as shown in the picture.
• Warning: Pay attention not to use too much force while tightening the standoff.
• You will need a Standoff and wrench for this step.

Step 2: Placing the Block on the Graphics Card

• This procedure is the same for all full-cover water blocks.
• Carefully position the water block with preinstalled standoffs on the graphics card.
• Ensure you have aligned the mounting holes of the PCB with the holes of the water block.
• Warning: Pay attention not to use too much force when pressing the block down to the PCB, as chip dies are prone to cracking.

Step 3: Attaching the Block to the Graphics Card

• Use nineteen (19) M2.5 x 4 AX1 screws and M2.5 PVC washers.
• Tighten the screws evenly using the Phillips head screwdriver. EK recommends starting with screws around the GPU core and then continuing outward to prevent GPU damage.
• Always use a plastic washer under each screw.
• For one (1) M2.5 screw marked with a red triangle, you will also need one (1) M2.5 Nut to attach the bracket to the PCB.
• Required parts: M2.5 x 4 AX1 Screws (19 pcs), M2.5 PVC Washer (19 pcs), Phillips Head Screwdriver, M2.5 Nut (1 pc).

Option 2: Using the MSI GeForce RTX 3080/90 Gaming X Trio

Step 1: Placing the Block on the Graphics Card

• This procedure is the same for all full-cover water blocks.
• Carefully position the water block with preinstalled standoffs on the graphics card.
• Ensure you have aligned the mounting holes of the PCB with the holes of the water block.
• Warning: Pay attention not to use too much force when pressing the block down to the PCB, as chip dies are prone to cracking.

Step 2: Attaching the Block to the Graphics Card

• Use seventeen (17) M2.5 x 4 AX1 screws and M2.5 PVC washers.
• Tighten the screws evenly using the Phillips head screwdriver. EK recommends starting with screws around the GPU core and then continuing outward to prevent GPU damage.
• Always use a plastic washer under each screw.
• Required parts: M2.5 x 4 AX1 Screws (17 pcs), M2.5 PVC Washer (17 pcs), Phillips Head Screwdriver.

Checking for Contact

If necessary, temporarily remove the water block to check for uniform surface contact between the block and components. Pay special attention to the VRM section of the graphics card. Check if the water block makes contact with the intended integrated circuit. Then repeat the steps from the previous section to re-attach the block.

Warning: In case you fail to obtain good contact, please check again or contact EKWB support service at https://www.ekwb.com/customer-support/.