Installation and Mounting Manual for EK-FB MSI Z270 GAMING Monoblock
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 www.ekwb.com for updates. Before installation, please read important notice, disclosure, and warranty conditions printed on the back of the box.
Before you start using this product, please follow these basic guidelines:
- Please carefully read the manual before beginning the installation process.
- Please remove your motherboard from the computer to assure the safest mounting process to prevent any possible damages to your CPU and/or motherboard's circuit board (PCB).
- 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.
- The use of quality, market-proven corrosion-inhibiting coolants is always strongly recommended for any liquid cooling system.
STEP 1: GENERAL INFORMATION
Sample photo of MSI Z270 GAMING PRO CARBON motherboard:
[Diagram: Photo of an MSI Z270 GAMING PRO CARBON motherboard, highlighting the CPU socket, MOSFET heatsink area, and Z170 PCH (SB) heatsink.]
Bag Content
Bag content is universal for all water blocks; you may not need all screws.
| Item | Description | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| M4x8 DIN7984 screws | 5pcs | |
| M2.5x5 AX1 screws | 5pcs | |
| M4 PVC washer | 5pcs | |
| M2.5 PVC washer | 5pcs | |
| Thermal grease 2.5mm | 1pc | |
| Allen key | 1pc | |
| M2.5 adhesive PVC washer | 5pcs |
Replacement mounting mechanism: FB Z270 MB (EAN:3831109872338)
STEP 2: PREPARING YOUR MOTHERBOARD
1. REMOVING STOCK COOLER
Remove all encircled screws. There are 4 screws on the back of the motherboard that need to be removed to take off the factory-installed MOSFET cooling solution.
[Diagram: Rear view of a motherboard showing four screws circled for removal of the stock MOSFET cooler.]
Do not remove the PCH (SB) Cooler!
2. APPLYING THERMAL COMPOUND
Apply thermal compound on the CPU heat spreader (IHS) – see sample photo on the right with enclosed EK-TIM Ectotherm thermal grease.
[Diagram: Close-up of a CPU heat spreader (IHS) with a small, pea-sized amount of thermal compound applied in the center.]
The quantity of about two rice grains is just about right. There is no need to cover the whole IHS. Applying too much thermal grease will have a negative impact on the cooling performance!
3. CUTTING THERMAL PADS
Your block comes with thermal pads that need to be trimmed to fit the voltage regulation area (MOSFET) on the motherboard's circuit board. WARNING: DIMENSIONS ON PICTURES BELOW ARE SCALED.
Replacement thermal pads @ EKWB web shop:
- Thermal PAD F 1mm - (120x16mm) [EAN: 3830046996732]
- Thermal PAD F 0.5mm - (120x16mm) [EAN: 3830046996725]
For MOSFETs:
[Diagram: Section of a motherboard indicating area '1' for 1.0mm thermal pads on MOSFETs, with dimensions.]
For Inductor Coils:
[Diagram: Section of a motherboard indicating area '2' for 0.5mm thermal pads on inductor coils, with dimensions.]
Compatible Motherboard Models:
- MSI Z270 Gaming Pro
- MSI Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon
- MSI Z270 Krait Gaming
- MSI Z270 SLI
- MSI Z270 SLI Plus
- MSI Z270 Tomahawk
- MSI Z270 Tomahawk Arctic
These motherboards have similar MOSFET and inductor coil layouts; therefore, these instructions stand for these models.
4. PLACING THERMAL PADS ON MOTHERBOARD
Place thermal pads on the PCB as shown on the picture.
PLEASE REMOVE THE PROTECTIVE FOIL FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE THERMAL PADS PRIOR TO INSTALLATION!
Place 1mm thermal pads (1) in larger strips over the marked area, ensuring all MOSFET chips are covered.
Place the 0.5mm thermal pads (2) on the inductor coils (chokes).
[Diagram: Top-down view of a motherboard section showing placement of 1mm thermal pads (labeled '1') over MOSFETs and 0.5mm thermal pads (labeled '2') over inductor coils.]
STEP 3: PLACING THE BLOCK ON TO THE MOTHERBOARD
Gently place the EK-FB MSI Z270 GAMING Monoblock series water block onto the motherboard, or vice versa (as shown on the photo below). Make sure that mounting holes are aligned. You must install four self-adhesive PVC washers between the four (4) standoffs and the PCB. The locations are shown on the picture below.
[Diagram: Monoblock being carefully lowered onto the motherboard, with visual cues for aligning mounting holes and placement of M2.5 self-adhesive PVC washers under standoffs.]
Place the M2.5 self-adhesive PVC washers under marked standoffs!
STEP 4: ATTACHING BLOCK ON TO THE MOTHERBOARD
Prior to fastening the screws, please make sure the mounting holes on the motherboard's circuit board are aligned with the water block.
A) MOSFET part: Use four M2.5x5 AX1 screws with PVC washers. Tighten the screws evenly. Do not use excessive force when tightening the screws!
B) CPU part: Use four M4x8 DIN7984 screws with M4 PVC washers. Tighten the screws using the enclosed 2.5mm Allen key.
[Diagram: Close-up showing M2.5x5 AX1 screws and M2.5 PVC washers used for attaching the MOSFET section of the monoblock.]
[Diagram: Close-up showing M4x8 DIN7984 screws and M4 PVC washers used for attaching the CPU section of the monoblock.]
Coolant and Fittings
For the EK-FB MSI Z270 GAMING Monoblock series water block to operate properly, the G1/4 port nearest to the right edge of the water block MUST BE USED AS THE INLET PORT. EK recommends the use of EK-ACF fittings. When using fittings other than EK-ACF series, please use hose clamps or an appropriate substitute to secure the tubing to the barb. The use of biocide-containing and corrosion-inhibiting coolant is always recommended for any liquid cooling system.
[Diagram: Water block with tubing connected, highlighting the G1/4 port nearest the right edge with text "IMPORTANT: USE THIS OPENING AS AN INLET PORT!"]
CONNECT THE RGB LED (optional)
Plug the 4-pin connector from the Monoblock RGB LED strip to the motherboard. 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: 4-pin RGB LED connector and its connection to a motherboard header, with an arrow indicating correct polarity for the 12V line.]
Required Tools and Mounting Screws:
✂️ Scissors
? Philips screwdriver
? Allen key
