EK-Quantum Vector² RE RTX 3080/3090 D-RGB GPU Water Block

User Guide

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. EK 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.

Basic Guidelines

• Carefully read the manual before beginning with 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, EK 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:

Water Block Dimensions

The water block has the following dimensions: Length: 267.2 mm, Height: 134 mm, Width: 25.5 mm. Specific internal measurements include 123.7 mm and 95.7 mm along the length, and 112 mm and 121.5 mm along the height. The terminal block area has a height of 27 mm.

Technical Specifications and Water Block Parts (Nickel + Acetal)

EAN: 3831109858882

Technical Specification:
Dimensions: (LxHxW) – 267.15x134x27 mm
D-RGB (Addressable RGB) cable length: 500 mm
D-RGB LED COUNT: 32
D-RGB connector standard 3-pin (+5V, Data, Blocked, Ground)

Technical Specifications and Water Block Parts (Nickel + Plexi)

EAN: 3831109858899

Technical Specification:
Dimensions: (LxHxW) – 267.15x134x27 mm
D-RGB (Addressable RGB) cable length: 500 mm
D-RGB LED COUNT: 14
D-RGB connector standard 3-pin (+5V, Data, Blocked, Ground)

Preparing the Graphics Card

Step 1: Removing the Stock Cooler

Place your graphics card on a flat surface and carefully remove the stock cooler. Do not forget to unplug all LED and fan connectors. Pay attention to the following steps to install the EK-Quantum Vector² RE RTX 3080/3090 D-RGB water block onto the graphics card. Always remove the stock cooler slowly, as it might be firmly glued to the PCB via thermal pads.

Step 2: Cleaning the PCB

Wipe off the remains of the original thermal compound using a non-abrasive cloth or Q-tip until the components and the circuit board are completely clean. EK 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

Unscrew six (6) Screws AX1 M2.5x8 as shown in the diagram. Remove the backplate together with six (6) Screws AX1 M2.5x8 and six (6) backplate standoffs. The standoffs must stay on the Screws AX1 M2.5x8. Remove the PCB cardboard. Do not remove standoffs from screws! If a standoff detaches from a screw, replace it with a spare one. When replacing the standoff, ensure it is screwed onto the AX1 M2.5x8 screw. Do not push the standoff onto the screw AX1 M2.5x8!

For this step, you will need: 🔧 Phillips Head Screwdriver

Cutting and Placing Thermal Pads

Thermal Pad F - 1.0 mm (120 x 16 mm)

The cardboard template is printed at a 1:1 scale. Cut Thermal Pads to the sizes indicated on the PCB cardboard template. Thermal Pads of 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, and 2.0 mm thickness are included. Ensure you remove the protective foil from both sides of the thermal pad before installation.

For this step, you will need: ✂ Scissors

Your EK-Quantum Vector² RE RTX 3080/90 D-RGB block comes with Thermal Pads that need to be cut into smaller pieces to cover all the VRM components. EK provides an adequate quantity of Thermal Pads for this step.

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 evenly spread over the entire surface of the IHS. Excessive or uneven application of thermal grease may lead to poor performance!

For this step, you will need: Thermal Grease

Step 1

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

Attaching the Water Block

Step 1

Before attaching the PCB on the Water Block, make sure all the Thermal Pads are placed correctly!

Step 2

Use six (6) M2.5x4 AX1 Screws and Polyamide washers to tighten the PCB onto the water block. Tighten the screws evenly using the Phillips head screwdriver. EK recommends starting the tightening process around the GPU core first, then continuing outward to prevent damage to the GPU. Always use a plastic washer under each screw! Turn M2.5x4 AX1 Screws in the clockwise direction according to the numerical order shown in the image.

For this step, you will need:

• M2.5 x 4 AX1 Screw (6 pcs)
• Polyamide Washer M2.5 0.5 mm (6 pcs)
• 🔧 Phillips Head Screwdriver

Installing the Backplate

Step 1

Thermal Pad F - 1.0 mm (120 x 16 mm)

Thermal Pad F - 1.5 mm (120 x 16 mm)

Thermal Pad F - 2.0 mm (120 x 16 mm)

CAUTION: You must remove the protective foil from both sides of the thermal pad before installation.

Replacement thermal pads:

• Thermal Pad F 1.0mm – (120 x 16mm) EAN: 3830046996732
• Thermal Pad F 1.5mm – (120 x 16mm) EAN: 3830046996749
• Thermal Pad F 2.0mm – (120 x 16mm) EAN: 3830046996756

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

For this step, you will need: ✂ Scissors

Step 2: Thermal Pad Placement on Backplate

Apply the thermal pads onto the backplate as shown in the diagrams for 3080/3080Ti and 3090 models. The diagrams indicate placement for F1 (1.0 mm), F1.5 (1.5 mm), and F2 (2.0 mm) thermal pads.

Attaching the Backplate

Step 1

Before attaching the Active Backplate on the PCB, make sure all the Thermal Pads are placed correctly!

Place the backplate with six (6) 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! Do not use excessive force!

For this step, you will need: 🔧 Phillips Head Screwdriver

Fittings and Tubing

Step 1

Screw-in two (2) G1/4 threaded male fittings. Attach the liquid cooling tubes and connect the water block to the cooling loop. Do not forget to plug the remaining two openings using the enclosed EK-Plug G1/4 or its equivalent.

EK 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

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. 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.

Connecting the D-RGB LED Strip

Step 1

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. Incorrect installation or installation to a wrong header can damage the LED strip or the header itself!

Testing the Loop

To ensure the successful installation of EK components, we recommend performing a 24-hour leak test. When your loop is complete and filled with coolant, connect the pump to a PSU outside your system. Make sure all other components are not connected to a power source. Turn on the PSU and let the pump run continuously. It is normal for the coolant level to drop during this process as air accumulates in the distribution plate. Inspect all parts of the loop, and if there is any coolant leak, fix the issue and repeat the testing process until there are no coolant leaks. To prevent any damage, ensure that all hardware is dry before the system is powered back on.

Warranty

EK 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 EK's 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 described in the instruction 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. EK 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 warranty, but not the warranty of 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.

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