EK-Quantum Vector FE RTX 3090 Ti D-RGB + Backplate User manual

USER GUIDE
GPU WATER BLOCK
EK-Quantum
Vector FE RTX 3090 Ti D-RGB + Backplate

Please note the installation of the product is intended to be undertaken
by an adequately trained and experienced person. You are installing the
product at your own risk. If you are not properly trained or experienced
or feel unsure about the installation procedure, please refrain from
installing the product yourself and contact our tech support for
assistance. We disclaim our liability for any damages to the product as
well as incidental, consequential, or indirect damages incurred due to
improper or inappropriate installation
Before you start using this product, please follow these 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).
EK Fittings require only a small amount of force to screw
them firmly in place since the liquid seal is ensured with the
rubber O-ring gaskets.
The use of quality market-proven corrosion-inhibiting
coolants is always strongly recommended for any liquid
cooling system.
Do not use pure distilled water as a cooling liquid! For best
results, EK recommends the use of EK-CryoFuel Coolants.
Make sure to bleed air out of your water block thoroughly in
order to reach optimal performance.

- 3 -
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BOX CONTENTS 4
WATER BLOCK DIMENSIONS 5
TEHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND WATER BLOCK MAIN PARTS 6
BLACK SPECIAL EDITION 6
SILVER SPECIAL EDITION 7
PREPARING THE GRAPHICS CARD 8
REMOVING THE STOCK COOLER 8
CLEANING THE PCB 8
CUTTING AND PLACING THERMAL PADS 9
APPLYING THERMAL COMPOUND 10
INSTALLING THE WATER BLOCK 10
REMOVING THE BACKPLATE COVER 10
REMOVING THE BACKPLATE 11
REMOVING THE PREINSTALLED I/0 BRACKET 11
PLACING THE BLOCK ON THE GRAPHICS CARD 12
ATTACHING THE BLOCK TO THE GRAPHICS CARD 12
ATTACHING THE I/O BRACKET 13
INSTALLING THE BACKPLATE 14
BACKPLATE DIMENSIONS 14
BACKPLATE COVER DIMENSIONS 14
REQUIRED TOOLS 15
CUTTING AND PLACING THERMAL PADS 15
ATTACHING THE BACKPLATE 16
REPLACING THE TERMINAL (Optional Step) 17
INSTALLATION OF FITTINGS AND TUBING 19
CHECKING FOR CONTACT 19
INSERTING THE GRAPHICS CARD INTO THE CHASSIS 20
CONNECTING THE D-RGB LED STRIP 20
TESTING THE LOOP 21
SUPPORT AND SERVICE 22
SOCIAL MEDIA 22

- 4 -
Allen Key 2 mm (1 pc)
BOX CONTENTS
4 mm
7 mm
EK-Loop Multi Allen Key (1 pc)
Additional Terminal
M2.5x7 AX1 Screw (4 pcs)
Allen Key 2.5 mm (1 pc)
Thermal Pad F 1.0 mm (6 pcs) Thermal Pad G 2.0 mm (6 pcs)
Thermal Grease (1 pc)
M3x5 Screw (3 pcs)
M2.5x4 AX1 Screw (9 pcs)
EK-Quantum Vector FE RTX 3090 Ti D-RGB + Backplate PVC Washer M2.5 (7 pcs)
120 mm
16 mm
120 mm
24 mm
EK-Plug G1/4 (2 pcs)
Universal Mounting Mechanism – You may not need every
screw from this package.

- 5 -
212.5 mm
121.5 mm
28.8 mm
14.5 mm
46.7 mm
74.5 mm
WATER BLOCK DIMENSIONS
Direct Terminal
Side Terminal
212.5 mm
121.5 mm
200 mm
46.7 mm
74.5 mm
28.8 mm

- 6 -
TEHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND WATER BLOCK MAIN PARTS
BLACK SPECIAL EDITION
Technical Specification:
- Dimensions: (LxHxW) - 212.5 x 121.5 x 29 mm
- D-RGB cable length: 500 mm
- D-RGB connector standard 3-pin (+5V, Data, Blocked, Ground)
Position EAN Description Quantity
1105414 Cold plate (Nickel) 1
2105412
Top Cover (Black Elox) 1
3105402
FC Terminal - Direct 1
4105400
Backplate (Nat. elox) 1
5102912
Backplate Cover (Black Elox) 1
68202N
Screw M3 x 12 DIN7991 8
7105397
Plexi insert 1
8103109
I/O Bracket (Black) 1
9102789
Screw M3 x 5 mm 3
10 102924
Standoff M3.5-M2.5 x 3 6
11 103395
SLI Cover (Black Elox) 1
12 8208
Screw M3 x 8 7991DIN 2
13 8201
Screw M3 x 10 7991DIN 6
14 100663
EK - Badge 2
15 5092
OR 12 x 1.5 mm 2
16 103397
Terminal Screw M4 x 27 mm 3
17 100815
LED D-RGB strip 500/400 mm 1
18 9049N
Screw M2.5 x 7 mm 4
19 105358
Top plate - Plexi 1
20 5117
OR 144.5 x 2 mm 1
13
15
4
16
20
10
5
3
6
14
1
2
19
9
18
7
12
17
11
8

- 7 -
SILVER SPECIAL EDITION
Technical Specification:
- Dimensions: (LxHxW) - 212.5 x 121.5 x 29 mm
- D-RGB cable length: 500 mm
- D-RGB connector standard 3-pin (+5V, Data, Blocked, Ground)
Position EAN Description Quantity
1105414 Cold plate (Nickel) 1
2105413
Top Cover (Nat. Elox) 1
3105402
FC Terminal - Direct 1
4105399
Backplate (Black. elox) 1
5102911
Backplate Cover (Nat. Elox) 1
68202N
Screw M3 x 12 DIN7991 8
7105397
Plexi insert 1
8103109
I/O Bracket (Black) 1
9102789
Screw M3 x 5 mm 3
10 102924
Standoff M3.5-M2.5 x 3 6
11 103394
SLI Cover (Nat. Elox) 1
12 8208
Screw M3 x 8 7991DIN 2
13 8201
Screw M3 x 10 7991DIN 6
14 100663
EK - Badge 2
15 5092
OR 12 x 1.5 mm 2
16 103397
Terminal Screw M4 x 27 mm 3
17 100815
LED D-RGB strip 500/400 mm 1
18 9049N
Screw M2.5 x 7 mm 4
19 105358
Top plate - Plexi 1
20 5117
OR 144.5 x 2 mm 1
13
15
4
16
20
10
5
3
6
14
1
2
19
9
18
7
12
17
11
8

- 8 -
PREPARING THE GRAPHICS CARD
STEP 1
REMOVING THE STOCK COOLER
Place your graphics card on the flat surface and carefully remove the
stock cooler. Do not forget to unplug all the LED and fan connectors.
Pay attention to the following steps in order to install the EK-Quantum
Vector FE RTX 3090 Ti water block onto the graphics card.
STEP 2
CLEANING THE PCB
Carefully detach the original stock cooler after removing all screws
that are securing it to the board. 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. EK recommends the use of denatured alcohol for
removing TIM leftovers.
STEP 2

- 9 -
STEP 1
Your GPU water block comes with thermal pads that have to be cut
into smaller pieces to cover all the VRM components, such as COILs,
MOSFETs, and drivers.
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) - 3830046996732
Thermal PAD G 2.0 mm - (120 x 24 mm) - 3830046996794
STEP 1
CUTTING AND PLACING THERMAL PADS
Thermal Pad F – 1.0 mm (120 x 16 mm)
120 mm
16 mm
1 mm
STEP 2
STEP 2
Once cut to size, thermal pads should be placed on the PCB, as
illustrated below. EK made sure to provide you with more than an
adequate quantity of thermal pads to complete this Step.
Thermal Pad G – 2.0 mm (120 x 24 mm)
120 mm
24 mm
2 mm
Thermal Pad - 120 x 16 x 1.0 mm
F1
Thermal Pad - 120 x 24 x 2.0 mm
G2
F1F1
F1
F1
F1
F1 F1
F1
F1 F1
F1
G2
G2 G2
G2
G2

- 10 -
Thermal Grease
STEP 1
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.
The excessive or uneven application of thermal grease
may lead to poor performance!
STEP 1
APPLYING THERMAL COMPOUND
For this step, you will need:
For this step, you will need:
INSTALLING THE WATER BLOCK
STEP 1
REMOVING THE BACKPLATE COVER
Carefully unscrew three (3) preinstalled backplate cover screws (M3 x 12
DIN 7991) as shown in the picture using the enclosed Allen Key (2 mm),
and take off the backplate cover. Save the screws and cover for later use.
STEP 1
Allen Key 2.0 mm
M3 x 12
DIN 7991
BACKPLATE
COVER

- 11 -
STEP 3
REMOVING THE PREINSTALLED I/0 BRACKET
Unscrew three (3) M3 x 5 screws using Phillips head screwdriver and
remove the I/O Bracket (as shown in the picture). Save the screws and
I/O Bracket for later use!
For this step, you will need:
For this step, you will need:
STEP 2
REMOVING THE BACKPLATE
Carefully unscrew four (4) preinstalled backplate screws (M2.5 x 7 AX1)
and remove the backplate, as shown in the picture. Save the screws and
backplate for later use.
STEP 2
STEP 3
M3 x 5 SCREW
I/O BRACKET
Phillips Head Screwdriver
M2.5 x 7 AX1 SCREWS
BACK PL AT E
Phillips Head Screwdriver

- 12 -
STEP 4
PLACING THE BLOCK ON THE GRAPHICS CARD
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 (the same
applies to other tops).
Pay attention not to use too much force when pressing the
block down to the PCB since chip dies are prone to cracking.
Before placing the Water Block, make sure all the Thermal
Pads are placed correctly!
STEP 4
For this step, you will need:
M 2.5 PVC Washer
(4 pcs)
M2.5 x 4 AX1
Screw (4 pcs)
Phillips Head
Screwdriver
4 mm
STEP 5
M2.5 x 4 AX1 SCREW
M2.5 PVC
WASHER
STEP 5
ATTACHING THE BLOCK TO THE GRAPHICS CARD
Use four (4) M2.5 x 4 AX1 screws and M2.5 PVC washers, as
shown in the image. Tighten the screws around the GPU core
evenly using the Phillips head screwdriver. Always use a plastic
washer under each screw!

- 13 -
For this step, you will need:
I/O Bracket
M3 x 5 Screws
(3 pcs)
Phillips Head
Screwdriver
STEP 6
I/O BRACKET
M3 x 5 SCREW
STEP 6
ATTACHING THE I/O BRACKET
Take the stored screws and I/O Bracket after attaching the water
block. Attach them on to the water block as shown in the picture.
Do not use excessive force.

- 14 -
INSTALLING THE BACKPLATE
206.7 mm
121.5 mm
7.9 mm
90.2 mm
121.5 mm
9 mm
BACKPLATE DIMENSIONS
BACKPLATE COVER DIMENSIONS

- 15 -
Phillips Head Screwdriver Scissors
REQUIRED TOOLS
After attaching the water block, few more thermal pads need to be placed
on the GPU PCB. EK made sure to provide you with more than an adequate
quantity of thermal pads to complete this Step.
Once cut to size, thermal pads should be placed on the GPU PCB, as
shown in the image
CAUTION: You must remove the protective foil from both
sides of the thermal pad before installation.
CUTTING AND PLACING THERMAL PADS
Thermal Pad - 120 x 16 x 1.0 mm
F1
Thermal Pad - 120 x 24 x 2.0 mm
G2
F1
F1
F1
G2
G2
G2
G2 G2
G2
F1
F1

- 16 -
ATTACHING THE BACKPLATE
STEP 1
Apply 3 small pea-sized dots of enclosed EK-TIM Ectotherm thermal
grease on the water block as shown in the image.
STEP 1
STEP 2
Place the backplate on the PCB and make sure all holes are aligned.
Position an M2.5 x 7 AX1 screw in each of the four (4) mounting
holes (as shown in the image) and tighten them evenly with a
Phillips Head Screwdriver.
STEP 2
M2.5 x 7 AX1 SCREW
BACK PL AT E For this step, you will need:
M2.5 x 7 AX1
Screw (4 pcs)
7 mm
Thermal Grease
For this step, you will need:
Phillips Head
Screwdriver

- 17 -
REPLACING THE TERMINAL (Optional Step)
With the EK-Quantum Vector FE RTX 3090 Ti water block, EK
provides one additional terminal. Follow these steps to install it.
STEP 1
Unscrew three (3) M4 x 27 DIN7984 terminal screws with the
enclosed 2.5mm Allen Key. Remove the terminal. Save the screws
and terminal gaskets.
For this step, you will need:
Allen Key 2.5 mm
STEP 1
TERMINAL
GASKETS
M4 x 27 DIN7984
DIRECT TERMINAL
STEP 3
After securing the backplate, place the backplate cover on the PCB
and make sure all holes are aligned. Position M3 x 12 DIN7991
screw in each of the three (3) mounting holes (as shown in the
image) and tighten them evenly with an Allen Key 2 mm. Do not
use excessive force!
For this step, you will need:
Allen Key 2.0 mm M3 x 12 DIN7991 Screw (3 pcs)
STEP 3
M3 x 12
DIN7991
BACKPLATE
COVER

- 18 -
For this step, you will need:
TerminalAllen Key 2.5 mm
M4 x 27 DIN7984
Screw (3 pcs)
STEP 3
M4 x 27 DIN7984
SIDE TERMINAL
STEP 3
Carefully place the terminal on the cold plate and secure it with
previously saved M4 x 27 DIN7984 screws. Do not use excessive
force when tightening the screws.
STEP 2
Before attaching the new terminal, make sure that terminal gaskets
are placed inside the slots on the cold plate (as shown in the picture).
Terminal Gasket (2 pcs)
STEP 2
TERMINAL
GASKETS
For this step, you will need:

- 19 -
INSTALLATION OF FITTINGS AND TUBING
STEP 1
Screw-in two (2) G1/4 threaded male fittings. Attach the liquid
cooling tubes and connect the water block(s) to the cooling loop.
You can use any opening as an inlet/outlet port.
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!
STEP 1
TUBING
EK-FITTING
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 whether
the water block makes contact with the intended integrated circuit.
Then repeat Steps from the previous section to re-attach the block.
In case you fail to obtain good contact, please check
again or contact our support service at
https://www.ekwb.com/customer-support/.

- 20 -
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 PCIexpress expansion slot.
Please bear in mind that your graphics card is very likely 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 D-RGB connector from the GPU water block to the
D-RGB Header on your motherboard or controller. The LED strip will
work only if the pin layout on the header is as follows: +5V, Data,
Empty, Ground.
Incorrect installation or installation to a wrong header can
damage to the LED strip or the header itself!
STEP 1
D-RGB HEADER
RGB HEADER