EK-Quantum Vector2 Strix RTX 3080 D-RGB User manual

USER GUIDE
GPU WATER BLOCK
EK-Quantum
Vector² Strix RTX 3080/90 D-RGB

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.
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, EK
recommends the use of EK-CryoFuel coolants!
To reach optimal performance, make sure to thoroughly
bleed the air out of your water block!

- 3 -
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BOX CONTENTS 4
WATER BLOCK DIMENSIONS 5
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND WATER BLOCK PARTS 6
NICKEL PLEXI 6
NICKEL ACETAL 7
PREPARING THE GRAPHICS CARD 8
REMOVING THE STOCK COOLER 8
REMOVING THE STOCK BACKPLATE 9
PREPARING THE WATER BLOCK FOR INSTALLATION 10
CLEANING THE PCB 10
CUTTING AND PLACING THERMAL PADS 11
APPLYING THERMAL COMPOUND 12
ATTACHING THE WATER BLOCK 12
PREPARING THE BACKPLATE 14
ATTACHING THE BACKPL ATE 16
INSERTING THE GRAPHICS CARD INTO THE CHASSIS 16
FITTINGS AND TUBING 17
CONNECTING THE D-RGB LED STRIP 18
TESTING THE LOOP 18
WARRANTY 19
SUPPORT AND SERVICE 20
SOCIAL MEDIA 20

- 4 -
Thermal Pad F 1.0 mm (5 pcs) Thermal Pad G 1.0 mm (1 pc)Thermal Pad G 1.5 mm (3 pcs) Thermal Pad G 2.0 mm (4 pcs)
120 mm
16 mm
120 mm
24 mm
120 mm
24 mm
120 mm
24 mm
Thermal Grease (1 pc)
BOX CONTENTS
4 mm
8 mm
10 mm
EK-Loop Multi Allen Key (1 pc)
Allen Key 2 mm (1 pc)
Allen Key 2.5 mm (1 pc)
M2.5x8 AX1 Screw (1 pc)
M3x10 AX1 Screw (1 pc)
EK-Quantum Vector2Strix RTX
3080/90 D-RGB
M2.5x4 AX1 Screw (8 pcs)
Polyamid Washer M2.5 0.5mm (8 pcs)
Standoff Ø4.5/2.5 (1 pc)
Quantum Plug (2 pcs)
EK-Plug Out Spludger Tool (1 pc)
Standoff M2.5-M3 x 6.6mm (1 pc)
Nut M2.5 (2 pcs)
EAN: 104907
EAN: 104549

- 5 -
WATER BLOCK DIMENSIONS
155 mm
3 mm
123.8 mm
95.8 mm
142.5 mm
307.5 mm
27 mm

- 6 -
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND WATER BLOCK PARTS
NICKEL PLEXI
- Dimensions: (LxHxW): 307.5 x 155 x 41mm
- D-RGB LED count: 15
- D-RGB cable length: 50cm
- D-RGB connector 3-pin 5V digital LED header
Position EAN Description Quantity
1103947 FC Terminal 1
2103971 TOP Acetal Stand Out 1
3104489 Coldplate ( Nickel) 1
4104499 Backplate (Bl. elox) 1
5104492 TOP Plexi 1
6103962 Plexi Insert 1
7104216 Disc magnet 2
8103942 Terminal Badge 1
9104106 Terminal OR - 14x1 mm 2
10 8311 Screw M4x20 DIN7984 3
11 103988 StandoffM4-M2.5 x 3mm 4
12 103987 Standoff M3.5-M2.5 x 3 3
13 103986 Standoff M3.5-M2.5 x 11.3mm 6
14 9013 Screw M4x8 DIN7984 14
15 104508 Main O-ring 142x2 mm 1
16 104188 Standoff fi 4.5/2.5 - brizgan - Black 8
17 104187 Screw M2.5x8 AX1 8
18 104494 LED Cover 1
19 100663 EK - Badge 2
20 103964 Mylar sticker 2
21 8208 Screw M3x8 7991DIN 2
22 100815 LED D-RGB strip 500/300mm 1
23 104900 PCB Cardboard 1
8
13
17
11
2
7
19
10
20
21
14
1
9
22
15
12
16
3
5
23
4
18
6

- 7 -
NICKEL ACETAL
- Dimensions: (LxHxW): 307.5 x 155 x 27mm
- D-RGB LED count: 38
- D-RGB cable length: 50cm
- D-RGB connector 3-pin 5V digital LED header
Position EAN Description Quantity
1103947 FC Terminal 1
2103974 Top Acetal - Stand Out 1
3104489 Coldplate (Nickel) 1
4104499 Backplate (Bl. Elox) 1
5104493
TOP Acetal - Quantum Vector2 Strix RTX 3080-90 1
6103962 TOP Plexi Insert 1
7104216 Disc magnet 3x3 2
8103942 Terminal Badge 1
9104106 Terminal OR - Vector2 14x1 mm 2
10 8311 Screw M4x20 DIN7984 3
11 103988 Standof M4-M2.5 x 3mm 4
12 103987 Standoff M3.5-M2.5 x 3 3
13 103986 Standoff M3.5-M2.5 x 11.3mm 6
14 9013 Screw M4x8 DIN7984 14
15 104508 Main O-ring 142x2 mm 1
16 104188 Standoff 4.5/2.5 8
17 104187 Screw M2.5x8 AX1 8
18 100663 EK- Badge 2
19 103968 Top Acetal - Light guide 1
20 104211 Mylar sticker 2
21 104296 LED D-RGB Dense Strip Double 1
22 8202 Screw M3x12 DIN7991 2
23 104900 PCB Cardboard 1
8
20
13
16
17
11
2
7
18
10
22
21
14
1
9
15
12
3
5
23
4
6

- 8 -
PREPARING THE GRAPHICS CARD
STEP 1
REMOVING THE STOCK COOLER
Use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove the three screws from the
GPU bracket side and six screws from the side of the backplate.
After removing all nine screws (marked in the picture), carefully detach
the PCB with the backplate from the stock cooler and disconnect two
cables connected to the PCB.
Always remove the stock cooler slowly - it might be firmly
glued to the PCB with thermal pads.
For this Step, you will need:
Phillips Head Screwdriver Torx T6 Screwdriver
STEP 1

- 9 -
STEP 2
REMOVING THE STOCK BACKPLATE
Use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove the two screws attaching
the GeForce® RTX™ plate to the backplate.
Remove the nine screws with Phillips and Torx head screwdrivers
and carefully detach the stock backplate from the PCB.
STEP 2

- 10 -
BACK PL ATE
PREPARING THE WATER BLOCK FOR INSTALLATION
STEP 1
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.
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 on the AX1 M2.5x8 screw. Do not
push the standoff onto the screw AX1 M2.5x8!
STEP 1
For this step, you will need:
Phillips Head Screwdriver
M2.5 x 8 AX1
BACK PL ATE S TA ND OFF
DO NOT
REMOVE
STANDOFFS
FROM
SCREWS!
PCB
CARDBOARD
STEP 3
STEP 3
CLEANING THE PCB
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. After that,
remove all remaining stock thermal pads from the PCB.

- 11 -
CUTTING AND PLACING THERMAL PADS
STEP 1
Your EK-Quantum Vector2 Strix RTX 3080/90 D-RGB block comes
with Thermal Pads that have to be cut into smaller pieces to cover all
the VRM components. EK made sure to provide you with more than
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 1.0mm – (120 x 16mm) EAN: 3830046996732
Thermal Pad G 1.0mm – (120 x 24mm) EAN: 3830046996770
Thermal Pad G 1.5mm – (120 x 24mm) EAN: 3830046996787
Thermal Pad G 2.0mm – (120 x 24mm) EAN: 3830046996794
For this step, you will need:
Scissors
STEP 1
Thermal Pad F – 1.0 mm (120 x 16 mm)
120 mm
16 mm
1 mm
Thermal Pad G – 1.0 mm (120 x 24 mm)
120 mm
24 mm
1.0 mm
Thermal Pad G – 1.5 mm (120 x 24 mm)
120 mm
24 mm
1.5 mm
Thermal Pad G – 2.0 mm (120 x 24 mm)
120 mm
24 mm
2 mm
STEP 2
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, 1.5, and 2 mm are included.
Before attaching the PCB to the Water Block, make sure
all the Thermal Pads are placed correctly!
STEP 2
Strix RTX™ 3080/3080Ti/3090 Thermal Pad F 1.0mm

- 12 -
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!
APPLYING THERMAL COMPOUND
For this step, you will need:
ATTACHING THE WATER BLOCK
STEP 1
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.
Before attaching the PCB to the Water Block, make sure
all the Thermal Pads are placed correctly!
STEP 1
STEP 1

- 13 -
For this step, you will need:
Screws must be present in the places marked on the picture.
Phillips Head Screwdriver
STEP 2
Use five (5) M2.5x4 AX1 Screws and PVC washers to tighten the PCB
on the water block. Tighten the screws evenly using the Phillips-
head screwdriver. EK 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!
STEP 2
M2.5 x 4 AX1
SCREW
M2.5 PVC WASHER

- 14 -
PREPARING THE BACKPLATE
STEP 1
After attaching the water block, a few more thermal pads need to be
cut into smaller pieces to cover all the necessary components.
EK made sure to provide you with more than 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 1.0mm – (120 x 16mm) EAN: 3830046996732
Thermal Pad G 1.0mm – (120 x 24mm) EAN: 3830046996770
Thermal Pad G 1.5mm – (120 x 24mm) EAN: 3830046996787
Thermal Pad G 2.0mm – (120 x 24mm) EAN: 3830046996794
For this step, you will need:
Scissors
STEP 1
Thermal Pad F – 1.0 mm (120 x 16 mm)
120 mm
16 mm
1 mm
Thermal Pad G – 1.0 mm (120 x 24 mm)
120 mm
24 mm
1.0 mm
Thermal Pad G – 2.0 mm (120 x 24 mm)
120 mm
24 mm
2 mm
Thermal Pad G – 1.5 mm (120 x 24 mm)
120 mm
24 mm
1.5 mm

- 15 -
Apply the thermal pads onto the backplate as shown in the image.
Thermal Pad - 120 x 24 x 1.0 mm
G1
Thermal Pad - 120 x 24 x 1.5 mm
G1.5
Thermal Pad - 120 x 24 x 2.0 mm
G2
Thermal Pad - 120 x 24 x 1.0 mm + 120 x 24 x 2.0 mm
G1+ G 2
STEP 1
3090:
G2
G2
G2
G1 + G2
G2
G2
G1
G1
G1
G1
G2
G1 + G2
G1.5
G1.5
G2
G2
G1
G1
G1
G1
G2
G1 + G2
G1
G1
G2
G1 + G2
3080/ 3080Ti:

- 16 -
For this step, you will need:
Phillips Head Screwdriver
ATTACHING THE BACKPLATE
STEP 1
STEP 1
Place the backplate with eight (8)M2.5x8 AX1 Screws and Standoffs
onto the PCB. Make sure all the holes are aligned.
Tighten the screws according to the numerical order shown in
the image!
Do not use excessive force!
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.
BACK PL ATE
1
2
8
34
6
5
7

- 17 -
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!
STEP 1
TUBING
EK- PLUG G1/4
EK-FITTING
For this step, you will need:
EK-Loop Multi Allen Key

- 18 -
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!
STEP 1
D-RGB HEADER
RGB HEADER
To make sure the installation of EK 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.
TESTING THE LOOP

- 19 -
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. 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 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.
WARRANTY

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
EKWaterBlocks
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SUPPORT AND SERVICE
SOCIAL MEDIA