EK-Quantum Vector2 XC3 RTX 3080 D-RGB User manual

USER GUIDE
GPU WATER BLOCK
EK-Quantum
Vector² XC3 RTX 3080/90 ABP Set 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 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!

- 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
CLEANING THE PCB 9
PREPARING THE WATER BLOCK FOR INSTALLATION 10
CUTTING AND PLACING THERMAL PADS 11
APPLYING THERMAL COMPOUND 12
ATTACHING THE WATER BLOCK 13
ATTACHING THE ACTIVE BACKPL ATE 14
FITTINGS AND TUBING 17
INSERTING THE GRAPHICS CARD INTO THE CHASSIS 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 (6 pcs)
(3830046996732)
120 mm
16 mm
Thermal Pad F 1.5 mm (1 pc)
(3830046996749)
120 mm
16 mm
Thermal Pad F 2.0 mm (2 pcs)
(3830046996756)
120 mm
16 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 Vector2XC3 RTX
3080/90 ABP Set 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: 104911
EAN: 104549
Terminal OR - Vector
2
14x1 mm (2 pcs)

- 5 -
WATER BLOCK DIMENSIONS
302.5 mm
95.7 mm
35.5 mm
121.5 mm
41 mm
134 mm
123.7 mm

- 6 -
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND WATER BLOCK PARTS
NICKEL PLEXI
- Dimensions: (LxHxW): 302.5 x 134 x 41 mm
- D-RGB LED count: 34
- D-RGB cable length: 50 cm
- D-RGB connector 3-pin 5V digital LED header
Position EAN Description Quantity
1104963 Coldplate (Nickel) 1
2104582 Top plate (Plexi) 1
3104393 FC Terminal 1
4104395 Terminal plate (Nickel) 1
5104085 Coldplate ABP (Nickel) 1
6104584 Top plate ABP (Plexi) 1
7104097 Stand out (Acetal) 1
8104575 Side plate (Black e.) 1
9103965 Main O-ring 128 x 2 mm 1
10 104087 Main O-ring ABP 131 x2 mm 1
11 104414 OR Terminal 52 x 2 mm 1
12 104106 Terminal OR 14 x 1 mm 4
13 9024 Screw M4 x 10 DIN7984 11
14 8208 Screw M3 x 8 7991DIN 4
15 103987 Standoff M3.5-M2.5 x 3 4
16 103988 Standoff M4-M2.5 x 3 4
17 103986 Standoff M3.5-M2.5 x 11.3 6
18 104093 Standoff M2.5-M3 x 6.6 8
19 104105 Screw AX1 M3 x 10 8
20 9013 Screw M4 x 8 DIN7984 12
21 103942 Terminal badge 1
22 104086 ABP Terminal badge 1
23 105163 Disc magnet 4
24 8311 Screw M4 x 20 DIN7984 6
25 103964 Mylar sticker 2
26 100663 EK - Badge 2
27 104571 LED Cover (Nat.elox) 2
28 101556 LED D-RGB strip 500/300 mm 2
29 103975 Bridge plate 1
30 103962 Plexi insert 1
31 104904 PCB cardboard 1
21
8
5
15
22
28
29
10
3
4
23
14
2
16
24
11
20
19
18
17
26
25
14
13
1
12
6
7
28
27
31
9
30
27

- 7 -
NICKEL ACETAL
- Dimensions: (LxHxW): 302.5 x 134 x 41 mm
- D-RGB LED count: 28
- D-RGB cable length: 50 cm
- D-RGB connector 3-pin 5V digital LED header
Position EAN Description Quantity
1104963 Coldplate (Nickel) 1
2104393 FC Terminal (Acetal) 1
3104395 Terminal plate (Nickel) 1
4104085 Coldplate ABP (Nickel) 1
5104575 Side plate (Nickel) 1
6103965 Main O-ring 128 x 2 mm 1
7104087 Main o-ring ABP 131 x 2 mm 1
8104414 OR Terminal 52 x 2 mm 1
9104106 Terminal OR -14 x 1 mm 4
10 9024 Screw M4 x 10 DIN7984 11
11 8208 Screw M3 x 8 7991DIN 2
12 8202 Screw M3 x 12 DIN7991 2
13 103987 Standoff M3.5-M2.5 x 3 4
14 103988 Standoff M4-M2.5 x 3 4
15 103986 Standoff M3.5-M2.5 x 11.3 6
16 104093 Standoff M2.5-M3 x 6.6 8
17 104105 Screw AX1 M3 x 10 8
18 9013 Screw M4 x 8 DIN7984 12
19 104583 Top plate (Acetal) 1
20 104585 Top plate ABP (Acetal) 1
21 104094 Light guide 1
22 104100 Stand out (Acetal) 1
23 103942 Terminal Badge 1
24 104086 Terminal Badge ABP 1
25 105163 Disc magnet 4
26 8311 Screw M4 x 20 DIN7984 6
27 104211 Mylar sticker 2
28 100663 EK - Badge 2
29 104295 LED D-RGB Dense Strip Double 1
30 103975 Bridge Plate 1
31 103962 Plexi insert 1
32 104904 PCB cardboard 1
23
5
4
13
24
30
31
7
2
3
25
11
19
14
26
8
18
17
16
15
12
27
28
29
10
1
9
20
32
22
6
21

- 8 -
PREPARING THE GRAPHICS CARD
STEP 1
REMOVING THE STOCK COOLER
OPTION 1 – GPU Versions Without a Backplate
Some versions of this GPU don’t have a backplate (e.g., EVGA GeForce
RTX 3080 XC3 BLACK GAMING).
Use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove the eleven marked screws
and the Stock Cooler Backplate from the backside of the GPU. You do
not have to remove the unmarked I/O Bracket screw.
Carefully detach the PCB from the stock cooler and disconnect all
cables connecting the stock cooler to the PCB.
Always remove the stock cooler slowly - it might be firmly
glued to the PCB with thermal pads.
You will need the following tool:
Phillips Head Screwdriver
STEP 1
STOCK COOLER BACKPLATE
OPTION 1
I/O BRACKET SCREW

- 9 -
STEP 2
STEP 2
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.
OPTION 2 – GPU Versions With a Backplate
Use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove the twelve marked screws
and the Stock Cooler Backplate from the backplate’s side.
Carefully detach the PCB from the stock cooler and the backplate, and
disconnect all cables connecting the stock cooler to the PCB.
Always remove the stock cooler slowly - it might be firmly
glued to the PCB with thermal pads.
STEP 1
OPTION 2
STOCK COOLER BACKPLATE
BACK PL ATE

- 10 -
PREPARING THE WATER BLOCK FOR INSTALLATION
STEP 1
First, remove the terminal badge which is attached to the terminal
with two magnets. Under the badge, unscrew three (3) screws
M4x20 DIN7984. Additional eight (8) screws M3x10 AX1 need to be
removed (as shown in the image).
DO NOT REMOVE THE UPPER TERMINAL BADGE!
STEP 1
STEP 2
Carefully remove the complete active backplate with the terminal.
Additional two (2) O-rings 14 x 1 EPDM50 need to be removed.
STEP 2
For this step, you will need:
Phillips Head Screwdriver
UPPER
TERMINAL
BADGE
TERMINAL
BADGE
TERMINAL
O-RING 14 x 1 mm
M4 x 20 DIN7984
SCREW
M3 x 10 AX1
SCREW
DO NOT
REMOVE
THE UPPER
TERMINAL
BADGE!
Allen Key 2.5mm
ACTIVE
BACK PL ATE

- 11 -
STEP 3
Unscrew eight (8) M2.5-M3 x 6.6 standoff with the included
tool (EK-Plug out Spludger Tool). Make sure not to unscrew the
M3.5-M2.5 x 11.3 standoff! In case the M3.5-M2.5 x 11.3 standoff
unscrews, carefully tighten it back with the 4 mm wrench.
After removing the standoffs, the PCB cardboard needs to be
removed. The PCB cardboard is printed on 1:1 scale.
STEP 3
M3.5-M2.5x11.3
STAN DO FF
PCB
CARDBOARD
M2.5-M3 x 6.6
STAN DO FF
CUTTING AND PLACING THERMAL PADS
STEP 1
our 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 16mm) EAN: 3830046996732
Thermal Pad F 1.5 mm – (120 x 16mm) EAN: 3830046996749
Thermal Pad F 2.0 mm – (120 x 16mm) EAN: 3830046996756
Thermal Pad F – 1.0 mm (120 x 16 mm)
120 mm
16 mm
1 mm
Thermal Pad F – 1.5 mm (120 x 16 mm)
1.5 mm
120 mm
16 mm
Thermal Pad F – 2.0 mm (120 x 16 mm)
2 mm
120 mm
16 mm
STEP 1
For this step, you will need:
EK-Plug Out Spludger Tool

- 12 -
For this step, you will need:
Scissors
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.
Before attaching the PCB to the Water Block, make sure
all the Thermal Pads are placed correctly!
STEP 2
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:
STEP 1
Thermal Pad - 120 x 16 x 1.0 mm
F1

- 13 -
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.
Pay attention not to use too much force when pressing the
block down to the PCB since chip dies are prone to cracking.
Before attaching the PCB to the Water Block, make sure
all the Thermal Pads are placed correctly!
STEP 1
For this step, you will need:
Phillips Head Screwdriver
STEP 2
Use six (6) M2.5 x 4 AX1 Screws and PVC washers to tighten the
PCB on the water block. Tighten the screws evenly using the
Phillips-head screwdriver. After attaching the PCB, use one (1)
M2.5 x 8 AX1 Screw and one (1) M2.5 Nut to secure the I/O Bracket.
STEP 2
M2.5 PVC WASHER
M2.5 NUT
M2.5 x 4 AX1 SCREW
M2.5 x 8 AX1
SCREW

- 14 -
STEP 3
Place the M2.5-M3 x 6.6 Standoff in each of the eight (8) mounting
holes of the standoff M3.5-M2.5 x 11.3 (as shown in the image)
and tighten them evenly with the EK-Plug-Out Spludger Tool.
Do not use excessive force!
STEP 3
M2.5-M3 x 6.6 STANDOFF
ATTACHING THE ACTIVE BACKPLATE
STEP 1
After attaching the water block, a few more thermal pads need to be
placed on the backside of the GPU PCB. Once cut to size, thermal
pads should be placed on the PCB, as illustrated. EK made sure to
provide you with more than an adequate quantity of thermal pads to
complete this Step.
Replacement thermal pads:
Thermal Pad F 1.0 mm – (120 x 16mm) EAN: 3830046996732
Thermal Pad F 1.5 mm – (120 x 16mm) EAN: 3830046996749
Thermal Pad F 2.0 mm – (120 x 16mm) EAN: 3830046996756
Thermal Pad F – 1.0 mm (120 x 16 mm)
120 mm
16 mm
1 mm
Thermal Pad F – 1.5 mm (120 x 16 mm)
1.5 mm
120 mm
16 mm
Thermal Pad F – 2.0 mm (120 x 16 mm)
2 mm
120 mm
16 mm
STEP 1
For this step, you will need:
EK-Plug Out Spludger Tool

- 15 -
Thermal Pad - 120 x 16 x 1.0 mm
F1
Thermal Pad - 120 x 16 x 1.5 mm
F1.5
Thermal Pad - 120 x 16 x 2.0 mm
F2
STEP 1
3090:
3080/ 3080Ti:
F1.5
F2
F2
F1.5
F1.5
F1.5
F2
F1
F2
F1
F2
F1
F2
F1

- 16 -
STEP 2
Put two (2) O-rings 14 x 1 into slots on the cold plate. Then carefully
place the active backplate on standoffs as shown in the image. While
putting the active backplate on the PCB, make sure the O-rings stay
in the slots.
Before attaching the Active Backplate, make sure all the
Thermal Pads are placed correctly!
STEP 2
For this step, you will need:
Phillips Head Screwdriver
O-RING 14 x 1 mm
Allen Key 2.5mm
ACTIVE
BACK PL ATE
STEP 3
Place eight (8) M3 x 10 AX1 screws into the water block standoffs and
tighten them using Philips head screwdriver (as shown in the image).
After attaching the AX1 Screws, three (3) terminal screws M4 x 20
DIN7984 need to be attached using Allen Key 2.5mm. The terminal
badge can be reused, after securing the terminal screws.
Pay attention not to use too much force when tightening
the active backplate.
STEP 3
TERMINAL
BADGE
M4 x 20 DIN7984
SCREW
M3 x 10 AX1
SCREW

- 17 -
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.
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
@EKWaterBlocks
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SUPPORT AND SERVICE
SOCIAL MEDIA