ekwb EK-Classic GPU Water BlockRTX 2080Ti D-RGB User manual

INSTALLATION MANUAL
GPU WATER BLOCK
EK-Classic GPU Water Block
RTX 2080Ti D-RGB
2nd Revision, June 24th 2020

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This product is compatible with RTX 2080 and RTX 2080 Ti graphics
card. It is intended for installation by expert users only. Please consult
with a qualified technician since improper installation may result
in damage to the equipment. EK 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 our website at www.ekwb.com for updates. Before the installation
of this product, 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:
Carefully read the manual before beginning with the
installation process.
Remove your graphics card from the computer for the safest
mounting process and to prevent any possible damages 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.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREPARING THE GRAPHICS CARD 4
INSTALLING THE WATER BLOCK ON RTX 2080/RTX 2080 TI GRAPHICS CARD 7
CHECKING FOR CONTACTS 8
INSTALLATION OF FITTINGS AND TUBING 8
INSERTING THE GRAPHICS CARD IN THE PC CASE 9
REQUIRED TOOLS 9
CONNECTING THE D-RGB LED STRIP 10
SUPPORT AND SERVICE 11
SOCIAL MEDIA 11

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PREPARING THE GRAPHICS CARD
STEP 1
REMOVING THE FACTORY-PROVIDED BACKPLATE
Remove all encircled screws using a Phillips head screwdriver.
All heat sink assembly screws should be removed, including self-
adhesive washers on both sides of the PCB (if present).
STEP 2
REMOVING THE STOCK COOLER
Remove all encircled screws using a Phillips head screwdriver (4
springs) and a 4mm hex socket. All heat sink assembly screws
should be removed, including self-adhesive washers on both sides
of the PCB (if present). After the removal of housing, do not forget
to unplug the fans.
STEP 1
STEP 2

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STEP 3
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 4
APPLYING THERMAL COMPOUND
Wipe off the remains of the original thermal compound using a
nonabrasive cloth or Q-tip until all components and circuit board are
completely clean.
Applying Thermal Compound: Lightly coat the NVIDIA GPU chip with
enclosed EK-TIM Ectotherm thermal grease. For best performance,
EK recommends applying thermal grease in the form of a cross (see
sample image).
STEP 3
STEP 4

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STEP 5
CUTTING THERMAL PADS
Your GPU water block comes with thermal pads, some of which are
already pre-cut, while others have to be cut into smaller chunks to cover all
the VRM components such as MOSFETs, drivers, and COILs.
You must remove the protective foil from both sides of the thermal
pad before installation.
Replacement thermal pads:
Thermal Pad E – 0.5mm (RAM 8x) – EAN: 3830046996688
Thermal Pad F – 1mm (120x16mm) – EAN: 3830046996732
STEP 6
PLACING THERMAL PADS ON PCB
Place thermal pads on the circuit board, as shown in the picture. Refer to
numbering in the previous picture when applying thermal pads of different
sizes or thicknesses. EK made sure to provide you with more than an
adequate quantity of thermal pads to complete this Step.
1: Thermal pad E – 0.5mm (for memory IC):
16
100
1
1
1
2
2
1 11 1
1 11 1
1
1
1
1
RTX 2080
RTX 2080 Ti
1 1 1
11
2: Thermal pad F – 1.0mm (for MOSFETs and COILs):
16
120
2
MAX 8 mm wide
thermal pad
MAX 8 mm wide
thermal pad
STEP 5
STEP 6

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INSTALLING THE WATER BLOCK ON RTX 2080/RTX 2080 TI GRAPHICS CARD
STEP 1
PLACING THE WATER BLOCK ON THE GRAPHICS CARD
Carefully position the water block with preinstalled standoffs on
the graphics card. During this process, please make sure you have
aligned mounting holes on the PCB with holes on the water block
(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.
This procedure is the same for all Full Cover water blocks.
STEP 2
ATTACHING THE BLOCK TO THE GRAPHICS CARD
Use a Phillips head screwdriver with the enclosed M2.5 x 4 AX1
screws. EK recommends you start tightening the screws around
the GPU core and continue outward. Always use a plastic washer
under each screw! If the washer is already present on the circuit
board (usually around GPU core screw-holes), there is no need for
additional washers.
For this Step, you will need:
Phillips-head
screwdriver
M 2.5x4 AX1
12 pcs
M 2.5 PVC washer
12 pcs
M2,5x4 AX1
STEP 1
STEP 2

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CHECKING FOR CONTACTS
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 that
thermal pads are placed correctly or contact our support service
at www.ekwb.com/support.
INSTALLATION OF FITTINGS AND TUBING
Screw-in two (2) G1/4 threaded male fittings. Attach the liquid
cooling tubes and connect the water block(s) to the cooling loop.
EK recommends using EK-Fittings with this water block.
To ensure the tubes are securely attached to the barb/fittings, please
use hose clamps or an appropriate substitute.
You can use any opening as an inlet/outlet port.
Do not forget to plug the remaining two openings with enclosed
EK-Plug G1/4 or its equivalent.
CAUTION: In case of using connectors other than EK Compression
Fittings, pay special attention to the length of the fittings’ male G1/4”
thread. 5mm is the maximum G1/4” thread length allowed!
EK-Plug G1/4
Tubing
EK Fitting
STEP 1

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INSERTING THE GRAPHICS CARD IN THE PC CASE
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 VGA-water block
assembly that might damage your card or water block.
REQUIRED TOOLS
Phillips-head screwdriver Scissors

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CONNECTING THE D-RGB LED STRIP
D-RGB LED Connector
STEP 1
Plug the 3-pin D-RGB connector from your GPU Water Block into a
D-RGB header on your motherboard or controller. The LED Strip will
only work if the pin layout on the header is as follows: +5V, Data,
Empty, Ground.
Incorrect installation or choosing the incorrect header may
result in damage to the LED Strip or the header itself!
STEP 1
D-RGB Header
RGB Header