ekwb EK-FC RX-480 User manual

All disclosures, notices and warranty conditions are being written on the EKWB website. Please read terms of use. Released on 12th of July, 2016. Revision 1.0
Installation manual for EK-FC RX-480 water block
This product is intended for installation only by expert users. Please consult with a
qualified technician for installation. Improper installation may result in damage to your
equipment. EK Water Blocks 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 web site at www.ekwb.com for updates.
Before 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:
1. Please carefully read the manual before through before beginning with
the installation process!
2. Please remove your Graphics card from the computer to assure safest
mounting process in order to prevent any possible damages to your GPU
and/or graphics card circuit board (PCB).
3. The EK-HFB and EK-ACF type 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.
4. The use of corrosion inhibiting coolants is always recommended for any
liquid cooling system.
BAG CONTENT: Bag content is universal for all water blocks, you may not need all screws.
STEP 1: PREPARING YOUR GRAPHIC CARD.
STEP 1 cont.: PREPARING YOUR GRAPHICS CARD.
1. REMOVING STOCK COOLER and BRACKET: Remove two encircled screws
using Phillips screwdriver.
2. REMOVING STOCK COOLER: Remove all encircled screws. All heat sink assembly
screws should be removed, including self-adhesive washers on both sides of the PCB (if
present). There are up to 15 screws on the back of the graphics card. After you remove the
fan housing, unplug the fan.
STEP 1 cont.: PREPARING YOUR GRAPHIC CARD.
3. REPLACING THE ORIGINAL I/O BRACKET: Remove two Philips screws securing the original two-slot I/O bracket to the circuit board. Remove one screw that secure the tab
of the I/O bracket to the circuit board as well. Replace the original I/O bracket with enclosed EK-FC RX-480 single-slot I/O bracket and install it using original screw on HDMI
connector housing. Secure the bracket tab using M3x4 DIN7985 screw.
Step 1 cont.: PREPARING YOUR GRAPHIC CARD
4. CLEANING THE PCB: Carefully detach the original stock cooler after removing all
screws securing it to the board. Wipe off the remains (by using non–abrasive cloth or
q-tip , as shown on sample photo) of the original thermal compound until the
components and circuit board are completely clean. EKWB recommends the use of
denatured alcohol for removing TIM leftovers.
5. APPLYING THERMAL COMPOUND: Wipe off the remains (by using non–abrasive cloth
or q-tip ) of the original thermal compound until the components and circuit board are
completely clean. Apply thermal compound: lightly coat AMD GPU chip with enclosed EK-
TIM Ectotherm thermal grease. EKWB recommends to apply thermal grease in cross form
for best performance (see sample picture).
Remove two screws on the IO
bracket using Phillips screwdriver
Remove those
two screws
Factory installed
I/O bracket
M3x4 DIN7985 screw
EK-FC RX-480
single-slot I/O
Bracket
Reuse screw

All disclosures, notices and warranty conditions are being written on the EKWB website. Please read terms of use. Released on 12th of July, 2016. Revision 1.0
STEP 2: INSTALLING THE WATER BLOCK
1. CUTTING THERMAL PADS: Your block comes with thermal pads, some of which
are already pre-cut. Others have to be cut to smaller chunks in order to cover all the
VRM components such as MOSFETs and drivers. PLEASE REMOVE THE PROTECTIVE
FOIL FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE THERMAL PADS PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.
Replacement thermal pads:
Thermal Pad E –0.5mm (RAM 8x) –(EAN: 3830046996688)
Thermal Pad G –1mm (120x24mm) –(EAN: 3830046996770)
2. PLACING THERMAL PADS ON PCB: Place thermal pads on the circuit board as
shown on the picture below. Refer to numbering in previous picture when applying
thermal pads of different sizes or thicknesses. EK made sure to provide customers with
more than adequate quantity of thermal pads to complete this step.
3. PLACING THE BLOCK ON TO THE GRAPHICS CARD: Carefully position the
water block with preinstalled standoffs on to the graphics card. During this process
please make sure you align mounting holes on the PCB with holes on the water block
(same applies for other tops). Also pay attention not to use too much force by pressing
the block down to the PCB. Chip dies are prone to cracking.
4. ATTACHING THE BLOCK TO THE GRAPHIC CARD: Use a Philips screwdriver
screw with the enclosed M2,5x4 AX1 screws. EKWB recommends users to start
tightening the screws around the GPU core and continue outwards. Always use a plastic
washer under each and every screw! If the washer is already present on the circuit board
(usually around the four GPU core screw holes) there is no need for additional washer.
STEP 3: CHECKING FOR CONTACTS
If necessary temporarily r emove the water block to check for uniform surface contact between the block and the 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 sub-steps in previous section to re-attach the block. In case you
fail to obtain good contact, please check again that your thermal pad thickness or contact our support service at http://www.ekwb.com/support.
STEP 4: INSTALLATION OF FITTINGS AND TUBING
Screw in the two G1/4 threaded male fittings. Attach the liquid cooling tubes and connect the water-block(s) into the cooling circuit. EKWB recommends using EK-ACF
fittings with the EK-FC RX-480 series water blocks. To ensure that 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 opening with enclosed EK-Plug G1/4 or equivalent.
CAUTION: In case of using connectors other than EK-ACF series compression fittings, take special attention to the length of the fittings’ male G1/4” thread. 5mm is the maximum
allowed G1/4” thread length!
STEP 5: INSERTING THE CARD IN YOUR PC CASE
Carefully lift your graphics card with installed block and insert it in your PC’s motherboard PCI-express expansion slot. Please bear in mind that your graphics card is probably
heavier than when it was equipped with original heat sink fan assembly. One needs to be very careful when handling the graphics card. Avoid all un-needed manipulation of the
VGA/water block assembly that might damage your card or water block during final installation.
REQUIRED TOOLS:
scissors Philips head screwdriver
1: Thermal pad E –0.5mm
(for memory IC):
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2: Thermal pad G –1mm
(for Mosfet):
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Plastic washer
Screw M2.5x4 AX1
EK-Plug G1/4
Tubing
EK-ACF Fitting
Acetal Terminal