ekwb EK-FC Strix RTX 2080 Ti Backplate Classic User manual

EK-FC TRIO RTX 2080 Ti Classic
GPU WATER BLOCK
INSTALLATION MANUAL

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The product is compatible with RTX 2080 Ti Trio graphics card. It
is intended for installing only by expert users. Please consult with a
qualified tehnician 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, not
their installation. The following instructions are to change without
notice. Please visit our web side 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:
Please carefully read the manual throughly before beginning
with the installation process!
Please remove your graphics card from computer to assure
safest mounting process in order to prevent any possible
damages to your GPU and/or graphics card 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.
Do not use pure distilled water! For best results EK recommends
the use of EK-CyroFuel coolants!

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TABLE OF CONTENT
PREPARING YOUR GRAPHICS CARD 4
INSTALLING THE WATER BLOCK 7
CHECKING FOR CONTACTS 8
INSTALLATION OF FITTINGS AND TUBING 8
INSERTING THE CARD IN YOUR PC CASE 9
REQUIRED TOOLS 9
CONNECTING THE RGB LED STRIP 10
SUPPORT AND SERVICE 11
SOCIAL MEDIA 11

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PREPARING YOUR GRAPHICS CARD
STEP 1
REMOVING FACTORY PROVIDED BACKPLATE
Remove all encircled screws using Phillips screwdriver. All heat
sink assembly screws should be removed, including self-adhesive
washers washers on the both sides of the PCB(if present).
STEP 2
REMOVING STOCK COOLER
Remove all encircled screws using Phillips screwdriver. All heat
sink assembly screws should be removed, including self-adhesive
washers on both sides of the PCB(if present). After you remove the
housing do not 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 securing in to the board. Wipe off the remains (by using
nonabrasive cloth or q-tip, as shown on sample photo) of the
original thermal compound until the components and circuit
board are completely clean.
STEP 4
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 GPU chip with enclosed EK-
TIM Ectotherm thermal grease. EKWB recommends to apply thermal
grease in cross form for best performance.
STEP 3
STEP 4

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STEP 5
CUTTING THERMAL PADS
Your block comes with the 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, IC memory and coils.
PLEASE REMOVE THE PROTECTIVE FOIL FROM BOTH SIDES OF
THE THERMAL PADS PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.
Replacement thermal pads:
1. Thermal pad E - 0.5mm (RAM 11X) – (EAN: 3830046996688)
2. Thermal pad G – 1.0mm ( 120X24) – (EAN: 3830046996770)
STEP 6
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.
1: Thermal pad E – 0.5mm (for memory IC):
16
100
1
1
1
2
1 1 1
1
1
2: Thermal pad G – 1.0mm (for MOSFET):
24
120
2
MAX 8 mm wide
thermal pad
STEP 5
STEP 6
1 1 1
2
2
MAX 8 mm wide
thermal pad

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INSTALLING THE WATER BLOCK
STEP 1
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.
STEP 2
ATTACHING THE BLOCK TO THE GRAPHIC CARD
Use a Phillips screwdriver screw with the enclosed M2.5 x 4 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 GPU core screw holes) there is
no need for additional washer.
In this step you will need:
Phillips-head
screwdriver
M 2.5x4 AX1
15 pcs
M 2.5 PVC washer
15 pcs
M2,5x4 AX1
STEP 1
STEP 2
Plastic washer

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CHECKING FOR CONTACTS
If necessary temporarily remove 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.
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 fittings with the EK-Vector 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 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!
EK-Plug G1/4
Tubing
EK Fitting
STEP 1

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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
Phillips-head screwdriver Scissors

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CONNECTING THE RGB LED STRIP
RGB LED Connector
STEP 1
Plug the 4-pin connector from Water block’s RGB LED light to the
RGB_HEADER on the motherboard. The LED will work if the pin layout
on the header is as follows: +12V G R B.
Please ensure that the arrow indicated on the connector
is plugged into the +12V line as indicated on your
motherboard.
Failure to do so, will damage your motherboard or LED strip.
RGB Header STEP 1