ekwb EK-Vector Radeon VII User manual

INSTALLATION MANUAL
EK-Vector Radeon VII
GPU WATER BLOCK

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This product is compatible with AMD Radeon VII graphics cards. It 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:
Please carefully read the manual before beginning with the
installation process!
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).
The G1/4” 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 any liquid cooling system.
Do not use pure distilled water! For best results EK recommends
the use of EK-CryoFuel coolants!
Make sure to thoroughly bleed air out of your water block, or
you will not reach optimal performance!

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TABLE OF CONTENT
PREPARING YOUR GRAPHIC CARD 4
INSTALLATION OF SINGLE SLOT I/O BRACKET (OPTIONAL) 7
INSTALLING THE WATER BLOCK 8
CHECKING FOR CONTACTS 9
INSERTING THE CARD IN YOUR PC CASE 9
INSTALLATION OF FITTINGS AND TUBING 10
CONNECTING THE RGB LED STRIP (optional) 10
SUPPORT AND SERVICE 11
SOCIAL MEDIA 11

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PREPARING YOUR GRAPHIC CARD
STEP 1
REMOVING THE FACTORY BACKPLATE
Remove all 9 encircled screws using a Phillips head screwdriver, then
take off the backplate and XO clip.
STEP 2
REMOVING THE STOCK COOLER
Remove both encircled screws using a Phillips head screwdriver.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
REMOVING THE STOCK COOLER (CONTINUED)
Remove the remaining 15 screws as shown below. The cooler
can now be gently removed, take care to unplug the LED and Fan
connections. If there are any self-adhesive washers on either side of
the PCB these should also be removed.
STEP 3

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STEP 4
CLEANING THE PCB
CWipe off the remains of any thermal compound from the GPU core and
HBM by using a non-abrasive cloth or q-tip. EKWB recommends the use of
denatured alcohol for removing TIM leftovers. Additionally, remove all of
the stock thermal pads from both sides of the PCB.
STEP 5
APPLYING THERMAL COMPOUND
Lightly cover AMD GPU and HBM chips with enclosed EK-TIM Ectotherm
thermal grease. EKWB recommends to apply the thermal grease in a cross
form for best performance (see sample picture).
STEP 5
STEP 4

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48 24 24 24
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STEP 6
CUTTING THERMAL PADS
Your block is supplied with thermal pads that need to be cut into smaller
pieces in order to cover all VRM components. PLEASE REMOVE THE
PROTECTIVE STICKER FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE THERMAL PADS
PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.
Replacement thermal pads:
1. Thermal PAD F 1.0mm - (120x16mm) - (EAN: 3830046996732)
STEP 6
STEP 7
PLACING THERMAL PADS
Once cut to size the thermal pads should be applied to the PCB as
illustrated below. EK made sure to provide customers with more than
adequate quantity of thermal pads to complete this step.
STEP 7
Radeon VII

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INSTALLATION OF SINGLE SLOT I/O BRACKET (OPTIONAL)
STEP 1
REMOVE THE FACTORY I/O BRACKET
Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove all 6 screws which secure
the I/O bracket to the card. Retain these screws for the next step and
take the I/O bracket off the PCB.
STEP 2
ATTACHING THE EK I/O BRACKET
Position the EK single slot I/O bracket, aligning all 6 holes and use the
original screws to secure it in place.
STEP 1
STEP 2

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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 onto
the graphics card. During this process please make sure you align
mounting holes on the PCB with holes on the water block. Also pay
attention not to use too much force by pressing the block down onto
the PCB. Chip dies are prone to cracking. This procedure is the same
for all Full Cover water blocks.
STEP 2
ATTACHING THE BLOCK TO THE GRAPHIC CARD
Use a Phillips head screwdriver with the enclosed M2,5 x 4 AX1
screws. EKWB recommends users to start tightening the screws
evenly around the GPU core and then to continue outwards. Always
use a plastic washer under every screw.
STEP 1
STEP 2
In this step you will need:
Phillips-head
screwdriver
M 2.5 x 4 AX1
17 pcs
M 2.5 PVC washer
17 pcs

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CHECKING FOR CONTACTS
If necessary 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.
INSERTING THE CARD IN YOUR PC CASE
Carefully lift your graphics card with block installed and insert it into
the correct PCIe expansion slot on your PC’s motherboard (consult
motherboard manual). Please consider that your graphics card
might be heavier than it was with the stock cooler, so be very careful
when handling it. Avoid excessive manipulation of the graphics card
assembly which may damage your graphics card, motherboard or
water block during installation.

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INSTALLATION OF FITTINGS AND TUBING
Screw in two male G1/4 threaded fittings. Attach the liquid cooling
tubes and connect the water-block(s) into the cooling loop. EKWB
recommends using EK-STC or EK-HTC fittings with the EK-
Vector series water blocks. TIf you are using barb fittings please
add hose clamps or an appropriate substitute to ensure that the
tubes are firmly secured.
You can configure any port as an inlet or outlet. Do not forget to plug
all remaining ports with the enclosed EK-Plug G1/4 or equivalents.
CAUTION: If using fittings or plugs not recommending by EK take
special care to check the length of the male G1/4 threads. 5 mm is
the maximum allowed G1/4 thread length!
Tubing EK-Fitting
EK-Plug G1/4
CONNECTING THE RGB LED STRIP (optional)
STEP 1
Plug the 4-pin connector from the water blocks RGB LED into the RGB
HEADER on your motherboard. The LED will work correctly if the pin
layout on the header is: +12V G R B.
Please ensure that the arrow indicated on the connector is
aligned with the +12V pin as indicated on your motherboard.
Failure to do so, will damage your motherboard or LED strip.
STEP 1
RGB Header