ekwb EK-XLC PREDATOR 240 User manual

EK-XLC PREDATOR 240 360
Pre-filled CPU Xpandable Liquid Cooling
USER GUIDE
For EK-XLC Predator (R1.1) series units | 3rd Revision, Dec 1st 2015

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EK Water Blocks bears the name of its founder Edvard König, who
started experimenting with liquid cooling in 1999. From the humble be-
ginnings in the early years of the previous decade, the company grew
steadily to become a global premium liquid cooling gear manufacturer.
Today, EKWB offers a complete range of products for liquid cooling,
from a renowned Supremacy line of CPU water blocks, to a wide range
of CoolStream radiators, from in-house developed Vardar High pressure
fans, to market-proven DDC series of liquid cooling pumps and thus
provides overclocking enthusiasts and PC builders with the best of what
the market can offer. Predator all-in-one eXpandable Liquid Cooling so-
lution is the next step to bring extreme liquid cooling performance in the
hands of dedicated gamers and PC enthusiasts around the world.
Welcome to EK-World!
Safety precautions
1. Keep and store the product away from the reach of children.
2. Check the component list and condition of the product before installation.
If there is any problem, contact the shop where you have purchased the
problem to get a replacement or refund.
3. EKWB d.o.o. is not responsible for any damages due to external causes,
including but not limited to, improper use, problems with electrical power,
accident, neglect, alteration, repair, improper installation and improper testing.
4. CPU and motherboard are subject to damage if the product is incorrectly
installed.
5. This product is All-In-One eXpandable CPU liquid cooling solution.
Disassembling it and combining with parts, other than EK Water Blocks
products, may lead to warranty loss.
6. Product warranty period is 24 months.

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RADIATOR SPACE CONSTRAINT REQUIREMENTS 4
EK-XLC PREDATOR 240 4
EK-XLC PREDATOR 360 (INCL. QDC) 5
UNIT ORIENTATION LIMITATIONS 6
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS 7
CONNECTING THE HUB TO THE POWER SUPPLY 7
CONNECTING THE HUB TO THE MOTHERBOARD 7
INSTALLING THE PUMP/FAN/RADIATOR UNIT 8
GENERAL INFORMATION ON WATERBLOCK COMPATIBILITY 9
INSTALLING THE WATER BLOCK 10
LGA-2011(-3) SOCKET MOTHERBOARDS 10
LGA-115XSOCKET MOTHERBOARDS 11
MAINTENANCE 21
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 21
TROUBLESHOOTING 23
IN CASE OF CPU OVERHEATING 23
THE COOLER IS TOO LOUD 24
GENERAL LIQUID COOLING PARTS CLEANING GUIDE 24
PREVENTIVE STEPS 25
PART SPECIFICATION LIST 26
PUMP XYLEM DDC – 3.1 26
FITTINGS 26
FAN SPLITTER HUB 27
FANS 28
THERMAL GREASE 28
TUBING 28
SUPPORT AND SERVICE 30
SOCIAL MEDIA 30
QUICK INSTALLATION GUIDE
SCOPE OF DELIVERY 3
REQUIRED TOOLS 3
VIDEO INSTALLATION GUIDES 3
POSSIBILITIES OF EXPANDING THE SYSTEM 14
EK-XLC PREDATOR 240 1 4
Disassembly 14
Adding components to the loop 15
Filling up the system 1 5
Adding an external reservoir (OPTIONAL) 17
EK-XLC PREDATOR 360 (INCL. QDC) 18
Preparing the predator unit 18
Connecting the pre-filled water block/radiator unit 19
Adding an external reservoir (OPTIONAL) 20
INSTALLING TRANSPARENT TUBING (OPTIONAL) 20
TABLE OF CONTENT

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SCOPE OF DELIVERY
EK-XLC Predator 360 (incl. QDC) EK-XLC Predator 240
OR
All-in-one expandable liquid cooling unit
Thermal grease Installation manual
REQUIRED TOOLS
Phillips-head screwdriver
VIDEO INSTALLATION GUIDES
Our official YouTube channel features
video installation guides, that can help
you with Predator installation. Scan the
QR code to visit our YouTube channel.
CPU Backplate mechanism CPU Mounting mechanism

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RADIATOR SPACE CONSTRAINT REQUIREMENTS
68 mm (2,68 in)
133 mm (5,24 in)
295 mm (11,61 in)
120 mm (4,72 in)
15 mm (0,59 in)
EK-XLC PREDATOR 240
Water block
Radiator
Pump

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Contents:
The following items are enclosed with each EK-Supremacy MX water block:
- EK-Supremacy MX universal CPU water block /w pre-installed Insert I2 and Jet J1 (0.25mm)
(all around great performer)
o Pre-installed mounting mechanism
- EK-Supremacy MX Backplate
o Backplate BAS gasket
o Backplate for Intel LGA-115x socket motherboards
- Torx key T20
- EK-TIM Ectotherm 1g thermal grease
EK-XLC PREDATOR 360 (INCL. QDC)
68 mm (2,68 in)
133 mm (5,24 in)
415 mm (16,34 in)
15 mm (0,59 in)
120 mm (4,72 in)
Water block
Radiator
QDC
Pump

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CAUTION:
The orientation of the unit is very important as wrong installation may lead to insuf-
ficient cooling performance and premature failure of the unit.
The orientation limitations stand for both (240 and 360) versions of the unit.
UNIT ORIENTATION LIMITATIONS
Pump
Pump

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ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
CONNECTING THE HUB TO THE POWER
SUPPLY
STEP 1.:
Take the enclosed power cable and plug the two-pin PCI-express minifit power
connector to the fan splitter hub.
STEP 2.:
Use the SATA POWER connector at the other end and plug it to the female
connector found on the main power supply.
STEP 2STEP 1
CONNECTING THE HUB TO THE
MOTHERBOARD
In order to obtain the PWM fan speed control you must follow the steps below:
STEP 3.:
Take the enclosed connection cable and plug the two-pin cable connector to
the fan splitter hub.
STEP 4.:
Use the 4-pin connector at the other end and plug it to the male connector
header located on the motherboard. Always use CPU-dedicated fan headers
if possible.
Always use CPU fan header. On majority of motherboards these
headers usually offer best PWM regulation.
STEP 4STEP 3

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INSTALLING THE PUMP/FAN/RADIATOR UNIT
STEP 1
Mounting of the pump/fan/radiator unit requires special attention.
Please take the unit and find the enclosed standard fan mounting screws. You will
need 8 screws for 240mm version or 12 screws for 360mm version.
You will need a philips-head screwdriver which is not enclosed in the package.
STEP 2
Prepare your suitably-sized PC chassis for installation of EK-XLC Predator.
The position of the unit in the chassis depends on the size, fan mounting holes and
the hardware you have installed.
You must make sure that the unit fits into the chassis. Usually the chassis have
standard fan mounting holes pre-drilled so you should look for holes with spacing
of 105mm. (A standard computer cooling 120mm fan)
Out-of-the box, the Predator is set to work in overall hot air exhaust (by
placing the radiator on the exhaust) configuration. This results in overal
decrease of temperature throughout the entire computer chassis but
also leads to slightly higher liquid temperatures. A reversed air flow is a
viable option but one should always strive to achieve unidirectional flow
of air throughout the chassis. See page 21, chapter Frequently Asked
Questions, on how to change fan orientation.
STEP 3
When you have selected the mounting position within the chassis you must align
the Predator cooling fan mounting holes with the ones on the chassis.
Use enclosed self-tapping screws to firmly install the unit. Self-tapping screws re-
quire more torque than threaded screws, but overall do not exaggerate with the
force applied.
Check again that the unit isn’t touching the chassis anywhere except at
the mounting region. Some unwanted noise may occur if the vibrations
are transferred from the unit to the pc chassis.
STEP 1
STEP 2 STEP 3

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GENERAL INFORMATION ON WATERBLOCK COMPATIBILITY
WHAT IS ENCLOSED
The following items are enclosed with EK-XLC Predator water block:
- EK-XLC Predator CPU water block
- PreciseMount universal CPU mounting mechanism:
• M4 threaded thumb screws (4 pcs)
• LGA-2011 M4 threaded mounting studs (4 pcs)
• Springs (4 pcs)
• M4 threaded thumb nuts (4 pcs)
• Washers (4 pcs)
- EK-Supremacy Backplate
• Backplate for Intel LGA-115x socket motherboards with rubber gasket
This CPU liquid cooling unit is pre-assembled for use with modern Intel desktop socket
type motherboards. By default (out of the box) this water block supports the following
CPU sockets:
- Intel® Socket LGA-775
- Intel® Socket LGA-115x
- Intel® Socket LGA-1366
- Intel® Socket LGA-2011(-3)
Narrow server type LGA-2011 is not supported by default – a Mounting plate
Supremacy LGA-2011 Narrow ILM (EAN: 3830046990600) is mandatory
to install this water block on narrow server type LGA-2011 motherboards.
Replacing the mounting plate requires disassembly of the water block.

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LGA-2011(-3) SOCKET MOTHERBOARDS
STEP 1
Prepare the foil bag with mounting mechanism, which is enclosed with the EK-
XLC Predator block delivery.
Install four (4) specific LGA-2011 M4 thumb screws into four M4 threaded stubs
on the LGA-2011 socket integrated latch mechanism (ILM). The screws are to be
installed using no tools (i.e. pliers).
It is recommended to remove the motherboard form the PC chassis
before proceeding with installation of the CPU water block because of
the space constraint limitations of various computer cases.
STEP 2
Cleaning the CPU: Wipe the CPU’s contact surface (by using non–abrasive
cloth or Q-tip, as shown on sample photo).
Applying thermal compound: EK recommends blob or line method of applying
the enclosed EK-TIM Ectotherm thermal compound to the CPU heat spreader
(IHS) - see sample photo on right.
The quantity of about two rice grains is just about right. There is no
need to cover the whole IHS. Applying too much thermal grease will
have negative impact on the cooling performance!
STEP 2
Non-abrasive
cloth
Thermal grease
IHS
STEP 1
LGA-2011 M4
Thumb Screw
LGA-2011 M4
Thumb Screw
INSTALLING THE WATER BLOCK

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STEP 3
STEP 3.:
Align the water block over the mounting screws on the LGA-2011(-3) motherboard
with pre-installed CPU.
Before proceeding with the installation It is mandatory to remove the
protective foil from the backside of the water block.
Place an enclosed compression spring and thumb nut over each M4 thumb
screw. Start fastening two thumb nuts at a time, preferably in cross pattern and
do not tighten them fully until all of them are partially screwed in. Then - using
your fingers only - screw in all four thumb nuts until you reach the end of the
thread. Do not use any tools (such as pliers) during this process
Your EK-XLC Predator installation on LGA 2011(-3) platform is now complete.
Starting your computer up:
Before you add the power to your computer please check if everything
is installed according to the installation manual.
When turning on the computer be careful nothing is leaking and that the
temperatures of the CPU are normal. It is best practice to enter BIOS/
UEFI and check hardware health monitoring section on initial boot!
LGA-115x SOCKET MOTHERBOARDS
STEP 1
If already installed, please remove the motherboard from your computer and place
it on an even surface with front facing down.
STEP 2
Preparing backplate rubber gasket
The enclosed rubber gasket is essential part of the backplate and mounting system
and must be used every time you install this water block on your motherboard.
The rubber gasket has a partially cut inner part which needs to be re-
moved when installed on Intel LGA-115x motherboard. The rubber is
held on four places and can be peeled away with hand.
STEP 2STEP 1
Outer part
Inner core
(removable)

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STEP 3
Install backplate rubber gasket and place metal backplate for Intel
LGA-115x socket to the back of your motherboard RIBBED SIDE
UP! (facing away from the motherboard) Align the holes on the
motherboard with holes on rubber gasket and backplate.
Make sure to orientate the rubber gasket to fit past the
CPU socket ILM backplate.
Carefully rotate motherboard assembly with front side facing up
with one hand while holding the backplate and rubber in place with
the other hand.
STEP 4
Install four (4) M4 thumb screws onto your motherboard. It is
mandatory to put 0.7mm plastic washer underneath each of the
M4 thumb screws. Tighten the screws to the metal backplate until
you reach the end of the thread. Using tools (such as pliers) is not
recommended.
STEP 5
Cleaning the CPU: Wipe the CPU’s contact surface (by using non–
abrasive cloth or Q-tip, as shown on sample photo).
Applying thermal compound: EK recommends blob or line meth-
od of applying the enclosed EK-TIM Ectotherm thermal compound
to the CPU heat spreader (IHS) - see sample photo on right.
The quantity of about two rice grains is just about right.
There is no need to cover the whole IHS. Applying too
much thermal grease will have negative impact on the
cooling performance!
STEP 3 STEP 4
Rubber gasket
Motherboard
Metal
Backplate M4 Thumb
Screw
PVC
washer
STEP 5
Non-abrasive
cloth
Thermal grease
IHS

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STEP 6
Align the water block over the mounting screws on the LGA-115x moth-
erboard with pre-installed CPU.
Place an enclosed coiled spring and thumb nut over each M4 thumb
screw. Start fastening two thumb nuts at a time, preferably in cross pat-
tern and do not tighten them fully until all of them are partially screwed
in. Then – using your fingers only screw in all four thumb nuts until you
reach the end of the thread.
STEP 7
Install the CPU water block along with the motherboard back into the
computer chassis.
The installation of the water block is now complete.
STEP 7
STEP 6
Thumb nut
Coiled spring

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POSSIBILITIES OF EXPANDING THE SYSTEM
EK-XLC PREDATOR 240
The EK-XLC Predator 240 is capable to cope with expansion of the system with one
additional waterblock, radiator and reservoir (optional).
YOU MAY NEED TO REMOVE COMPLETE UNIT FROM YOUR COMPUTER
CHASSIS!
For the expansion you will need (recommended):
- A additional waterblock/reservoir
- Tubing: EK-Tube ZMT Matte Black 15,9/9,5mm (EAN: 3830046999207)
- Fittings: EK-ACF Fitting 10/16mm (EAN: 3831109846452)
- Coolant: EK-Ekoolant EVO CLEAR (Premix 1l) (EAN: 3830046999689)
- EK-ATX Bridging Plug (EAN: 3831109867716)
Required tools:
- A pair of scissors (to cut the tube to size)
- 6mm Allen key (usually enclosed with the waterblock)
Before undertaking the following steps it is advised to have a suitable plas-
tic container and some paper towels on hand in order to prevent coolant
spillage
STEP 1.:
We recommend that you drain the loop through the fitting on the CPU waterblock.
Unscrew the fitting compression ring in counter-clockwise direction.
STEP 2.:
Gently pull the tube off the fitting. Before you do that it is a good practice to put the cup
under the tube and fitting for the purpose of safe draining procedure. You can tilt the whole
unit to let all the coolant out of the system.
STEP 1 and 2
2
1

OPTIONAL
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Take the additional liquid cooling component (water block of any type, radiator...)
and mount it according to its installation manual. To connect it to the EK-XLC Pred-
ator 240 unit please follow the steps below:
STEP 3.:
Connect the loose tube from Predator unit to the 10/16 fitting on the additional water block.
STEP 4.:
Make sure that the tube sits firmly on the fitting barb and then tighten the compression ring
using your hands only. Do not use any tools (i.e. pliers) during this process.
If the present tube is not long enough you will have to cut a new-longer one.
STEP 5.:
Measure the length of the tube that is needed to connect the water blocks together. You
can use a pair of scissors or a knife to cut the tube.
STEP 6.:
Attach the tube onto the both fitting barbs until it sits firmly. Secure the fitting’s compres-
sion ring to make the assembly complete. Check again that all of the tubing is secured by
compression fittings as intended.
Filling up the system:
Before starting to fill the system you should prepare some paper towels in case of
dripping. In order to fill up successfully please follow the steps below.
STEP 7.:
Use 6mm Allen key (supplied with every EK water block) to unscrew the plug on the back-
side of the Predator unit radiator.
STEP 8.:
Start filling process by adding coolant through the port on the back of the unit as shown
on the picture on STEP 8. Pour the coolant slowly until the unit is full then shake it a bit to
get out as much air as possible. You can alternatively screw the plug in and rotate the unit in
multiple directions and then repeat the procedure until there is no air left in the unit.
It is essential to get as much air as possible out of the system at this stage!
STEP 3 and 4
STEP 7 and 8
Nut
Barb
STEP 5 and 6

OPTIONAL
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STEP 9.:
Reinstall the plug, removed in STEP 7 using 6mm Allen key. Afterwards place the
unit on the firm surface with fans facing upwards as pictured in STEP 9 and 10
STEP 10.:
Unscrew the integrated reservoir plug in counter-clockwise direction using 6mm
Allen key. Add more coolant until the unit seems full.
STEP 11.:
Plug in the EK-ATX Bridging Plug (EAN 3831109867716) to your male
24-pin ATX PSU cable to jump-start your computer. It is a good prac-
tice to also unplug the fans from the fan splitter hub (see page 7).
Make sure nothing except the fan splitter hub is plugged to the power
supply. All motherboard-, graphics card- or SATA power should be
disconnected!
STEP 12. and 13:
Upon powering up the Predator the coolant level will most likely drop and the unit
(namely pump) might operate loudly. This is caused by air still present in the loop.
When it does you must add additional coolant until the liquid line is clearly visible
and the unit is full.
The air is being bled from the system as the pump is running. The procedure for
assisted bleeding air from the system is as following:
1) Turn off your computer (or power supply unit)
2) Add more coolant to the unit (top it off)
3) Turn the power on, let it run for 5 minutes
4) Shake and tilt the unit to force the remaining air bubbles out. Reinstall the
plug to prevent coolant spillage during this substep.
5) Repeat substeps 1 to 4 until the unit is full
Once the rattling diminishes this is a good sign that the loop is free
of air. The installation of an additional reservoir greatly simplifies this
procedure.
STEP 9 and 10
STEP 11
STEP 12
EK-AT X
Bridging Plug
Power supply ATX cable
Coolant

OPTIONAL
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STEP 14.:
It is always a good practice to conduct a 24-hour leak test to ensure
the system is leak free and safe to use.
Upon completing the leak test please reinstall the liquid cooling unit
back into your computer chassis.
Before you add the power to your computer please check if everything
is installed according to the installation manual.
STEP 15: Starting up your computer
Turn on your computer. When turning on the computer check that the tempera-
tures of the CPU are normal. It is best practice to enter BIOS/UEFI and check
hardware health monitoring section on initial boot!
Adding an external reservoir:
In order to make the refilling process of the unit easier after the expansion it is
recommended to install an additional external reservoir.
To achieve the best flow balance in the loop it is mandatory to mount
the reservoir on the last stage before the liquid enters into the
pump/radiator unit – as shown on the picture.
It is mandatory to install the reservoir according to its installation manual. In
order to connect it to the existing loop you should follow the STEP 1 to STEP
12 in this chapter. You should fill your reservoir between STEP 7 and STEP 8.
It is a good practice to fill your loop at the highest point. In our case that means
through the reservoir or through the chamber on the pump/radiator/fan unit
(see STEP 8. of this chapter)
In our case we have added a reservoir:
EK-RES X3 250 – EAN (3831109841020)
STEP 14

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POSSIBILITIES OF EXPANDING THE SYSTEM
EK-XLC PREDATOR 360 (INCL. QDC)
The EK-XLC Predator 360 (incl. QDC) is capable to cope with expansion of the
system with additional 2 (two) waterblocks and 1 (one) radiator.
There is no need to unmount the unit from the chassis unless you have some
tube-routing constraints. Because of the no-spill quick disconnect connector
couplings the expansion is very quick, easy and safe when using QDC-enabled
water blocks.
For the expansion you will need:
- A new pre-filled waterblock or radiator
Required tools (in case of need to refill the loop):
- 6mm Allen key (usually enclosed with the waterblock)
- ATX Bridging plug (EAN: 3831109867716)
STEP 1.:
Turn off your computer and unplug the computer from power.
STEP 2.:
Disconnect the QDC installed on the EK-XLC Predator 360 unit. First you need
to press on the button on the QDC to release (disconnect) the mechanism which
holds it together. After that you should gently pull it apart and you are done.
STEP 3.:
Mount the pre-filled water block/radiator according to its installation manual.
STEP 4.:
Route the tubes in the way that the QDC’s can be connected with the present
ones on the EK-XLC Predator 360 (incl. QDC). Be careful not to make contact
with the hardware as the metallic tube clamps can short electrical component.
The tubes should be long enough to do so.
STEP 1 and 2
STEP 3 and 4
21
Female QDC
Male QDC