ekwb Vector 2 FTW3 RTX 3080/90 ABP User manual

USER GUIDE
GPU WATER BLOCK WITH ACTIVE BACKPLATE
EK-Quantum
Vector² FTW3 RTX 3080/90 ABP Set D-RGB

This product is intended for installation by expert users only. Please
consult with a qualified technician. Improper installation may result
in damage to your equipment. EK assumes no liability whatsoever,
expressed or implied, for the use of this product or its installation. The
following instructions are subject to change without notice. Please,
read the manual carefully before starting the installation process. For
updates, you can visit our official website www.ekwb.com.
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 to prevent any possible damage to your
GPU or its 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.
The use of corrosion inhibiting coolants is always
recommended for liquid cooling systems and mandatory for
nickel-plated water blocks!
Do not use pure distilled water! For best results, EK
recommends the use of EK-CryoFuel coolants!
To reach optimal performance, make sure to thoroughly
bleed the air out of your water block!

- 3 -
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BOX CONTENTS 4
WATER BLOCK DIMENSIONS 5
PREPARING THE GRAPHICS CARD 6
REMOVING THE STOCK COOLER 6
CLEANING THE PCB 6
PREPARING THE WATER BLOCK FOR INSTALLATION 7
CUTTING AND PLACING THERMAL PADS 8
APPLYING THERMAL COMPOUND 9
ATTACHING THE WATER BLOCK 10
ATTACHING THE AC TIVE BACKPL ATE 11
FITTINGS AND TUBING 14
INSERTING THE GRAPHICS CARD INTO THE CHASSIS 14
CONNECTING THE D-RGB LED STRIP 15
TESTING THE LOOP 15
WARRANTY 16
SUPPORT AND SERVICE 17
SOCIAL MEDIA 17

- 4 -
Thermal Pad F 1.0 mm (7 pcs) Thermal Pad F 2.0 mm (3 pcs) Thermal Pad G 1.5 mm (1 pc)
120 mm
16 mm
120 mm
16 mm
120 mm
24 mm
Thermal Grease (1 pc)
BOX CONTENTS
4 mm
8 mm
10 mm
EK-Loop Multi Allen Key (1 pc)
Allen Key 2 mm (1 pc)
Allen Key 2.5 mm (1 pc)
M2.5x8 AX1 Screw (1 pc)
M3x10 AX1 Screw (1 pc)
EK-Quantum Vector2FTW3 RTX
3080/90 ABP Set D-RGB
M2.5x4 AX1 Screw (9 pcs)
Polyamid Washer M2.5 0.5mm (9 pcs)
Standoff Ø4.5/2.5 (1 pc)
Quantum Plug (2 pcs)
EK-Plug Out Spludger Tool (1 pc)
Standoff M2.5-M3 x 6.6mm (1 pc)
Nut M2.5 (2 pcs)
Terminal OR - Vector2 14x1 mm (2 pcs)
EAN: 104906
EAN: 104549

- 5 -
WATER BLOCK DIMENSIONS
328.1 mm
95.7 mm
123.7 mm
142.5 mm
155 mm
41 mm
35.5 mm

- 6 -
PREPARING THE GRAPHICS CARD
STEP 1
STEP 1
REMOVING THE STOCK COOLER
Place your graphics card on a flat surface and use the Phillips head
screwdriver to remove the thirteen (13) marked screws, the Stock
Backplate, and the Stock Cooler Backplate from the backside of
the GPU.
Carefully and slowly detach the PCB from the stock cooler and
disconnect the four cables connecting the stock cooler to the PCB.
Always remove the stock cooler slowly and with
uniform force - it might be firmly glued to the PCB with
thermal pads.
STEP 2
CLEANING THE PCB
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. After that,
remove all remaining stock thermal pads from the PCB.
STEP 2

- 7 -
PREPARING THE WATER BLOCK FOR INSTALLATION
STEP 1
First remove the terminal badge which is attached on the terminal
with two magnets. Under the badge, unscrew three (3) screws
M4x20 DIN7984. Additional nine (9) screws M3x10 AX1 needs to be
removed as shown in the image.
DO NOT REMOVE THE UPPER TERMINAL BADGE!
STEP 1
For this step you will need:
Allen Key 2.5mm Phillips Head Screwdriver
STEP 2
Carefully remove the complete active backplate with the terminal.
Additional two (2) O-rings OR 14x1 EPDM50 needs to be removed.
STEP 2
ACTIVE
BACK PL AT E
M3x10 AX1
OR 14x1
EPDM50
TERMINAL
BADGE
M4x20 DIN7984

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STEP 3
Unscrew nine (9) M2.5-M3x6.6 standoff with the included tool
(EK-Plug out Spludger Tool). Make sure not to unscrew the
M3.5-M2.5x11.3 standoff! In case that M3.5-M2.5x11.3 standoff
unscrews, carefully tighten it back with 4mm wrench.
After removing the standoffs, the PCB cardboard (Printed Circuit
Board cardboard) needs to be removed. The PCB cardboard is
printed in 1:1 scale.
STEP 3
PCB
CARDBOARD
M2.5-M3x6.6
STAN DO FF
M3.5-M2.5x11.3
STAN DO FF
For this step, you will need:
EK-Plug Out Spludger Tool
STEP 1
CUTTING AND PLACING THERMAL PADS
Thermal Pad F – 1.0 mm (120 x 16 mm)
120 mm
16 mm
1 mm
Thermal Pad F – 2.0 mm (120 x 16 mm)
2 mm
120 mm
16 mm
Thermal Pad G – 1.5 mm (120 x 24 mm)
120 mm
24 mm
1.5 mm
STEP 1
Your GPU water block comes with thermal pads that have to be cut
into smaller pieces to cover all the VRM components, such as COILs,
MOSFETs, and drivers.
You must remove the protective foil from both sides of the
thermal pad before installation.
Replacement thermal pads:
Thermal PAD F 1.0 mm - (120 x 16 mm) – 3830046996732
Thermal PAD F 2.0 mm - (120 x 16 mm) – 3830046996756
Thermal PAD G 1.5 mm - (120 x 24 mm) – 3830046996787

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STEP 2
STEP 2
The cardboard is printed in scale 1:1. Cut thermal pads to the size
printed on the cardboard. Once cut to size, thermal pads should
be placed on the PCB. Be careful to choose the right thermal pad
thickness.
Thermal Pad F 1.0mm
Thermal Grease
STEP 1
Apply the enclosed EK-TIM Ectotherm thermal grease (thermal
compound) on the GPU heat spreader – IHS – as shown in the
image. The layer of the thermal compound must be thin and even
over the entire surface of the IHS.
The excessive or uneven application of thermal grease
may lead to poor performance!
STEP 1
APPLYING THERMAL COMPOUND
For this step, you will need:

- 10 -
ATTACHING THE WATER BLOCK
STEP 1
Carefully position the water block with preinstalled standoffs on
the graphics card. During this process, make sure you have aligned
mounting holes of the PCB with holes of the water block.
Pay attention not to use too much force when pressing
the block down to the PCB since chip dies are prone to
cracking.
Before attaching the PCB to the Water Block, make sure
all the Thermal Pads are placed correctly!
STEP 1
STEP 2
After placing a PCB onto the water block, use AX1 M2.5x4 screws
and PVC washers to tighten the PCB onto the water block.
Tighten the screws evenly. EK recommends you start tightening
the screws around the GPU core first and then continuing outward
to prevent damaging the GPU. Always use a plastic washer under
each screw!
STEP 2
M2.5 PVC WASHER
M2.5 x 4 AX1 SCREW
For this step you will need:
Phillips Head Screwdriver

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STEP 1
ATTACHING THE ACTIVE BACKPLATE
Thermal Pad F – 1.0 mm (120 x 16 mm)
120 mm
16 mm
1 mm
Thermal Pad F – 2.0 mm (120 x 16 mm)
2 mm
120 mm
16 mm
Thermal Pad G – 1.5 mm (120 x 24 mm)
120 mm
24 mm
1.5 mm
STEP 1
After attaching the water block, few more thermal pads need to be
placed on the back side of the GPU PCB. Once cut to size, thermal
pads should be placed on the PCB, as illustrated. EK made sure to
provide you with more than an adequate quantity of thermal pads to
complete this Step.
Replacement thermal pads:
Thermal PAD F 1.0 mm - (120 x 16 mm) – 3830046996732
Thermal PAD F 2.0 mm - (120 x 16 mm) – 3830046996756
Thermal PAD G 1.5 mm - (120 x 24 mm) – 3830046996787
STEP 3
Place the M2.5-M3 x 6.6 Standoff in each of the nine (9) mounting
holes of the standoff M3.5-M2.5 x 11.3 (as shown in the image) and
tighten them evenly with the EK-Plug-Out Spludger Tool.
Do not use excessive force!
STEP 3
M2.5-M3x6.6
STAN DO FF
For this step, you will need:
EK-Plug Out Spludger Tool

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Thermal Pad - 120 x 16 x 1.0 mm
F1
Thermal Pad - 120 x 16 x 2.0 mm
F2
STEP 1
Thermal Pad - 120 x 24 x 1.5 mm
G1.5
3090:
G1.5
F1
F1F1
F2
F1
F2
Thermal Pad - 120 x 24 x 1.5 mm
G1.5
Thermal Pad - 120 x 16 x 2.0 mm
F2
3080/ 3080Ti:
G1.5
F2
F2F2
F2
F2
F2
CAUTION: You must remove the protective foil from both
sides of the thermal pad before installation.

- 13 -
STEP 3
SCREW M3x10 AX1
STEP 3
Place nine (9) M3X10 AX1 screws into the water block standoffs and
tighten them using Philips head screwdriver (as shown in the image).
After attaching the AX1 Screws, three (3) terminal screws M4X20
DIN7984 needs to be attached using Allen Key 2.5mm.
Terminal badge can be reuse, after securing the terminal screws.
Pay attention not to use too much force when tightening the
active backplate down to the GPU PCB.
SCREW M4x20
DIN7984
TERMINAL
BADGE
For this step, you will need:
Allen Key 2.5mm Phillips Head Screwdriver
STEP 2
STEP 2
Put two O-rings 14x1 EPDM 50 into slots on the copper plate.
Then carefully place active backplate on standoffs as shown in the
image. While putting the active backplate on the PCB, make sure the
O-rings stay in the slots.
Before attaching the Active Backplate on the PCB, make
sure all the Thermal Pads are placed correctly!
ACTIVE BACKPLATE
O-RING 14x1
EPDM50

- 14 -
INSERTING THE GRAPHICS CARD INTO THE CHASSIS
Carefully lift your graphics card with the installed water block and
insert it into your PC’s motherboard PCI express expansion slot.
Please keep in mind that your graphics card is 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 water block
assembly that might damage your card or water block.
FITTINGS AND TUBING
STEP 1
Screw-in two (2) G1/4 threaded male fittings. Attach the liquid
cooling tubes and connect the water block to the cooling loop.
Do not forget to plug the remaining two openings using
the enclosed EK-Plug G1/4 or its equivalent.
EK recommends using EK fittings with all EK water blocks.
CAUTION: When using connectors other than EK fittings,
pay special attention to the length of the fittings’ male G1/4”
thread – 5mm is the maximum G1/4” thread length allowed!
STEP 1
TUBING
EK- PLUG G1/4
EK-FITTING
For this step, you will need:
EK-Loop Multi Allen Key

- 15 -
CONNECTING THE D-RGB LED STRIP
STEP 1
Plug the 3-pin connector of the distribution plate D-RGB LED
light to the D-RGB HEADER on the motherboard. The LED will
work if the pin layout on the header is as follows: +5V, Digital,
Empty, Ground.
Incorrect installation or installation to a wrong header can
damage the LED strip or the header itself!
STEP 1
D-RGB HEADER
RGB HEADER
To make sure the installation of EK components was successful, we
recommend you perform a leak test for 24 hours. When your loop
is complete and filled with coolant, connect the pump to a PSU
outside of your system. Do not connect power to any of the other
components. Turn on the PSU and let the pump run continuously.
It is normal for the coolant level to drop during this process as air
collects in the distribution plate. Inspect all parts of the loop, and
in the eventuality that coolant leaks, fix the issue and repeat the
testing process. Ensure that all hardware is dry before the system is
powered on in order to prevent any damage.
TESTING THE LOOP

- 16 -
Our products are warranted against defects of materials and
quality for a period of 24 months, starting with the date of delivery
to the end-user. During this period, products will be repaired
or have parts replaced at our discretion, provided that 1) the
product is returned to the agent from whom it was purchased;
2) the product has been purchased by the end-user and has not
been used for commercial purposes; 3) the product has not been
misused, handled carelessly, or used in a manner other than the
way described in the instructions manual. This warranty does not
confer rights other than those expressly set out above and does not
cover any claims for consequential loss or damage. This warranty
is offered as an extra benefit and does not affect your statutory
rights as a consumer. This warranty is voided if the product
comes in contact with aggressive UV additives or other improper
liquids. EK water blocks are sealed with a warranty-voiding circular
label, proving the water block has withstood a pressure leak test.
Removing the label will void the leak-free guarantee, but not the
guarantee on the product itself. Any other RMA issues can be
reported to EK Customer Support at www.ekwb.com/support
for further analysis.
WARRANTY

In case you need assistance or wish to order spare parts or a new
mounting mechanism, please contact:
https://www.ekwb.com/customer-support/
For spare parts orders, refer to the page with “TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS AND WATER BLOCK PARTS” where you can find
the EAN number of each part you might need.
Include the EAN number with quantity in your request. Mounting
Mechanism EAN can be found under “BOX CONTENTS”
Thermal pads are readily available in the EK shop
EKWaterBlocks
@EKWaterBlocks
ekwaterblocks
ekwaterblocks
EKWBofficial
SUPPORT AND SERVICE
SOCIAL MEDIA