ekwb EK-MLC PHOENIX Series User manual

EK-MLC PHOENIX
Pre-filled Modular Liquid Cooling
USER GUIDE
For EK-MLC Phoenix series units | 2nd revision, 2018


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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
beginnings 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 and SPC series of liquid cooling pumps and
thus provides overclocking enthusiasts and PC builders with the best of
what the market can offer. Phoenix all-in-one Modular Liquid Cooling
solution 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
product 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, GPU and motherboard are subject to damage if the products are
incorrectly installed.
5. This product is All-In-One Modular 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-MLC PHOENIX 120 4
EK-MLC PHOENIX 240 5
EK-MLC PHOENIX 360 6
EK-MLC PHOENIX 140 7
EK-MLC PHOENIX 280 8
UNIT ORIENTATION LIMITATIONS 9
EK-MLC PHOENIX QDC CONNECTIONS GUIDE 10
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS 10
CONNECTING THE HUB TO THE POWER SUPLY 10
CONNEECTING THE HUB TO THE MOTHERBOARD 10
REMOVING THE EXPANSION BALLOON 11
INSTALLING THE PUMP/FAN/RADIATOR UNIT 12
INSTALLING THE COOLING MODULES 13
GENERAL LIQUID COOLING PARTS CLEANING GUIDE 31
PREVENTIVE STEPS 32
PART SPECIFICATION LIST 33
PUMP 33
FAN SPLITTER HUB 33
FANS 35
THERMAL GREASE 35
TUBING 35
SUPPORT AND SERVICE 38
SOCIAL MEDIA 38
QUICK INSTALLATION GUIDE
SCOPE OF DELIVERY 3
REQUIRED TOOLS 3
VIDEO INSTALLATION GUIDES 3
GENERAL INFORMATION ON WATERBLOCK COMPATIBILITY 14
INSTALLING THE CPU COOLING MODULE 15
LGA-2011(-3) SOCKET MOTHERBOARDS 15
LGA-115XSOCKET MOTHERBOARDS 16
AM4 SOCKET MOTHERBOARDS 19
CONNECTING THE LED 22
CONNECTING THE MODULES WITH QDC 22
FILLING UP THE SYSTEM 25
MAINTENANCE 27
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 27
TROUBLESHOOTING 30
IN CASE OF CPU OVERHEATING 30
THE COOLER IS TOO LOUD 31
TABLE OF CONTENT

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REQUIRED TOOLS
Phillips-head screwdriver
VIDEO INSTALLATION GUIDES
Our official YouTube channel features
video installation guides, that can help you
with Phoenix installation. Scan the QR
code to visit our YouTube channel.
SCOPE OF DELIVERY
CPU Mounting mechanism
EK-MLC Phoenix (incl. QDC)
All-in-one expandable liquid cooling unit
Installation manual
120
240
360
140
280
CPU liquid cooling unit
RAD unit CPU unit GPU unit
CPU
Backplate
mechanism
Thermal
grease
GPU Mounting
mechanism
GPU liquid cooling unit
Thermal
grease

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RADIATOR SPACE CONSTRAINT REQUIREMENTS
EK-MLC PHOENIX 120
133 mm (5,24 in)
177 mm (6,97 in)
120 mm (4,72 in)
68 mm (2,68 in)
Radiator
Pump

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EK-MLC PHOENIX 240
133 mm (5,24 in)
295 mm (11,61 in)
120 mm (4,72 in)
68 mm (2,68 in)
15 mm (0,59 in)
Radiator
Pump

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EK-MLC PHOENIX 360
133 mm (5,24 in)
415 mm (16,34 in)
120 mm (4,72 in)
15 mm (0,59 in)
68 mm (2,68 in)
Radiator
Pump

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EK-MLC PHOENIX 140
142 mm (5,59 in)
195 mm (7,68 in)
140 mm (5,51 in)
68 mm (2,68 in)
Radiator
Pump

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EK-MLC PHOENIX 280
142 mm (5,59 in)
335 mm (13,19 in)
140 mm (5,51 in)
68 mm (2,68 in)
15 mm (0,59 in)
Radiator
Pump

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Pump
Pump
Pump
UNIT ORIENTATION LIMITATIONS
CAUTION:
The orientation of the unit is very important, as wrong installation may
lead to insufficient cooling performance and premature failure of the unit.
The orientation limitations stand for all versions of the Phoenix unit.
Pump
Pump
Pump

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CONNECTING THE HUB TO THE POWER SUPLY
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.
CONNEECTING 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 2STEP 1
STEP 4STEP 3
Only CPU Module Only GPU Module CPU & GPU Module Two GPU Modules (no CPU Module)
EK-MLC Phoenix 120
EK-MLC Phoenix 240
EK-MLC Phoenix 360
EK-MLC Phoenix 140
EK-MLC Phoenix 280
EK-MLC PHOENIX QDC CONNECTIONS GUIDE
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS

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REMOVING THE EXPANSION BALLOON
Please remove the expansion bal-
loon from your EK-MLC Phoenix and
GPU/CPU water blocks; it is recom-
mended that you do this before in-
stalling the units into your chassis, to
prevent any coolant spillage on your
PC components.
STEP 1:
Rotate your Phoenix unit so that ex-
pansion balloon is facing upwards as
shown in the picture to remove any
potential air bubbles and to prevent
any unnecessary coolant spillage.
STEP 2:
Firstly, have some paper tissues or
a towel ready, because you may spill
some coolant during the balloon re-
moval. Grab the braided tube just be-
low the QDC system and wrap it with a
paper tissue or a towel. Disconnect the
expansion balloon installed on your
EK-MLC Phoenix using the QDC. First
you need to press the button on the
QDC to release the mechanism which
holds it together. After that you should
be able to gently pull the expansion
balloon away from the unit.
Repeat the process with your GPU
and CPU water blocks.
STEP 1 STEP 2
1
2

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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
4 screws for the 140mm and 120mm version, 8 screws for 240- and 280mm version
or 12 screws for 360mm version and a phillips-head screwdriver which is not enclosed
in the package.
STEP 2:
Prepare your suitably-sized PC chassis for installation of EK-MLC Phoenix.
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 stand-
ard fan mounting holes pre-drilled so you should look for holes with spacing of 105mm
(a standard computer 120mm cooling fan) or 125mm (for 140mm cooling fan).
Out-of-the box, the Phoenix is set to work in overall hot air exhaust (by plac-
ing the radiator on the exhaust) configuration. This results in overall decrease of
temperature throughout the entire computer chassis but also leads to slightly
higher liquid temperatures. A reversed air flow is aviable option but one should al-
ways strive to achieve unidirectional flow of air throughout the chassis. See page
28, 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
Phoenix cooling fan mounting holes with the ones on the chassis.
Use enclosed self-tapping screws to firmly install the unit. Self-tapping screws require
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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INSTALLING THE COOLING MODULES
Only CPU Module
If you bought the Phoenix with CPU water block,
follow the instructions for CPU block installation
on pages 15-21 and on pages 22-24 for QDC
connections guide.
Only GPU Module
If you bought the Phoenix with GPU water block,
follow the instructions in the GPU water block
user manual, and when you are done, read the
pages 22-24 for QDC connections guide.
CPU & GPU Module
If you bought the Phoenix with CPU and GPU
water blocks, please read pages 15-21 for CPU
block installation and your GPU block user
manual; follow the instructions on pages 22-24
for QDC connections guide.

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GENERAL INFORMATION ON WATERBLOCK COMPATIBILITY
WHAT IS ENCLOSED
The following items are enclosed with EK-MLC Phoenix unit CPU water block
- EK-MLC Phoenix CPU water block
- PreciseMount universal CPU mounting mechanism:
• M4 threaded thumb screws (4 pcs)
• LGA-2011 M4 threaded mounting studs (4pcs)
• AM4 threaded mounting studs (4pcs)
• Springs (4 pcs)
• M4 threaded thumb nuts (4 pcs)
• Washers (4 pcs)
- EK-Backplate
• Backplate for Intel LGA-115x
CPU liquid cooling units are pre-assembled for use with modern Intel and AMD desktop socket type
motherboards. By default (out of the box), our water blocks support the following CPU sockets:
- Intel® Socket LGA-115x
- Intel® Socket LGA-2011(-3)
-AM4 Socket Motherboards
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.
Legacy sockets LGA-775 and LGA-1366 are compatible when installed using
optional EK-Supremacy EVO Backplate.
Compatibility with AMD socket type motherboard is ensured via option-
al mounting plate add-ons, available for separate purchase. Please visit
www.ekwb.com for more details.

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LGA-2011(-3) SOCKET MOTHERBOARDS
STEP 1:
Prepare the zip bag containing CPU mounting mechanism screws which was
enclosed with the EK-MLC Phoenix unit.
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 not necessary to remove the LGA-2011(-3) type motherboard from
the PC chassis in order to install CPU water block mounting screws
unless forced to do so due to space constraint limitations of certain
computer chassis.
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 CPU COOLING MODULE

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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.
CPU Module installation is now complete. Continue to page 22 for connecting
the module with QDC.
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
removed 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:
Install the motherboard back into the computer chassis
STEP 3 STEP 4
Rubber gasket
Motherboard
Metal
Backplate M4 Thumb
Screw
PVC
washer
STEP 5

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STEP6:
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 7:
Align the water block over the mounting screws on the LGA-115x 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 coiled 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.
CPU Module installation is now complete. Continue to page 22 for connecting
the module with QDC.
Starting up your computer
Before you add the power to your computer please check if every-
thing is installed according to the installation manual.
Turn on your computer. When turning on the computer check 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!
STEP 7
Thumb nut
Coiled spring
STEP 6
Non-abrasive
cloth
Thermal grease
IHS
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