EK releases the EK-Quantum Vector RTX and Vector Strix RTX water blocks and backplates

Following on from the launch of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080, EK has readied up an impressive set of water blocks and backplates to allow users to add their recently acquired GPUs to their water loops. EK has launched two water blocks: the EK-Quantum Vector RTX compatible with a vast selection of graphics cards using the reference PCB, and the EK-Quantum Vector Strix RTX for the Asus ROG Strix cards.

As per Edvard König, the founder of EK, the information that was available to EK prior to the launch “was very scarce”. As additional information about the RTX 30 series came in, the team at EK decided to redesign the cooler for its 2nd Gen Vector water blocks.

The new EK-Quantum Vector water blocks will be available in Nickel and Copper. The Nickel + Plexi/Acetal options feature ARGB, allowing you to synchronise with the rest of your system through the most common motherboard RGB software, while the Copper + Plexi/Acetal won't. The Vector Strix RTX won't be available in Copper. The respective backplates for these water blocks are available in black and nickel.

Featuring an 11.2mm copper base for increased clearance for the tall capacitors on the reference cards, the 2nd Gen Vector water blocks cover the GPU, VRM, MOSFETs, chokes, and VRAM to “minimize the chances of coil whine” while also covering the most important areas of a graphics card. The Open Split-Flow engine used on these water blocks allows it to be used in loops with weaker or low-speed pumps thanks to its low hydraulic flow restriction. Additionally, the coolant flow path, jet plate, and fin structure geometry were redesigned to distribute the coolant and its flow more evenly throughout the water block.

The fin array of the EK-Quantum Vector RTX has 27 microfins with 0.5mm wide channels, while the EK-Quantum Vector Strix RTX has 28 microfins with 0.6mm wide channels. Watertight sealing on both water blocks is done through the use of EPDM O-rings of superior quality. The brass standoffs also come pre-installed for an easier and safer installation of the water blocks.

The list of graphics cards compatible with the EK-Quantum Vector RTX 3080/3090 water blocks is the following:

• Gainward GeForce RTX 3080 Phoenix
• Gainward GeForce RTX 3080 Phoenix GS
• Gainward GeForce RTX 3090 Phoenix
• Gainward GeForce RTX 3090 Phoenix GS
• GALAX GeForce RTX 3080 EX Gamer
• GALAX GeForce RTX 3090 EX Gamer
• KFA2 GeForce RTX 3080 SG 10GB (38NWM3MD99NK)
• KFA2 GeForce RTX 3090 SG 24GB
• Palit GeForce RTX 3080 GamingPro (NED3080019IA-132AA)
• Palit GeForce RTX 3080 GamingPro OC (NED3080S19IA-132AA)
• Palit GeForce RTX 3090 GamingPro (NED3090019SB-132BA)
• Palit GeForce RTX 3090 GamingPro OC (NED3090S19SB-132BA)
• PNY GeForce RTX 3080 10GB XLR8 Gaming EPIC-X RGB Triple Fan Edition (VCG308010TFXPPB)
• PNY GeForce RTX 3090 24GB XLR8 Gaming EPIC-X RGB Triple Fan Edition (VCG309024TFXPPB)
• Zotac GAMING GeForce RTX 3080 Trinity (ZT-A30800D-10P)
• Zotac GAMING GeForce RTX 3090 Trinity (ZT-A30900D-10P)

And this is the list of graphics cards compatible with the EK-Quantum Vector Strix RTX 3080/3090 water blocks:

• ASUS ASUS ROG Strix RTX 3090 24G Gaming
• ASUS ASUS ROG Strix RTX 3080 10G Gaming
• ASUS ASUS ROG Strix RTX 3080 10G Gaming OC
• ASUS ASUS ROG Strix RTX 3090 24G Gaming OC

EK is also working on the water blocks for Founders Edition and other AiB partner graphics cards. A TUF series compatible water block will be released in the coming days, but the Founders Edition ones will take longer because EK ” is preparing something really special for those graphics cards”.

All these water blocks and backplates are expected to be available in October. The water blocks prices start at €149.90 for both EK-Quantum Vector RTX – Copper, €159.90 for both the EK-Quantum Vector RTX and EK-Quantum Vector Strix RTX in Nickel + Acetal, and €164.90 and €174.90 for the EK-Quantum Vector RTX and the EK-Quantum Vector Strix RTX in Nickel + Plexi, respectively. The black backplates are priced at €36.90, while the nickel ones cost €43.90. You can learn more about these water blocks HERE, and the backplates HERE.

KitGuru says: Do you already own an RTX 3080 graphics card? Are you planning to watercool it?

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