The GeForce 30 Series is the 2nd generation of RTX graphics cards which are expected to become available from September 17th. Now, since many of us are very eager to get our hands on our first RTX 30 Series, and add it to our liquid cooling loops, EK is advising everyone to hold off their purchase until the compatibility list is fully confirmed.
EK is ready to release the 2nd generation of EK-Quantum Vector GPU water blocks, but since the official availability of these graphics cards is more than two weeks away, EK will hold off the pre-orders, for now, to prevent users from purchasing incompatible water blocks. Otherwise, it would cause stress and unnecessary loss of time and finances for the end-user.
The products listed in this article support graphics cards that are based on the reference design. But keep in mind that NVIDIA Founders Edition is NOT using a reference design!
So far, ASUS, Palit, and Gainward have confirmed using the reference layout PCBs for some of their graphics cards. We are in the process of collecting more data to confirm compatibility with specific Vendor SKUs. We recommend that you refer to the EK Cooling Configurator for a precise compatibility match. We are checking compatible graphics cards and adding them to the database on a daily basis.
An EK Water Block for Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 and 3090
EK-Quantum Vector RTX 3080/3090 D-RGB water blocks are compatible with most reference design GeForce RTX 3080 and 3090 graphics cards from various vendors that are based on the NVIDIA Ampere architecture.
The Vector water block directly cools the GPU, VRAM, and VRM (voltage regulation module) as the cooling liquid is channeled right over these critical areas. These newly developed water blocks feature optimized flow paths which reduce hydrodynamic instabilities and vortexing (dead spots) inside the block.
The EK-Quantum Vector Series water blocks use an Open Split-Flow cooling engine design which proved to be a superior solution for GPU water blocks. It is characterized by low hydraulic flow restriction, which means it can be used with weaker water pumps or pumps running on low-speed settings and still achieve top performance. The jet plate and fin structure geometry have been optimized to provide even flow distribution with minimal losses and optimal performance with any given coolant flow orientation.
The base of these water blocks is CNC-machined out of the purest electrolytic copper while their top is CNC-machined out of glass-like cast acrylic or durable black POM acetal - depending on the model of the block. Several versions of the block use nickel plating to protect the copper from oxidation. The watertight sealing is ensured by high-quality EPDM O-Rings. The brass standoffs are already pre-installed and allow for a safe and easy installation procedure.
All these water blocks are produced in Slovenia, Europe, with rigorous quality assurances on the raw material and a fished product itself.
D-RGB Lighting on EK-Quantum Vector RTX 3080/3090 D-RGB Water Blocks
The aesthetic end-piece is housing the addressable D-RGB LED strip which lights up the plexi version, or the white end-piece in the case of the acetal version. The addressable D-RGB is compatible with popular synchronization technologies from all major motherboard manufacturers. The arrow marking on the 3-pin LED connector is to be aligned with the +5V marking on the D-RGB (addressable) header.
Backplates for the 3080/3090 Water Block
EK recommends choosing a backplate for the Vector water block since it will improve the aesthetics of your graphics cards and also provide additional passive cooling for the GPU core and backside of the printed circuit board VRM section.
Products:
- EK-Quantum Vector RTX 3080/3090 D-RGB - Nickel + Plexi | 159.99 USD
- EK-Quantum Vector RTX 3080/3090 D-RGB - Nickel + Acetal | 154.99 USD
- EK-Quantum Vector RTX 3080/3090 - Copper + Plexi | 139.99 USD
- EK-Quantum Vector RTX 3080/3090 - Copper + Acetal | 139.99 USD
- EK-Quantum Vector RTX 3080/3090 Backplate - Black | 39.99 USD
- EK-Quantum Vector RTX 3080/3090 Backplate - Nickel | 49.99 USD
