EK Water Blocks, or simply EKWB as more commonly referred to, has been going through a re-haul of all their products within the last couple of years. Most companies specializing in the PC DIY watercooling sector tend to refresh CPU blocks once every 3-5 years, with one new line operating each time. EKWB is large enough to where they have multiple such CPU block lines operating simultaneously. This began with the debut of their Quantum design philosophy in the form of the EK-Velocity, and then we saw the EK-Supremacy Classic as a replacement for the older Supremacy MX, which also formed the background for the CPU block included in their Fluid Gaming aluminium lineup. In 2020, these two would have sufficed for just about everyone, but EK decided that was not enough. Today, we take a look at the anticipated EK-Quantum Magnitude, a true replacement to the EK-Supremacy EVO, and thanks again to the company for sending a review sample to TechPowerUp!
We first saw a teaser of the EK-Quantum Magnitude at Computex 2019, with a pull-out desk cabinet of various cold plates, tops, inserts, frames, and brackets with different CPU compatibility, materials, and finishes. For those who remember the EK-Supremacy EVO, it came with multiple inserts and jetplates with tools provided for disassembly, such that the user was allowed and even encouraged to swap parts inside to better fit different CPU sockets from Intel and AMD. When EK released the new EK-Velocity, they went the path of Intel and AMD-specific SKUs with a cooling engine that prioritizes a balance of performance and flow rate, so it did seem as if the company wanted to keep things simple. They have further gone down that route with the EK-Quantum Magnitude with CPU socket-specific SKUs even, such that you would now purchase a block for Intel LGA 115x only, for example. We have one of those very blocks here, in one of various available finishes, so there is quite a lot to unpack as we begin with a look at the specifications below.
Specifications
EK-Quantum Magnitude CPU Block
Top:
Choice of nickel-plated brass, acetal, or acrylic (plexi)
Mounting (hold-down) Bracket:
Aluminium frame in a natural or black finish with inset accent in various colors