Introduction

Oh my gosh, is this real? Do I actually have an RTX 3080 and a reference PCB card at that? After what seemed like an eternity, not only do I have a compatible GPU but several GPU blocks as well to begin a full GPU water block roundup here on TechPowerUp. There are entries from EK, Alphacool, CORSAIR, Bitspower, and Watercool to begin with, and hopefully, Optimus Cooling, Bykski, and Aqua Computer will join the fray soon. We begin the series with EKWB, whose products came in first here, as well as the retail market more often than not. The company prides itself on extensive coverage coupled with early releases, too, so let's thank EK for the samples that are being reviewed today!


Depending on when you read this review, there is (or hopefully was) a massive chip shortage causing lots of component shortages. But there is another issue compounding DIY watercooling with NVIDIA shifting away from the so-called reference PCB design for its Founders Edition products. This, coupled with the general confusion on some capacitor heights on the reference PCB, resulted in many custom watercooling companies being left in the dark. Indeed, some blocks had to be revised or delayed. What I am testing here is a fully working retail product, which is the case with the others, too. EK, as per usual, has a lot of different options to choose from, be it different top or cold-plate finishes, as well as the Quantum or Classic lineup. The subject of this review is the Quantum Vector GPU block in the nickel/plexi variant for the reference edition (RE) NVIDIA RTX 3080, which is the same PCB design as for the RTX 3090 aside from fewer VRAM modules.

Specifications

Packaging and Accessories

It has been a white since I last did a GPU block roundup, and EK has since expanded to the point of having two separate product lines for most categories. The company used to do something similar with the CSQ design blocks that got phased out over time, with the "clean CSQ" coming out first and then being replaced entirely. This clean CSQ design is now referred to as the EK-Classic, with the latest design language termed "EK-Quantum." The GPU blocks in the EK-Quantum line are referred to as "Vector," and we see the packaging mention this too. You will soon see that packaging for the EK-Classic version of the GPU block looks different to further differentiate the two lines.

The product name and EK logo are on the front, with the latter adopting an orange background the brand still often uses. A render of the GPU block has also been put on the front, and continues on the side as seen above. Salient marketing features greet us on the back in multiple languages. A sticker on the side mentions information pertaining to the exact block inside, and confirms that we have the nickel/plexi version. A QR code takes you to the online installation manual EK does not include as a printed version with the block.


There are two seals on either end of what is just an outer sleeve, and removing them, the inner box can be slid out. This box is much simpler in design, with a black wrap over cardboard and the EK logo in the center on the front and back. A double flap on the side keeps the contents in place during transit. Opening the box, the installation accessories are at the top, as has been the case for EK blocks for a while now, on a folded cardboard layer with a reminder to look at EK for other DIY watercooling components.


Here we get to my main issue with the EK block: The company used to pride itself on the easy installation, but gone are the pre-cut thermal pads, and we instead have four 120 x 16 mm thermal pads that are 1 mm thick. You are not only expected to refer to an online manual now, but have to do things other competitors take care of in advance. Making it worse is the use of a group-based installation in that we get a Type F mounting set that has fairly generic screws, nuts, and washers inside. Many of these will not be used at all, and I can see why all this would just confuse users. This is as impersonal an effort from EK as I have ever seen. A screw-size guide is included to somewhat help identify the length of provided screws, but what a waste of materials this is. Seems EK has become too big, to where having lots of these generic baggies makes more sense than someone individually packing only those items one will need.


The GPU block is in the bottom layer, and with foam sheets above and below to protect it in transit. It also comes inside a plastic wrap with a tamper seal, leaving tell-tale signs of opening it if the seal was applied well.