Introduction

If you had to name a single brand in the realm of PC DIY watercooling then chances are high that would be EKWB, or simply EK as commonly referred to. The Slovenian outfit is almost guaranteed to have water block support for the latest hardware sooner than most others as well as multiple options even for partner cards compared to a single one offered by its competitors. When I contacted EK to let them know I was working on a new GPU block roundup using the ASUS RTX 4090 Strix, they let me know to expect something sooner than later but were coy about which of the three compatible items it would be. Indeed, EK has not only two different GPU block colors for this card but also a higher end version that uses an active backplate similar to what we have seen before. A couple of weeks later I knew it wasn't the active backplate version but it was cool nonetheless.


EK has been adding extensive support for different colors with its fittings in particular, although when it comes to GPU blocks they usually tend to go with nickel-plated copper cold plates and a clear plexi or opaque acetal top. With the RTX 4090 Strix/TUF cards, the new EK-Quantum Vector² design language includes a side cover made of acetal and a matching I/O terminal which maintains support for EK's Matrix7 system. This allows for a black or white finish and I have the white version here. The EK-Quantum Vector² is an update to the older EK-Quantum Vector GPU block generation that was tested previously here, with the cooling engine using a new asymmetric flow insert that aims to improve flow distribution and thermal performance. I am certainly curious to see how this stacks relative to the newcomers from the likes of Watercool and Alphacool that had brand new designs both inside and out! Thanks to EK for providing a review sample to TechPowerUp as we begin this review with a look at the product specifications in the table below.

Specifications

Packaging and Accessories

As with other recent releases from EK in its Quantum line, this Vector² block arrives in a two-piece product box that has an outer sleeve in black and oriented vertically rather than the usual landscape style. The product name and EK logo are on the front, with the latter adopting an orange background the brand still uses. A render of a generic Quantum Vector² GPU block is also here with salient marketing features 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 white version. A QR code takes you to the online installation manual, EK does not include as a printed version with the block. The inner box is also black in color with a gray EK logo in the center and on the other sides. Two double flaps help keep the contents in place during transit and EK ensures they are well protected by having thick foam all around.


Indeed, the block comes inside a plastic wrap with a shaped foam piece around and to the left in a separate compartment are two separate accessory boxes which come labeled for easy identification. EK has attempted to keep its vast product line more manageable by having one set of mounting hardware that is common to all Quantum Vector² GPU blocks and then having another set that is specific to this exact GPU block. This does mean there is potential for confusion with an extra part or two and the lack of a printed manual also means the end user might try to go about the installation process themselves and risk doing it incorrectly. Regardless, we see EK joins Alphacool when it comes to providing a replacement I/O bracket as well as necessary installation tools. We also get a tube of Thermal Grizzly thermal paste, two sets of thermal pads which are not pre-cut or sized exactly to shape, two spare brass stop plugs, and the relevant installation hardware itself. Interestingly, we also get two spare O-rings even though you would not really need it unless you are replacing the I/O port terminal and damage the stock O-rings.