With only a couple of weeks to go until NVIDIA’s flagship cards become available for purchase, we are already getting waterblock offerings from famous, premium liquid-cooling manufacturer EKWB. It has been around since 1999 and sells products in over 30 countries. The latest is aimed at NVIDIA’s flagship cards. Skim just about any thread regarding a GPU’s default cooling solution, and you are sure to come across a reply about someone planning to take it off in order to put on a waterblock. Well, EKWB is already thinking about such folks. These early waterblocks are for reference GeForce RTX 3080 and 3090 designs only, not Founders Editions.
EK-Quantum Vector RTX 3080/3090 D-RGB – Nickel + Plexi
This first one, the EK-Quantum Vector RTX 3080/3090 D-RGB – Nickel + Plexi, will set you back $159.99.
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.
EK-Quantum Vector RTX 3080/3090 – Copper + Plexi
A slightly lower-priced offering is the EK-Quantum Vector RTX 3080/3090 – Copper + Plexi. It is listed as going for $139.99.
Addressable D-RGB
For those looking into some RGB bling, EKWB has that covered, too. Featuring addressable D-RGB strips, it can add personality to your rig without making it look like a circus act gone wild.
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.
Lastly, EKWB will also be selling backplates to further assist in passive cooling and aesthetics. As of yet, no images are available, but the nickel version goes for $49.99, while the black version lists for $39.99.