EK®, the leading computer cooling solutions provider, is launching its premium high-performance GPU water block for the EVGA® XC3 edition of NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX™ 30 Series graphics cards. The new water block is named EK-Quantum Vector XC3 RTX 3080/3090 D-RGB and is exclusively engineered for the EVGA XC3 RTX 3080 and RTX 3090 GPUs.

An EK Water Block for XC3 GeForce RTX 3080 and 3090 Graphics Cards

The EK-Quantum Vector XC3 RTX 3080/3090 water block is compatible with EVGA XC3 RTX 3080 and 3090 graphics cards. This Vector water block actively cools the GPU, top-facing VRAM, and inductors and MOSFETs in the VRM section.

These newly developed XC3 water blocks feature optimized flow paths that reduce hydrodynamic instabilities and vortexing (dead spots) inside of them.

An Open Split-Flow cooling engine design is implemented, which proved to be a superior solution for GPU water blocks. It is characterized by low hydraulic flow restriction, meaning 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 when used in any given coolant flow orientation, unlike some products that are currently available on the market.

Fin array is populated by 27 microfins with 0.5mm wide microchannels that provide optimal cooling performance, without unnecessary flow restrictions or clogging hazards.

The base of the water block is CNC-machined out of nickel-plated electrolytic copper, while its top is CNC-machined either out of glass-like cast Acrylic or durable black POM acetal. The 2nd generation Vector GPU water blocks also feature plexi and acetal terminals that match the top cover material. The watertight sealing is ensured by high-quality EPDM O-rings, while brass standoffs are already pre-installed and allow for a safe and easy installation procedure.

Current Compatibility List for EK-Quantum Vector XC3 RTX 3080/3090

We recommend you refer to the EK Cooling Configurator for a precise compatibility match. We are checking compatible graphics cards and adding them to the database daily.

D-RGB Lighting on the EK-Quantum Vector XC3 RTX 3080/3090 D-RGB

The aesthetic end-piece is housing the addressable D-RGB LED strip. This water block boasts a total of 12 individually addressable RGB LEDs on the Acetal and 5 on the Plexi version. It is compatible with popular RGB sync technologies from all major motherboard manufacturers. The arrow marking on the 3-pin D-RGB LED connector is to be aligned with the +5V marking on the D-RGB (addressable) header.

Backplate for the XC3 RTX 3080/3090 Water Block

EK recommends the purchase of a retention backplate, which improves the overall aesthetics of your graphics cards, and also provides additional passive cooling for the GPU core, backside VRAM on the 3090 cards, and backside of the printed circuit board VRM section.

Upcoming NVIDIA RTX 30 Series Water Blocks

There are probably a lot of questions about other RTX 30 Series water blocks as well – for the AIB cards and Founders Edition especially. EK water blocks for FTW3 Series graphics cards will follow in a matter of weeks, while the Founders Edition water blocks will take a bit longer since EK is preparing something really special for those graphics cards.

Availability and Pricing

The EK-Quantum Vector XC3 RTX 3080/3090 full-cover water blocks and backplates are made and assembled in Slovenia, Europe, and are available for pre-order through the EK Webshop and dedicated reseller network. The water blocks and backplates are expected to ship out early-November, or possibly even sooner. In the table below, you can see the manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP).