EK Unveils EK-Quantum Vector² for RTX 3090 Ti TUF Gaming and ROG Strix


EK, the leading computer cooling solutions provider, is introducing new Vector² water blocks, this time for the ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3090 Ti and ASUS TUF RTX 3090 Ti GPUs. This product series contains a dedicated GPU water block with an included aluminium backplate, an ultimate GPU cooling enclosure in the form of a set of water blocks and active backplate, but also an alternative nickel-plated backplate and side cover to customize your water-cooled ROG Strix RTX 3090 Ti or ASUS TUF RTX 3090 Ti GPU to your own desires.

The EK-Quantum Vector² Strix/TUF RTX 3090 Ti D-RGB is a complete liquid cooling solution that includes a new Vector² water block, a black-anodized aluminium backplate, and a mounting mechanism. Minimalistic straight lines dominate the new look of the next-gen water blocks.

The 3rd-generation Vector cooling engine combines the jet plate with a 3D machined Plexi insert to improve flow distribution and thermal performance. This new cooling engine is still based on 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, meaning it can be used with weaker water pumps or pumps running on low-speed settings and still achieve top performance. Great care was taken to achieve a symmetrical flow domain by utilizing an internal bridge to secondary components. This was done to ensure the cooling of secondary components without sacrificing flow distribution over the GPU core.

All Vector² GPU water blocks use an 11mm-thick copper coldplate with an acetal terminal attached directly and a robust single o-ring top design. This simple construction provides confidence during customization and maintenance. A black-anodized aluminium backplate is included, while the base of the water block is CNC-machined out of nickel-plated electrolytic copper, with the top made of glass-like cast acrylic.

D-RGB LED lighting is deployed on the longest edge of the water block for improved uniformity and brightness. The PCB and diodes are concealed inside a clean aluminium extrusion.

When the GPU is inverted in the case, tactile magnetic covers conceal the terminal screws allowing the branding to rotate.

EK-Quantum Vector² Strix/TUF RTX 3090 Ti ABP Set D-RGB

This is the ultimate combination of a Vector² water block, Active Backplate, and mounting mechanism, available in Nickel + Plexi variant only. It has an included EK-Quantum Vector² Strix/TUF RTX 3090 Ti ABP Side Cover in the anodized-black finish. The side cover is placed between the GPU water block and an active backplate to conceal the GPU PCB. This lets users buy the ultimate all-around cooling set for their GPU, ensuring the best possible cooling and performance uplift.

The combination of the EK-Quantum Vector² Strix/TUF RTX 3090 Ti water block, the EK-Quantum Vector² Strix/TUF RTX 3090 Ti Active Backplate, and the EK-Quantum Vector² Strix/TUF RTX 3090 Ti ABP Side cover envelop the GPU from all sides, thus cooling the GPU from all sides. The VRAM, VRM, and the GPU core are cooled from the top. The cooling for the printed circuit board comes from the bottom side. It passively and through the copper PCB takes the heat away from the chips located at the top, ensuring even better thermals.

EK-Quantum Vector² Backplate

Each Vector² water block now comes with a black backplate, while an alternative finish of the backplate is also available – Nickel. Captive nickel-plated mounting screws are included with this backplate to replace the original black screws. The backplate has a new L-shaped profile that touches the base of the water block and encloses the entire GPU, increasing the cooling surface. This, along with the water block connection that improves heat transfer efficiency, increases the performance even more.

To avoid any user error or second-guessing, captive backplate screws are there to simplify installation and ensure that the customer always uses the correct length.

EK-Quantum Vector² Side Cover

This separate accessory allows you to replace the standard black part that conceals the entire PCB with an alternative finish – Nickel.

Availability and Pricing

The EK-Quantum Vector² Strix/TUF RTX 3090 Ti series liquid cooling products are made in Slovenia, Europe, and are already available for pre-order through the EK Online Shop and Partner Reseller Network. They are expected to start shipping in mid-July 2022.