EKWB EK-FC1080 GTX Ti FTW3 operation manual

Installation manual for EK-FC1080 GTX Ti FTW3 water block

This product is intended for installation only by expert users. Please consult with a
qualified technician for installation. Improper installation may result in damage to your
equipment. EK Water Blocks assumes no liability whatsoever, expressed or implied, for
the use of these products, nor their installation. The following instructions are subject
to change without notice. Please visit our web site at www.ekwb.com for updates.
Before installation of this product please read important notice, disclosure and
warranty conditions printed on the back of the box.

Before you start using this product please follow these basic guidelines:

1. Please carefully read the manual throughly before beginning with the

installation process!

2. Please remove your Graphics card from the computer to assure safest

mounting process in order to prevent any possible damages to your GPU
and/or graphics card circuit board (PCB).

3. The EK-HFB and EK-ACF type fittings require only a small amount of

force to screw them firmly in place since the liquid seal is ensured by the
rubber O-ring gaskets.

4. The use of corrosion inhibiting coolants is always recommended for any

liquid cooling system.

BAG CONTENT: Bag content is universal for all water blocks, you may not need all screws.

STEP 1: PREPARING YOUR GRAPHIC CARD

STEP 1 cont: PREPARING YOUR GRAPHICS CARD.

1. REMOVING STOCK COOLER : Remove all encircled screws. All heat sink assembly screws

should be removed, including self-adhesive washers on both sides of the PCB (if present). After you
remove the housing do not forget to unplug the fan and RGB LED cables.

2. CLEANING THE PCB: Carefully detach the original stock cooler after removing all screws securing it to

the board. Wipe off the remains (by using non–abrasive cloth or

q-tip

, as shown on sample photo) of the original
thermal compound until the components and circuit board are completely clean. EKWB recommends the use of
denatured alcohol for removing TIM leftovers.

STEP 1 cont.: PREPARING YOUR GRAPHIC CARD

3. APPLYING THERMAL COMPOUND: Wipe off the remains (by using non–abrasive cloth or

q-tip

)
of the original thermal compound until the components and circuit board are completely clean. Apply
thermal compound: lightly coat

NVIDIA

GPU chip with enclosed EK-TIM Ectotherm thermal grease. EKWB

recommends to apply thermal grease in cross form for best performance (see sample picture).

3. CUTTING THERMAL PADS: Your block comes with thermal pads, some of which are already pre-cut.

Others have to be cut to smaller chunks in order to cover all the VRM components such as MOSFETs and drivers.
PLEASE REMOVE THE PROTECTIVE FOIL FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE THERMAL PADS PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.

Replacement thermal pads:
Thermal Pad E – 0.5mm (RAM 8x) – (EAN: 3830046996688)
Thermal Pad F – 0.5mm (120x16mm) – (EAN: 3830046996725)
Thermal Pad G – 1.0mm (120x24mm) – (EAN: 3830046996770)

4. PLACING THERMAL PADS ON PCB. Place thermal pads on the circuit board as shown on the

picture below. Refer to numbering in previous picture when applying thermal pads of different sizes or
thicknesses. EK made sure to provide customers with more than adequate quantity of thermal pads to
complete this step.

STEP 2: INSTALLING THE WATER BLOCK

1. PLACING THE BLOCK ON TO THE GRAPHICS CARD. Carefully position the water block with

preinstalled standoffs on to the graphics card. During this process please make sure you align mounting holes on
the PCB with holes on the water block (same applies for other tops). Also pay attention not to use too much
force by pressing the block down to the PCB. Chip dies are prone to cracking.

1: Thermal pad E – 0.5mm
(for memory IC):

3: Thermal pad G – 1.0mm
(for MOSFET):

1

1 1 1 1 1

1

2

2: Thermal pad F – 0.5mm
(for Vdd VRM):

3

1

3

1

1

2

1

1

1 1 1 1 1

1

1

3

All disclosures, notices and warranty conditions are being written on the EKWB website. Please read terms of use. Released on 21th of June 2017, Revision 1.0

STEP 2: INSTALLING THE WATER BLOCK

2. ATTACHING THE BLOCK TO THE GRAPHIC CARD. Use a Philips screwdriver screw with the enclosed M2,5x4 AX1 screws. In order to secure the I/O bracket use one M2,5x6 AX1 screw along with M2,5

NUT and PVC washer. EKWB recommends users to start tightening the screws around the GPU core and continue outwards. Always use a plastic washer under each and every screw if it makes contact to the pcb! If the
washer is already present on the circuit board (usually around the four GPU core screw holes) there is no need for additional washer.

STEP 3: CHECKING FOR CONTACTS

If necessary temporarily r

emove the water block to check for uniform surface contact between the block and the components, pay special attention to the VRM section of the

graphics card. Check whether the water block makes contact with the intended integrated circuit. Then repeat sub-steps in previous section to re-attach the block. In case

you fail to obtain good contact, please check again that your thermal pad thickness or contact our support service at http://www.ekwb.com/support.

STEP 4: INSTALLATION OF FITTINGS AND TUBING

Screw in the two G1/4 threaded male fittings. Attach the liquid cooling tubes and connect the water-block(s) into the cooling circuit. EKWB recommends using EK-ACF
fittings with the EK-FC1080 GTX FTW3 series water blocks. To ensure that the tubes are securely attached to the barb/fittings, please use hose clamps or an

appropriate substitute.

You can use any opening as an inlet/outlet port. Do not forget to plug the remaining two opening with enclosed EK-Plug G1/4 or equivalent.

CAUTION: In case of using connectors other than EK-ACF series compression fittings, take special attention to the length of the fittings’ male G1/4” thread. 5mm is the
maximum allowed G1/4” thread length!

STEP 5: INSERTING THE CARD IN YOUR PC CASE

Carefully lift your graphics card with installed block and insert it in your PC’s motherboard PCI-express expansion slot. Please bear in mind that your graphics card is probably
heavier than when it was equipped with original heat sink fan assembly. One needs to be very careful when handling the graphics card. Avoid all un-needed manipulation of the
VGA/water block assembly that might damage your card or water block during final installation.

REQUIRED TOOLS:

scissors Philips head screwdriver

Plastic washers

Screw M2,5x6 AX1

Screws M2,5x4 AX1

Screw M2,5x6 AX1

Plastic washer

M2,5 NUT

All disclosures, notices and warranty conditions are being written on the EKWB website. Please read terms of use. Released on 21th of June 2017, Revision 1.0