Water block EK Water Blocks Acetal Nickel Black 41mm

The EK-Quantum Vector² XC3 RTX 3080/90 Active Backplate integrates a dedicated terminal that replaces the standard terminal of the Vector² water block and links the water block with the Vector Active Backplate into a single enclosed unit. By combining both sides into one assembly, the enclosure requires only one inlet and one outlet, reducing tubing and visual clutter while placing the GPU between two water blocks for improved cooling efficiency. The EK-Quantum Vector² line includes design and engineering features recognized by the iF Design Awards 2022.

Advantages

The Active Backplate incorporates a Direct Link flow solution with a conventional 4-port terminal layout that supports both serial and parallel connections from adjacent or opposing sides. A machined brass insert diagonally links the water block to the active backplate inside the acetal terminal, simplifying integration with distribution plates or vertical GPU mounts. Terminal screws are concealed beneath magnetic covers to maintain a clean appearance and allow rotated branding when the GPU is inverted. The base is CNC-machined from nickel-plated electrolytic copper and the top from durable black acetal, with a black-anodized aluminum side cover to fully enclose the PCB.

Suitable for

• High-performance GPU cooling in custom liquid-cooled PC builds
• Systems using EK Vector² water blocks for dual-sided cooling
• Setups with distribution plates or vertical GPU mounts requiring a compact terminal layout

Key specifications

• Product: EK-Quantum Vector² XC3 RTX 3080/90 Active Backplate
• Compatibility: NVIDIA RTX 3080 / RTX 3090 series (Vector² XC3 variant)
• Materials: Nickel-plated electrolytic copper base, black acetal top, machined brass insert, black-anodized aluminum side cover
• Connection: 4-port Direct Link terminal supporting serial and parallel loop configurations
• Design features: Hidden magnetic terminal covers, CNC-machined construction

How to use

Replace the stock terminal of a compatible EK Vector² water block with the included terminal to link the water block and active backplate into a single unit. Install the combined assembly on the GPU according to EK’s mounting instructions, connect the inlet and outlet to your loop using the 4-port terminal in either serial or parallel configuration as required, and secure the magnetic covers over the terminal screws. Ensure fittings and tubing are properly tightened and the loop is pressure-tested before powering the system.

Recommendations

Use corrosion-inhibited coolant compatible with nickel-plated copper and acetal components, follow EK’s official installation guide for mounting and tubing routing, and verify compatibility with your GPU model (Vector² XC3 variant for RTX 3080/3090). Regularly inspect fittings and coolant condition to maintain optimal cooling performance.