EK Quantum Vector GPU Active Backplate Unboxing

#Watercooling #RTX3080 RTX3090

EK sent me their new EK-Quantum Vector RE RTX 3080/3090 Active Backplate D-RGB - Plexi to test out so here is the initial unboxing and impression of it. We all know that the RTX 3080/3090 line of GPUs get a bit toasty on the backside so this is going to be interesting to see how this performs in my future testing.

From EK's website:
Details
EK-Quantum Vector RE RTX 3080/3090 Active Backplate D-RGB - Plexi is a cutting-edge addition to the EK® Quantum Line. It is made to complement the existing EK-Quantum Vector RE RTX 3080/3090 water blocks and actively cool the backside of a reference design NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3080 and 3090 GPU.

For a precise compatibility match of this water block, we recommend you refer to the EK Cooling Configurator.

EK-Quantum Vector RE RTX 3080/3090 active backplate links the water block and the active backplate part with a new terminal, which replaces the stock terminal coming with your water block. This way the whole enclosure requires only one inlet and one outlet, removing any unneeded additional tubing and reducing clutter. It is the ultimate aesthetic and performance solution that finds your GPU sandwiched between two water blocks allowing maximum cooling.

EK water block for nvidia 3080 and 3090 reference pcb

The Vector Active Backplate directly cools the PCB hotspots that are found on the backside of the GPU core and the VRM (voltage regulation module). On the RX 3090, the VRAM located on the backside is cooled, while the RTX 3080 gets cooling for the PCB located around the front-mounted VRAM. Cooling liquid is channeled over all these critical areas.

These newly developed active backplates feature a fin array with 6 wide channels allowing for very low flow restriction. This in turn allows overall lower temperatures, while the active backplate gets more than sufficient surface area for heat transfer.

Active backplate for RE RTX 3080 and 3090 GPUs

The base of the active backplate is CNC-machined out of nickel-plated electrolytic copper, while its top is CNC-machined out of glass-like cast Acrylic. The rest of the backplate is made of nickel-plated aluminum and it does not come in contact with the liquid. These Vector Active Backplates also feature acrylic terminals that match the top cover. The watertight sealing is ensured by high-quality EPDM O-rings.

The aesthetic end-piece is housing the addressable D-RGB LED strip. This water block boasts a total of 8 individually addressable RGB LEDs, and 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.

Enclosed:

- EK-Quantum Vector RE RTX 3080/3090 Active Backplate D-RGB - Plexi
- Necessary mounting screws, nuts, and washers
- 1x Nickel plated brass plug G1/4”
- EK-Loop Multi Allen Key (6mm, 8mm, 9mm)
- Thermal pads

Technical Specification:

- Dimensions: (LxHxW) - 223x124x15mm
- D-RGB cable length: 500mm
- D-RGB LED count: 8
- D-RGB connector standard 3-pin (+5V, Data, Blocked, Ground)

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:10 Front GPU Block
3:30 Active Back Plate
6:34 Side by Side
7:25 RGB Displayed
7:49 Summary