EK, the premium PC liquid cooling gear manufacturer, is launching the EK-Quantum Momentum² Strix Z790-I Gaming D-RGB – Plexi, the latest Intel LGA 1700 socket-based monoblock. The new Quantum line monoblock is engineered specifically for the ASUS® ROG STRIX Z790-I GAMING motherboard. The addressable D-RGB LED in this monoblock is compatible with ASUS Aura Sync RGB control, offering complete lighting customization for every single diode at any given time. This Momentum² monoblock is also EK-Matrix7 compatible and doesn’t require removing the factory-mounted heatsink before installation.
EK-Quantum Momentum² ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming D-RGB – Plexi
This is a complete, all-in-one (CPU + motherboard) liquid cooling solution for 12th and 13th gen Intel Core™ processors, compatible with LGA 1700-socket ROG Strix ZZ90-I Gaming ITX motherboard. This water block directly cools the Intel 1700 socket-type CPU and the heatsink of the power regulation (MOSFET) module. It doesn’t replace the stock heatsink but instead complements it. It connects with the preinstalled heatsink through thermal pads between them and cools the heatsink instead of directly cooling the VRM.
The main issue with mini-ITX boards’ VRM is usually the lack of space to fit a larger heatsink. Even with high-quality VRM, small heatsinks have limited surfaces for thermal dissipation. During EK’s testing phase, this monoblock lowered the temperature of the VRM by more than 20°C on an open test bench. Inside a case, and especially in a small form factor (SFF) case, where other components raise the ambient temperature, users can expect even more significant improvements in thermals when using this Momentum² monoblock.
The new monoblock uses the latest generation of EK Velocity² cooling engine to ensure the best possible CPU cooling without reducing the flow to other components. This water block directly cools the Alder Lake or Raptor Lake CPU, with the coolant passing over the monoblock parts that touch the factory-mounted heatsink, dissipating heat away. Liquid flows directly over all critical areas, providing enthusiasts with an excellent cooling solution for high and stable overclocks.
Like all other EK monoblocks, the EK-Quantum Momentum² ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming features a high-flow design and can be easily used in systems with weaker water pumps or operate at lower pump speed settings. This latest Quantum Momentum² monoblock also comes with sophisticated D-RGB (addressable) lighting with a total of 6 LEDs. They connect to the ROG Strix motherboard’s standard 3-pin 5V D-RGB addressable header called the “Aura Gen2 header.”This product is compatible with ASUS Aura Sync RGB control software. The arrow marking on the 3-pin D-RGB LED connector should be aligned with the +5V marking on the AURA Addressable Gen2 header.
The base of the monoblock is made of nickel-plated electrolytic copper, while the top part is made of quality cast acrylic material. The nickel-plated brass screw-in standoffs are pre-installed and allow for easy installation.
Availability and Pricing
EK-Quantum Momentum² ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming D-RGB – Plexi monoblock is made in Slovenia, EU, and is readily available for pre-order through the EK Webshop and Partner Reseller Network. This Quantum line monoblock will start shipping in late February 2023. The table below shows the manufacturer-suggested retail price (MSRP), VAT included.
| Name | MSRP (incl. VAT) | |
| EK-Quantum Momentum² ROG Strix Z790-I Gaming D-RGB – Plexi | 209.90€ |
