EK, the premium water-cooling gear manufacturer, is launching the EK-Quantum Vector² water block for the ASUS TUF models of the new AMD Radeon RX 7900 GPUs. This water block has been engineered to fit both versions of these GPUs, the XTX and the XT.
EK-Quantum Vector² TUF RX 7900 XTX D-RGB
The EK-Quantum Vector² TUF RX 7900 XTX D-RGB is a fully EK-Matrix7 compatible liquid cooling solution engineered exclusively for ASUS TUF Radeon RX 7900 XT and XTX GPUs. It encompasses a Vector² series water block and a black-anodized aluminum backplate in the same package. Like the rest of the Vector² series water blocks, its looks are dominated by minimalistic straight lines and the backplate coming around the side of the GPU to cover the PCB in its entirety.
What differs from all other Vector² water blocks is that the cooling engine for this water block has been rotated by 90°, making the fins perpendicular to the die. For optimal delta, the coolant flows over the Graphics Core Die first and Memory Cache Die after. Consequently, all MCDs get the same coolant temperature thanks to the high-precision 3D-machined acrylic jet insert.
The Vector² cooling engine combines the jet plate with a 3D-machined Plexi insert to improve flow distribution and thermal performance. This cooling engine is 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 while still achieving top performance.
All Vector² GPU water blocks use an 11-mm thick copper coldplate with a directly attached acetal terminal and a robust single O-ring top design, resulting in fewer potential points of failure. This simple construction also provides confidence during customization and maintenance. The water block features a rich D-RGB LED implementation, a black-anodized aluminum backplate, and a CNC-machined base made of nickel-plated electrolytic copper with a cast acrylic top. The backplate also provides additional passive cooling to the back side of the PCB, further improving the cooling capacity of the water block.
The 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 aluminum extrusion, while the 14 addressable LEDs provide a strong and sophisticated lighting effect.
The installed addressable D-RGB LED strip connects to the motherboard’s 5V D-RGB (A-RGB) header via an industry-standard connector. To help you achieve a coordinated lighting effect easily, it is compatible with all lighting-control software from major motherboard vendors. Tactile magnetic covers conceal the terminal screws, allowing the branding to rotate when the GPU is inverted inside the case.
The Vector² GPU water blocks have a specific cutout that enables you to utilize the included multi-use tool to decouple the PCIe safety on the motherboard and easily unplug the GPU. Using the same tool, you can also detach the power cable and tighten the standoffs more easily.
EK-Quantum Vector² Backplate
Each Vector² water block comes with a CNC-machined black-anodized backplate that also includes nickel-plated captive mounting screws to replace the original black ones. The backplate has a new L-shaped profile that comes in contact with the water block’s base and encloses the entire GPU, thus increasing the cooling surface area. This connection with the water block, which is far more efficient at heat transfer, enables a further increase in performance.
Captive backplate screws simplify installation, ensuring the correct length is always used where necessary to avoid any user error or second-guessing.
The EK-Matrix7 Standard
EK-Matrix7 standardizes the dimensions of the products, including the port position and spacing, making liquid cooling loop assembly easier and more intuitive. All Vector² products feature full EK-Matrix7 compliance in every axis, ensuring easy integration and alignment with all other EK-Matrix7 products. This brings perfect alignment of ports in both horizontal and vertical positions, meaning less time is spent planning the loop and bending tubes, with the end result being an epic build.
Availability and Pricing
The EK-Quantum Vector² TUF RX 7900 XTX D-RGB water block is available for pre-order through EK Webshop and Partner resellers. This product is expected to ship out in early March 2023. The table below shows the manufacturer-suggested retail price (MSRP), VAT included.
| Name | MSRP (incl. VAT) | |
| EK-Quantum Vector² TUF RX 7900 XTX D-RGB – Nickel + Plexi | 259.90€ |
