Geforce RTX 4090: EKWB presents customized Waku block for Asus models

Nvidia’s new graphics card flagship has been officially on the market since October 12, and Asus, among others, has already presented its own designs for the new gaming GPU reference as a board partner. For those meanwhile in the PCGH price comparison listed custom designs of the TUF and Strix series The Slovenian water cooling manufacturer EK Water Blocks (EKWB) has now presented the EK-Quantum Vector² Strix/TUF RTX 4090 D-RGB, an adapted water cooling block for PC hobbyists, which is intended to keep the high waste heat of the new high-end graphics card in check.

The adapted implementation of the already known EK-Quantum Vector² model is available either with a passive backplate or as a cooling solution with an active backplate, with the latter variant embedding the card between two water blocks in order to achieve the best possible cooling results, according to EKWB in his announcement.

Customized Vector² cooling block

The water block from the Vector² series also relies on a black anodized aluminum backplate and a custom PCI-E bracket with one slot. As with the previous Vector² water blocks for the RTX 30 series, the design, which conforms to its own EK-Matrix7 product standard, is said to be dominated by minimalist straight lines and the backplate, which runs laterally around the GPU and completely covers the circuit board.

The so-called nozzle plate with open-split-flow cooling motor design and low hydraulic flow restriction is combined with a 3D-machined plexi insert to improve flow distribution and thermal performance. All Vector² GPU water blocks utilize an 11mm nickel plated copper thermal plate with a direct attached acetal connector and top mounted o-ring design. With “Direct Link”, the active backplate relies on a conventional 4-port layout for serial or parallel connections.

D-RGB LED lighting, prices and pre-order

The Plexi version deploys D-RGB LED lighting along the longest edge of the water block, while the Acetal version uses a dense D-RGB LED strip to illuminate the dividing line of the protruding element on either side of the block. Meanwhile, the connecting screws are hidden by magnetic covers. All variants should be available for pre-order in the manufacturer’s online shop and from partner dealers (delivery from November). The versions with Plexi or Acetal and a passive backplate should cost 264.90 euros RRP, while Plexi/Acetal with an active backplate cost 399.90 euros and can all already be ordered from EKWB.