EK-FC R9-290X - Acetal+Nickel 2.0 - Composant de refroidissement pour ordinateur EK Water Blocks - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Water Block
Brand	EK Water Blocks
Model	EK-FC R9-290X - Acetal+Nickel 2.0
Compatibility	AMD Radeon R9 290X (reference PCB)
Material (Top)	Acetal
Material (Base)	Nickel-plated copper
Dimensions (L x W x H)	240 mm x 100 mm x 18 mm
Weight	350 g
Ports	2x G1/4" threaded
Cooling Coverage	GPU core, VRAM, VRM
LED Support	No
Mounting Hardware	Included
Thermal Pad Size	1 mm (various shapes)
Color	Black (Acetal), Silver (Nickel)
Maintenance	Periodic cleaning with isopropyl alcohol; do not use abrasives
Safety Notes	Ensure leak-free installation; use non-conductive coolant; tighten screws evenly
Spare Parts	Available from EK (mounting kit, thermal pads)
Warranty	2 years (typical)
Installation Time	Approx. 20-30 minutes
Repairability	Not user-serviceable; disassembly voids warranty

Frequently Asked Questions - EK-FC R9-290X - Acetal+Nickel 2.0 EK Water Blocks

Which graphics cards is this water block compatible with?

The EK-FC R9-290X - Acetal+Nickel 2.0 is designed for AMD Radeon R9 290X reference PCB graphics cards. It covers the GPU core, VRAM, and VRM components.

What materials are used in this water block?

The top is made of Acetal (POM) and the base is nickel-plated copper for optimal heat transfer and corrosion resistance.

What coolant should I use?

Use a non-conductive, water-based coolant specifically designed for water cooling loops. Avoid alcohol-based or colored coolants that may cause deposits.

Is the water block compatible with custom loops?

Yes, it features two G1/4" threaded ports for standard barbs or compression fittings, suitable for any custom water cooling loop.

How do I install the water block?

Detailed instructions are provided in the manual. Typically, you remove the stock cooler, apply thermal paste, attach the block with included mounting hardware, and connect tubing. Ensure screws are tightened evenly in a cross pattern.

Can I use this water block with other GPU models?

No, this block is custom-designed for the R9 290X reference PCB. Using it on other cards may result in poor contact or damage.

What maintenance is required?

Periodically check for leaks, clean the block with isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth. Replace coolant every 6-12 months. Do not dismantle the block.

Where can I find spare parts?

Spare mounting kits, thermal pads, and o-rings are available from EK Water Blocks' official website or authorized resellers.

Does the water block have LEDs?

No, this version does not include any LED lighting. It is purely functional.

What is the warranty period?

EK Water Blocks typically offers a 2-year warranty against manufacturing defects. Check your retailer for specifics.

USER MANUAL EK-FC R9-290X - Acetal+Nickel 2.0 EK Water Blocks

Installation and mounting manual for EK-FC R9-290X water block

This product is intended for installation only by expert users. Please consult with a qualified technician for installation. Improper installation may result in damage to your equipment. EK Water Blocks assumes no liability whatsoever, expressed or implied, for the use of these products, nor their installation. The following instructions are subject to change without notice. Please visit our web site at www.ekwb.com for updates. Before installation of this product please read important notice, disclosure and warranty conditions printed on the back of the box.

Before you start using this product please follow these basic guidelines:

1. Please carefully read the manual before through before beginning with the installation process!
2. Please remove your motherboard from the computer to assure safest mounting process in order to prevent any possible damages to your CPU and/or motherboard's circuit board (PCB).
3. The EK High Flow and EK-PSC type fittings require only a small amount of force to screw them firmly in place since the liquid seal is ensured by the rubber O-ring gaskets.
4. The use of corrosion inhibiting coolants is always recommended for any liquid cooling system.

STEP 1: GENERAL INFORMATION. Sample picture of AMD Radeon R9 290X series graphics card.

Close-up of an AMD CPU board with visible components and connectors (no readable text or symbols)

STEP 2: PREPARING YOUR GRAPHIC CARD.
1. REMOVING STOCK COOLER: Remove encircled screw on the bracket (required only on certain models):

Close-up of a computer motherboard showing slots, connectors, and ventilation slots (no readable text or symbols)

STEP 2 cont.: PREPARING YOUR GRAPHIC CARD

1 cont.. REMOVING STOCK COOLER. Remove all encircled screws. All heat sink assembly screws must be removed. There are 16 screws on the back of the graphics card.

Top-down view of a printed circuit board with multiple traces and mounting holes (no readable text or symbols)

1. CLEANING THE PCB. Carefully detach the original stock coole after removing all screws securing it to the board. Wipe off the remains (by using non-abrasive cloth or tip, as shown on sample photo) of the original thermal compound until the components a circuit board are completely clean. EKWB recommends the use of denatured alcohol for removing TIM leftovers.

Close-up of a hand using a pipette to clean a microchip on a circuit board (no visible text or symbols)

1. APPLYING THERMAL COMPOUND. Wipe off the remains (by using non-abrasive cloth or q-tip) of the original thermal compound until the components and circuit board are completely clean. Apply thermal compound: lightly coat AMD GPU chip with enclosed EK-TIM Ectotherm thermal grease. EKWB recommends to apply thermal grease in cross form for best performance (see sample picture).

Close-up of a microchip with a star-shaped logo on its surface, surrounded by circuit traces (no readable text or symbols)

1. CUTTING THERMAL PADS. Your block comes with thermal pads, some of which are already pre-cut. Others have to be cut to smaller chunks in order to cover all the VRM components such as MOSFETs and drivers.

PLEASE REMOVE THE PROTECTIVE FOIL FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE THERMAL PADS PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.

Replacement thermal pads:

Thermal Pad D - 0.5mm (RAM 16x).

Thermal Pad A - 1 mm (100x16mm)

STEP 3: INSTALLING THE WATER BLOCK

1. PLACING THERMAL PADS ON PCB. Place thermal pads on chips so that numbers on chips match size of thermal pads. EKWB made sure users have more than enough pads to cover all surfaces that need to be covered to make block fully functional). EKWB recommends using small drops of electrically non-conductive (for example: EK-TIM Ectotherm, Arctic Cooling MX-2 ^™ , MX-4 ^™ or GELID GC-Extreme ^™ ) thermal grease on each phase regulator (that is being covered with thermal pad) in order to even further improve the thermal performance of the EK-FC R9-290X block.

1. PLACING THE BLOCK ON TO THE GRAPHICS CARD. Carefully position the water block with preinstalled standoffs on to the graphics card. During this process please make sure you align mounting holes on the PCB with holes on the water block (same applies for other tops). Also pay attention not to use too much force by pressing the block down to the PCB. Chip dies are prone to cracking.

3D technical illustration of a computer motherboard with visible components and connectors (no text or symbols)

1. ATTACHING THE BLOCK TO THE GRAPHIC CARD. Use a Philips screwdriver screw with the enclosed M3x4 DIN 7985 screws. EKWB recommends users to start tightening the screws around the GPU core and continue outwards.

STEP 4: CHECKING FOR CONTACTS

If necessary temporarily remove the water block to check for uniform surface contact between the block and the components, pay special attention to the VRM section of the graphics card. Check whether the water block makes contact with the intended integrated circuit. Then repeat sub-steps in previous section to re-attach the block. In case you fail to obtain good contact, please check again that your thermal pad thickness or contact our support service at http://www.ekwb.com/support.

STEP 5: INSTALLATION OF FITTINGS AND TUBING

Screw in the two G1/4 threaded male fittings. Attach the liquid cooling tubes and connect the water-block(s) into the cooling circuit. EKWB recommends using EK-CSQ fittings with the EK-FC R9-290X series water blocks. To ensure that the tubes are securely attached to the barb/fittings, please use hose clamps or an appropriate substitute.

You can use any opening as an inlet/outlet port.

CAUTION: In case of using connectors other than EK-CSQ or EK-PSC series compression fittings, take special attention to the length of the fittings' male G1/4" thread. In case the thread is longer than 5 mm please use the enclosed 1.8 mm nickel plated spacer!

5mm is the maximum allowed G1/4" thread length!

STEP 6: INSERTING THE CARD IN YOUR PC CASE

Carefully lift your graphics card with installed block and insert it in your PC's motherboard PCI-express expansion slot. Please bear in mind that your graphics card is probably heavier than when it was equipped with original heat sink fan assembly. One needs to be very careful when handling the graphics card. Avoid all un-needed manipulation of the VGA/water block assembly that might damage your card or water block during final installation.

REQUIRED TOOLS:

scissors

Philips head screwdriver