EK has just revealed the latest addition to their EK-Quantum Vector series of active backplates. The EK-Quantum Vector Strix RTX 3080/3090 active backplate will pair up with the similarly named water blocks and actively cool the backside of ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3080 and 3090 GPUs if the name hadn’t already given that part away!#
The EK-Quantum Vector Strix RTX 3080/3090 Active Backplate comes with a new terminal that replaces the stock terminal arriving with the Vector water block and links the water block and Vector Active backplate into a single unit. This way, the whole enclosure requires only one inlet and one outlet, removing unnecessary additional tubing and reducing clutter. The ultimate aesthetic and performance solution finds your GPU sandwiched between two water blocks, allowing maximum cooling.
Active Backplates for ASUS ROG Strix RTX 3080/3090
It’s a clever design, as it cools all the PCB hotspots on the front and back of the card this way. It’ll look awesome, sure, but it will really help with performance for those wanting to push some much more ambitious overclocks. Furthermore, just lower temperatures, in general, are a big win if your goal is stability and quiet performance.
These newly developed active backplates feature a fin array with eight wide channels allowing for very low flow restriction. This, in turn, provides overall lower temperatures, while the active backplate itself gets more than sufficient surface area for heat transfer.
Nickel-Plated Electrolytic Copper
“The base of the active backplate is CNC-machined out of nickel-plated electrolytic copper, while the top is either CNC-machined out of glass-like cast Acrylic or black POM acetal. The rest of the backplate is made of nickel-plated or anodized aluminium, and it doesn’t come in contact with the liquid. These Vector Active Backplates also feature terminals that match the top cover – the Plexi version has an acrylic terminal, while the acetal one boasts the black POM acetal terminal. The watertight sealing is ensured by high-quality EPDM O-rings.” – EK
Compatibility
EK-Quantum Vector Strix RTX 3080/3090 Active Backplates are compatible with EK-Quantum Vector Strix RTX 3080/3090 water blocks made for ROG Strix PCB design.
Availability and Pricing
The EK-Quantum Vector Strix RTX series active backplates are made in Slovenia, Europe, and are already available for pre-order through the EK Online Shop and Partner Reseller Network. They are expected to start shipping in mid-June 2021.
