2021 PC Build Pt 7 - Installing the EK Quantum Mono-block on the Dark Hero!

[@MrEngenz]

I just received my parts from EKWB and started putting everything together today. I wanted to see other installs and found this video. Firstly, thank you for uploading this video! It's incredibly helpful! Also, I could be completely wrong about this but I wanted to mention that I'm pretty sure the screws with the brown-paper backing are actually replacement washers for the bottom side of the Monoblock. They have a sticky adhesive under the paper backing which is similar to those that came pre-installed with my Monoblock. I think EKWB might have intended the clear washers with no paper backing to be used on the back side of the motherboard. I didn't see any other comments about this and figured I would mention it for anyone else who comes across your video. Again, I could be completely wrong. Regardless, thank you again for the video!

[@jonnytechno2662]

Ditto

[@UnhingedSystems]

Thank you for the comment! Glad you found the video helpful! I'll go back and take another look at the washers!

[@richardgomez8010]

There's nothing quite like a good monoblock

[@frankfontaine5610]

was doing this without instructions..... didnt even know EK had sent a back plate. Thanks buddy, you saved my sanity tonite!!

[@UnhingedSystems]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@UnhingedSystems]

Pro-tip: The EK thermal pads aren't great, highly recommend replacing with Thermal Grizzly Minus 8 pads or Thermalright Odyssey Pads. EK pads are 4W/mK, Minus 8 pads are 8W/mK and Thermalright Odyssey are 12.8 W/mK. I'll be doing some videos comparing thermal pad performance but the TLDR is that with EK pads the memory still gets > 86C and with Minus 8 pads 68C. Huge difference, especially on the backplate side. Did they send the 8mm screws or the 7mm screws? Pretty bad coil whine with their default design 7mm screws and 1mm thermal pads on the RAM (I'll be doing a video on this as well). I wish I could pump out these videos faster because there is a lot of useful information to share!

[@JCrowe86]

@@UnhingedSystems What pad specifically did you use? I'm on amazon and there are multiple options of size and thickness for the Minus 8 pads. I'm also watercooling my 3090 ftw3. Should I replace any ek pads for that while I'm at it?

[@UnhingedSystems]

@@JCrowe86 The Minus 8 pads thickness varies so you need to check the pad thickness for the backplate kit. Whatever pads they use for the backplate kit you will need the same thickness pads to replace with the minus 8 pads. Personally I would recommend using the minus 8 pads for behind the GPU itself, and for the RAM, but other than that the EK pads are sufficient (though man do they leak oils all over the card, very gross). For size use a similar size to what comes with the EK pads (120x24 etc) you can also use 120x120 and just manually cut them down if you choose.

[@harmankhinda5743]

Thanks bro. Had almost the exact same parts on my build, and it’s my first ever. Would have never figured it without this video!

[@UnhingedSystems]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@harmankhinda5743]

@@UnhingedSystems thanks bro. Putting the block on my strix 3090 and following your other video as well atm! Really saved me haha

[@Milkysoyboy]

I’ve always been fascinated by water cooled PCs, but i can’t see myself ever doing it. The fear of ruining other components is daunting! It’s nice to watch someone who knows what they’re doing though because I can get to see the ins and outs without having to stress!

[@UnhingedSystems]

It certainly isn't for the faint of heart and real-world performance gains may not be worth it for most people. Excited to share the temperature and performance numbers, just a few more videos away!

[@Milkysoyboy]

@@UnhingedSystems looking forward to finding out those numbers!

[@derekg2132]

Good too know the asus crosshair monoblock works with the new dark hero

[@UnhingedSystems]

It is a great mono-block. A single CPU block would have been just as good but I love the look and size of the mono-block!

[@derekg2132]

@@UnhingedSystems i love mono block and couldn't find one specifically for the new dark hero so I guess this one fits

[@dgreat1000]

@@derekg2132 just bought this and installed it on dark hero..i can 110% confirmed it fit exactly like in the video with all screw hole aligned accordingly

[@tommcqueen2840]

Very helpful. I've been looking at exactly this setup.

[@UnhingedSystems]

It's a great setup, won't find any complaints from me! Thanks for watching!

[@aggieking87]

This was extremely helpful, thank you!

[@UnhingedSystems]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@venomnight]

Thanks for video I was wondering if the block would fit the dark hero perfect video

[@SobanBhatti]

Excellent video. Thanks for all the details like how much torque is needed on those backplate screws etc. My install should be a breeze!

[@UnhingedSystems]

You're gonna love it!

[@haydenmathers7894]

That ryzen chip is stunning 😍

[@UnhingedSystems]

My power bill will be stunning as well! This PC will eat up 800-1000W gaming vs my old build that was 450-550 while gaming.

[@expertfire4725]

11:40 Idk I never saw anyone do it Omg U r soooooooooo gooooooooooooooddddddd Now I literally can't wait to see more of ur vids duuuuuudddeeeee

[@UnhingedSystems]

The MX-4 compound actually came with a spreader for that purpose. It allows a nice thin layer to be applied without doing too much or too little. You'll see in next week's video I do the same thing on the 3090 GPU! Thank you for the comment!

[@expertfire4725]

@@UnhingedSystems ah yeah I am waiting

[@alexgta5gaming392]

This guy the best ❤️

[@UnhingedSystems]

Awww thank you! I appreciate that!

[@mecradore]

I have the same mobo and monoblock so thanks for this video. I kind of messed up though and bought 2x quantum kinetic 240s. I have the Corsair Obisidian 1000d case and i'm having issues finding where to mount them lol. The only thing I can come up with is custom mount.

[@UnhingedSystems]

Thank you for watching! Custom mounts can be a cool endeavor! Good luck with your build!

[@mecradore]

Thank you very much!!

[@RefrigeratedTP]

if you just pull up on the plastic IO cover a bit, you can simply slide the VRM heatsink out. I'm only watching this video to procrastinate because I know the monoblock is a bitch to install. I've done it like 4 times now lol. it's a motherboard balancing act.

[@UnhingedSystems]

Agreed, it's a game of "don't drop the motherboard!" Haha

[@derekg2132]

Which side of the thermal side goes down nd up I realize taking off the darker side nd ghe other side one side is really sticky one isn't. I'm stuck cant really tell in the video so when I take plastic covers from noth sides do I put the really sticky side facing up or down to stick to the mosfets or facing up to stick to the block

[@ChristopherJones16]

Thats actually a good question. The factory cooling on the mobo had the thermal pads sticky up onto the heatsinks... it probably doesnt matter however I feel like most would put sticky down on mosfets, but logically I would myself consider putting sticky up so they stick to the block upon installing the block. Because if you think about it. You dont want the sticky self to melt so the sticky stuff would experience a cooler temp if its stuck to the cooling block than if they were stuck to hot mosfets. Probably why the Gigabyte factory put their sticky side to the cooler temp heatsink than to the hot mosfets.... plus if you want to replace the cooling block and put back on the factory heat sinks.. there will be no sticky residue left behind on the mosfets after peeling away the thermal pads since the thermal pads will lift right off due to them being stuck to the cooling block.

[@mysticswordsman5688]

could never do custom water cooling i bet it's interesting tho. if you mess up that's a lot of money down the drain

[@UnhingedSystems]

That is why I enjoy helping people with their systems! For those that are not comfortable to DIY, there are lots of experienced people out there to help and even work with them to build it!

[@mysticswordsman5688]

@@UnhingedSystems yeah, i need to watch your vids more often i ended up needing a replacement motherboard after i stripped the screws. i couldn't tell which direction was correct because the screws were to tight. is there anyway i can extract a stripped screw without breaking the board. my board is a asus b-550 a and the screws i'm asking about are for the 2 cooler brackets near the cpu

[@UnhingedSystems]

@@mysticswordsman5688 stripped screws are no fun. There are tools for removing stripped screws by using a hammer and a tap (not great for motherboard use) and then there would be drilling it out with something like a Dremel or small drill bit and a drill. Either way, risky to the motherboard. Those little screws can't take much abuse. Always remember, lefty-loosey, righty-tighty. Ensuring you have the right sized bit for the job is key to not stripping the screws.

[@mysticswordsman5688]

@@UnhingedSystems thank you but considering all the risk you just described i'll go ahead and order another board. I won't let this stop me from building my gaming pc. Wish me luck when i get the replacement and thank you so much again.

[@UnhingedSystems]

@@mysticswordsman5688 Good luck with the new board!

[@juhman3604]

Where do you plug the EK Block please ? Mine is always white color . I can't change de color

[@UnhingedSystems]

You need to plug it into a 5V ARGB header either on an RGB controller or on your motherboard. Please ensure your system is completely powered off and unplugged as the ARGB headers are quite sensitive to shorting out if they are powered while moving around plugs.

[@Mew77778]

Can you use the default backplate instead of the provided one?

[@UnhingedSystems]

I wouldn't recommend using the stock backplate with the waterblock. I also wouldn't recommend running without a backplate as the VRAM gets super hot without one. As a note the waterblock and backplate are purchased separately.

[@bullandrew4922]

Can you put back the backplate with the rgb cover after installing the monoblock? Nice video, im looking for upgrading my setup with this mobo, and monoblock soon. 5950x is already here :D

[@UnhingedSystems]

Thank you for the question! Are you referring to the plastic motherboard shroud? Once the mono-block is installed all the shrouds are reinstalled except for the heatsinks on the VRM.

[@kurocxl5497]

Does this work on the the non dark hero

[@UnhingedSystems]

Yes, it is compatible with the regular Crosshair VIII!

[@avenger5407]

Nice🔥🔥🔥

[@alexgta5gaming392]

If i had a good gpu and ryzen 9 i be insane

[@mahaji9062]

Nice vid, i like it

[@UnhingedSystems]

Which Dark Hero link would you like?

[@mahaji9062]

@@UnhingedSystems Amazon link

[@UnhingedSystems]

@@mahaji9062 I'm not currently affiliated with Amazon, but the Dark Hero isn't readily available from retailers right now (out of stock). I did a quick search on Amazon and the board is going from third party sellers for over $650USD, way overpriced. Scalping is ridiculous right now.

[@kieranadie3793]

Wheres shishirs shout out huh?

[@UnhingedSystems]

It will come! I plan most of my content out 6-8 weeks right now. Shishir Chalise will get a shoutout soon!

[@shishirchalise8670]

@@UnhingedSystemsjheez 😄

[@stephenculcasi]

Can the ports be rotated to better align with a distro plate if needed?

[@UnhingedSystems]

The ports themselves don't rotate (the plate only fit in one way due to the VRM cooling) but you can achieve the same result with a couple of fittings.

[@stephenculcasi]

@@UnhingedSystems thank you!

[@mahaji9062]

Who is the rtx 3070 giveaway winner?

[@UnhingedSystems]

Mihai .Constantin was our big winner!

[@crowstare7647]

Water cool is very scary to do.

[@UnhingedSystems]

It can be scary, but it can also be fun! I really enjoy doing water-cooled builds for myself and for others.

[@alexgta5gaming392]

Super scary

[@jonnytechno2662]

I'm literally copying your build. Thank you.

[@UnhingedSystems]

Awesome! Send me a photo on Instagram or any of my other socials when you are done, I would love to see it!

[@derekg2132]

So when I Instal thermal pads the dark blue side I take off and that side facing down on the mosfets or the other way just wondering cahsr thay side isn't sticky the other side is

[@UnhingedSystems]

Sticky side down is easiest for positioning but harder for cleanup afterwards (depends on the thermal pads). The EK pads are a little more of a pain to work with. I tried both ways, but I prefer the side with the harder plastic to be "up" because it is easier to remove. For thermal heat transfer it doesn't matter which side is down or which side is up. Cleanup would be easier if the sticky side is on the block side if removing them or replacing them later.

[@derekg2132]

@@UnhingedSystems thanks yeah pain to worl with so I put sticky side down so when j had to removed and reposting the block cause it was hard getting all the holes to line up question the cable from the monoblock where does it plug on on the board I see its got that weird style 2 ones empty than a third I only saw one plug like thag but it seems far says if I plug it onto the wrong spot can damage motherboard or block I see the d rgb plug but thay can't be it cause it has 4 prongs sticking up the plug on the mono block on had a place for 3 2 in a row than a blank spot that the third weird. I see one plug with 3 pin says add a rgb whatever but idk if thay it seems far away from the monoblock on asus dark hero its on thr rigut side next to the ram idk if thats it I know plugging q 5v aegb into a 12v or vice versa can fry shit its funny how many build videos are online linus jayztwocents I find none thay shows step by step wiring or watercooling like how much to tighten fittkng I to a distro plate or how to fully prepare a tube to put ina fittkng without cutting o ring etc

[@UnhingedSystems]

@@derekg2132 The 5V is labeled "ADD_GEN2" and has three pins the other one is 4 pins and in 12V.

[@derekg2132]

@@UnhingedSystems ok what about the mono block has that 3 pin so does rhe gpu block

[@derekg2132]

@@UnhingedSystems gpu block is a pain in the ass doing 3090 ftw3 ultra direction said 13 screws than pul it off nut they forgot to mention the i/o shield has to come off the says removed the plugs dorsnt say jow I got one off suppose to just push em but the three side by side I can't get off kust be tight im scared it breaking soketjkng than the amount of thermal pads between the block and backplate are crazy and im always wortied about how tight or noy tight to put the screws same thing with fitting g how tight yo I tight into distroplare some people sag hand tighten some peoppe sag a tool