EKWB Outs World's First Radeon R9 290X Water Block

EKWB has just announced the world's first water block for the all-new AMD Radeon R9-290X graphics card, and as we're used to from EKWB, it's a pretty one! The water blocks will live under the EK-FC R9-290X model name.

Our review of the Radeon R9 290X can be read here.

The water block is one that covers the card's GPU, memory, and VRM circuitry. As usual, it also features the high-flow design, meaning that it can be used in systems with weaker pumps or more complex loops. The area of the copper block right above the GPU also features a new 0.6 mm wide microchannel structure for added heat conductivity.

Included with the water block are some pre-installed brass standoffs, thermal pads, and some TIM. A backplate is available, but it is not included by default.

The EK-FC R9-290X will come in five different versions, with pricing listed in the table below. Currently they are available for purchase on the EKWB webshop. Note that the Acetal version physically actually covers more of the graphics card than the alternative models.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
SKUMSRP (Euro)MSRP (USD)
EK-FC R9-290X92,95€$127.82
EK-FC R9-290X - Acetal94,95€$130.58
EK-FC R9-290X - Nickel104,95€$141.59
EK-FC R9-290X - Acetal+Nickel105,95€$144.31
EK-FC R9-290X - Nickel (Original CSQ)105,95€$144.31
EK-FC R9-290X Backplate - Black26,38€$36.28
Niels Broekhuijsen

Niels Broekhuijsen is a Contributing Writer for Tom's Hardware US. He reviews cases, water cooling and pc builds.

  • clonazepam
    Very nice but never doing the nickel again... ever.
    Reply
  • Amdlova
    I see some benchies above 1200mhz LOL! one radiator per card.
    Reply
  • bowzef
    i would do this but, one too much work and 2 high chance of issues, il stick to safe aftermarket air coolers
    Reply
  • net_nakul
    Good thing the card temp is capped at 95c, or else the water may reach boiling point if the radiator fans are to malfuction or sth!
    Reply
  • one-shot
    Water boils at 100C at sea level with 1.00 atmosphere (pressure). I live at 4500 feet where the boiling point of water is about 95C. If you live at higher elevations, be careful or add a solute to raise the boiling point above that of H2O only.
    Reply
  • one-shot
    This site won't let me edit my previous post, so I'm going to post again. It should be 100C, not 1000C.
    Reply
  • teodoreh
    I think VGAs need watercooling more that CPUs. I mean, even the stronger CPU has a TDP of 130~150 while a GPU may reach TDP of 300!!
    Reply
  • Au_equus
    if the water in your liquid cooled system is approaching anywhere near 80C, you're doing something very wrong.
    Reply
  • KelvinTy
    People are commenting about the dumbest things. If you are looking forward to a decent performance boost, water cooling is a great solution, it transfers the heat away a lot more efficiently than air, PREVENTing the chip from overheating. It also raises the thermal ceiling and reduces noise output (in most cases).
    The chip should be destroyed way before the water reaches 95 degrees, since the voltage needed to heat that much water would be insane.
    If you would think about it, using your brain, we humans are around 80% water, and we don't simply explode even if we are cooked...
    Reply
  • Steveymoo
    So cheap.
    Reply