Finding the right waterblock for your Graphics Card!
If you are building a custom loop for your PC, one of the trickiest parts of the process is not picking a radiator or choosing your fittings. It is finding the correct GPU block for your specific graphics card. Unlike CPU water blocks, there is no universal fit here. Each block is engineered to align with the GPU die, VRAM chips, and VRM power delivery components of a particular card’s PCB (Printed Circuit Board) layout. So how do you make sure you are buying the right one? Let’s find out.
Reference vs Custom Designs
Graphics cards come in two PCB variants, and this is the key factor when choosing a water block.
Reference (or Founders Edition) designs use the standard PCB layout created by NVIDIA or AMD. Water block manufacturers typically support these first, so compatibility is relatively straightforward.
Custom (AIB) designs are a different matter entirely. Brands like ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, and EVGA often modify the PCB layout, moving or resizing components. A block made for the reference card will not fit a custom PCB, even if the GPU chip is identical. The block needs to align precisely so that its coldplate contacts the GPU die and its thermal pads sit correctly on every VRAM chip and VRM. I do feel that this is worth stressing, as it is a common source of confusion.
Always check whether your card uses a reference or custom PCB before purchasing a water block. The same GPU model (e.g. RTX 4080) can have dozens of different PCB designs across different brands and SKUs. Getting this wrong could mean shelling out for a block you simply cannot use, and that is not a mistake anyone wants to make.
Compatibility Checkers
Most water block manufacturers provide tools to check exactly which block fits your card. I would strongly recommend using these before buying. It is a fairly quick process and could save you a lot of hassle. Below i’ve included all the links you need to check compatibility for your cards, click the images to each configurator site.
EK Waterblocks
EK offer a GPU Configurator on their website. You enter your card model and it will return a list of compatible EK blocks. Dead easy.
Engineered for the Gigabyte AORUS GeForce RTX™ 5090 MASTER and Gigabyte GeForce RTX™ 5090 GAMING OC 32G models, the EK-Quantum Vector³ Master RTX 5090 – Plexi delivers elite thermal performance for enthusiasts who demand more. Featuring EK’s expanded next-gen cooling engine, pre-cut high-performance…
- SKU: WAEK-2812
- MPN: 3831129901148
- EAN: 3831129901148
£270.49£225.41 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
The EK-Quantum Vector³ TUF RTX 5080 – Plexi represents the pinnacle of high-performance liquid cooling, designed specifically for the ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX™ 5080 16GB GDDR7 and ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX™ 5080 16GB GDDR7 OC Edition. Featuring an…
- SKU: WAEK-2809
- MPN: 3831129901100
- EAN: 3831129901100
£259.49£216.24 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
The EK-Quantum Vector³ FE RTX 5090 – Plexi is a high-performance water block designed exclusively for the NVIDIA GeForce RTX™ 5090 Founders Edition. With a new, expanded cooling engine, improved thermal pads, and a precision-engineered gasket system, this block ensures…
- SKU: 1026490
- MPN: 3831129901179
- EAN: 3831129901179
£264.77£220.64 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
The EK-Quantum Vector³ Suprim RTX 5090 – Plexi represents the pinnacle of high-performance liquid cooling, designed specifically for the MSI GeForce RTX™ 5090 32G SUPRIM SOC and MSI GeForce RTX™ 5090 32G SUPRIM OC. Featuring an improved, larger cooling engine,…
- SKU: 1026799
- MPN: 3831129901155
- EAN: 3831129901155
£272.76£227.30 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
Alphacool
Alphacool provide a few different tools depending on the age of your card:
- Alphacool GPU Config, for NVIDIA 30-series / AMD RX 6000 and newer cards..
- Alphacool HWConfig, for older cards (prior to NVIDIA 30-series / AMD RX 5000).
- Alphacool also detail all of this in two handy PDF compatibility lists for both NVIDIA and AMD.
Alphacool introduces its new series of graphics card water coolers for the latest Nvidia GeForce RTX generation. Part of the Core product series, these coolers combine the highest quality with exceptional performance. Thanks to an optimized technical design, these GPU…
- SKU: 1026786
- MPN: 10268
- EAN: 4250197102681
£179.50£149.58 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
Alphacool introduces its new series of graphics card water coolers for the latest Nvidia GeForce RTX generation. Part of the Core product series, these coolers combine the highest quality with exceptional performance. Thanks to an optimized technical design, these GPU…
- SKU: 1026788
- MPN: 10276
- EAN: 4250197102766
£219.41£182.84 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
Alphacool introduces its new series of graphics card water coolers for the latest Nvidia GeForce RTX generation. Part of the Core product series, these coolers combine the highest quality with exceptional performance. Thanks to an optimized technical design, these GPU…
- SKU: 1026789
- MPN: 14739
- EAN: 4250197147392
£219.41£182.84 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
Alphacool introduces its new series of graphics card water coolers for the latest Nvidia GeForce RTX generation. Part of the Core product series, these coolers combine the highest quality with exceptional performance. Thanks to an optimized technical design, these GPU…
- SKU: 1026987
- MPN: 10293
- EAN: 4250197102933
£220.01£183.34 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
Watercool / Heatkiller
Watercool provide a Heatkiller Compatibility PDF. It is worth downloading this and cross-referencing your exact card model before committing to a purchase.
The new HEATKILLER V graphics card coolers for Palit and Gainward RTX 5090 graphics cards are the consequent further development of our already very successful RTX 4090 graphics card coolers, optimised for maximum performance.
- SKU: WACH-924
- MPN: 15683
- EAN: 4251312607302
£353.50£294.58 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
The new HEATKILLER V graphics card coolers for Palit and Gainward RTX 5090 graphics cards are the consequent further development of our already very successful RTX 4090 graphics card coolers, optimised for maximum performance.
- SKU: WACH-923
- MPN: 15684
- EAN: 4251312607333
£359.60£299.67 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
The new HEATKILLER V graphics card coolers for Palit and Gainward RTX 5090 graphics cards are the consistent further development of our already above-average successful RTX 4090 graphics card coolers, optimised for maximised performance.
- SKU: WACH-922
- MPN: 15681
- EAN: 4251312607319
£307.20£256.00 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
The new HEATKILLER V graphics card coolers for Palit and Gainward RTX 5090 graphics cards are the consistent further development of our already above-average successful RTX 4090 graphics card coolers, optimised for maximised performance.
- SKU: WACH-921
- MPN: 15682
- EAN: 4251312607326
£269.50£224.58 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
Aquacomputer
Aquacomputer offer a dedicated NVIDIA Compatibility PDF. As with the others, check your specific model and revision carefully.
Alphacool introduces its new series of graphics card water coolers for the latest AMD Radeon RX generation. Part of the Core product series, these coolers combine the highest quality with exceptional performance. Thanks to an optimized technical design, these GPU…
- SKU: 1026561
- MPN: 14778
- EAN: 4250197147781
£169.49£141.24 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
Alphacool introduces its new series of graphics card water coolers for the latest AMD Radeon RX generation. Part of the Core product series, these coolers combine the highest quality with exceptional performance. Thanks to an optimized technical design, these GPU…
- SKU: 1026562
- MPN: 14779
- EAN: 4250197147798
£169.49£141.24 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
Alphacool introduces its new series of graphics card water coolers for the latest AMD Radeon RX generation. Part of the Core product series, these coolers combine the highest quality with exceptional performance. Thanks to an optimized technical design, these GPU…
- SKU: 1026565
- MPN: 14782
- EAN: 4250197147828
£219.41£182.84 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
Alphacool introduces its new series of graphics card water coolers for the latest AMD Radeon RX generation. Part of the Core product series, these coolers combine the highest quality with exceptional performance. Thanks to an optimized technical design, these GPU…
- SKU: 1026458
- MPN: 10289
- EAN: 4250197102896
£219.41£182.84 Inc VatEx Vat
Available
Bykski
Bykski list the compatible card models directly on each product page, along with a photo of the bare PCB for visual confirmation. This is quite a nice touch, as it gives you an extra layer of reassurance that the block matches your card’s layout.
Barrow
Barrow take the same approach as Bykski. Compatible card models are listed on each product page, and a photo of the bare PCB is included for visual confirmation.
Need Help Finding the Right Block?
Once you have identified the correct block for your GPU using the tools above, get in touch and we can advise on the options available from our store. The rest of your loop, your pump, tubing, and coolant, are all universal and do not depend on your GPU model. You can also email us directly with the EAN or part number of the block you need. For those who are still unsure, it is always better to double-check than to end up with an incompatible block. A quick message could save you a good deal of time (and money).
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