I will leave my thoughts about the EK-Quantum Velocity2 DDC 4.2 PWM D-RGB here in case anyone is thinking of buying it and maybe have similar questions. Feel free to add more info as these products probably will be on the market for longer, and the AMD version was recently released too.
I have the LGA1700 version so this -> https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-quantum-velocity2-ddc-4-2-pwm-d-rgb-1700-nickel-plexi
I bought the block/pump/res combo from EK as their products are always high quality (let's say with some exceptions). At first, I was using it on a Strix Z690-I Gaming mobo with lower-height RAM, and it barely fits. It was an ITX motherboard, so it's always tight. I just got ASUS Z790 Apex, and I wanted to use the EK combo to save space, especially since I need it for CPU only.
1. Filling the small res is somehow pain. It took me a long time to get rid of bubbles in the previous build.
2. The cooler combo is big and heavy. Don't think of using it in most small ITX cases with a "sandwich" design. It simply won't fit because it's large, and we still have to install fittings on top. 60mm has the cooler without fittings. I didn't check it well enough, and I had to change plans for my first build with the EK cooler as it was too tall.
3. I have no idea why someone had such a stupid idea to design it this way, but side inlets/outlets can't be used with most RAM modules. Even if you don't use them, then plugs won't let you install tall RAM on 2 memory slot motherboards or on 4-slot motherboards when you want to use 4 memory modules.
Side inlets/outlets are useless with DDR5, as there is no RAM short enough so that it can be installed under the tubes/fittings.
Below is a picture from the EK website showing how close it is with installed Patriot RAM, so not the tallest one, with a lowered center side of the heatsink.
The tested standard height V-Color DDR5 modules (maybe 5mm taller than regular modules without heatsinks) were exactly in the same spot and can't be taller, or RAM will be "bent" in the slot.
In short, expect problems with all ITX motherboards or any higher 2-slot motherboard series which has shorter RAM traces (for better OC results), as all of them are slightly closer to the CPU socket.
4. You can install it only in one orientation for optimal work unless the motherboard is installed horizontally. I may check it installed at 90°, but I expect problems with the reservoir and buzzing pump.
5. The top is not polished well. You can see the CNC milling texture. Photos on the product pages seem to be edited, so it looks better.
I wanted to reuse as many components from previous builds as I could to save money, but I will probably end with an AIO cooler and close the topic as I don't really want to spend $400 only on cooling.
As I said, feel free to add some comments.
Edit:
I found Alphacool plugs that may solve the issue, but I'm not sure yet - https://www.alphacool.com/shop/fitt...lphacool-eiszapfen-screw-plug-v.2-g1/4-chrome I just ordered 2 to check.
I have the LGA1700 version so this -> https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-quantum-velocity2-ddc-4-2-pwm-d-rgb-1700-nickel-plexi
I bought the block/pump/res combo from EK as their products are always high quality (let's say with some exceptions). At first, I was using it on a Strix Z690-I Gaming mobo with lower-height RAM, and it barely fits. It was an ITX motherboard, so it's always tight. I just got ASUS Z790 Apex, and I wanted to use the EK combo to save space, especially since I need it for CPU only.
1. Filling the small res is somehow pain. It took me a long time to get rid of bubbles in the previous build.
2. The cooler combo is big and heavy. Don't think of using it in most small ITX cases with a "sandwich" design. It simply won't fit because it's large, and we still have to install fittings on top. 60mm has the cooler without fittings. I didn't check it well enough, and I had to change plans for my first build with the EK cooler as it was too tall.
3. I have no idea why someone had such a stupid idea to design it this way, but side inlets/outlets can't be used with most RAM modules. Even if you don't use them, then plugs won't let you install tall RAM on 2 memory slot motherboards or on 4-slot motherboards when you want to use 4 memory modules.
Side inlets/outlets are useless with DDR5, as there is no RAM short enough so that it can be installed under the tubes/fittings.
Below is a picture from the EK website showing how close it is with installed Patriot RAM, so not the tallest one, with a lowered center side of the heatsink.
The tested standard height V-Color DDR5 modules (maybe 5mm taller than regular modules without heatsinks) were exactly in the same spot and can't be taller, or RAM will be "bent" in the slot.
In short, expect problems with all ITX motherboards or any higher 2-slot motherboard series which has shorter RAM traces (for better OC results), as all of them are slightly closer to the CPU socket.
4. You can install it only in one orientation for optimal work unless the motherboard is installed horizontally. I may check it installed at 90°, but I expect problems with the reservoir and buzzing pump.
5. The top is not polished well. You can see the CNC milling texture. Photos on the product pages seem to be edited, so it looks better.
I wanted to reuse as many components from previous builds as I could to save money, but I will probably end with an AIO cooler and close the topic as I don't really want to spend $400 only on cooling.
As I said, feel free to add some comments.
Edit:
I found Alphacool plugs that may solve the issue, but I'm not sure yet - https://www.alphacool.com/shop/fitt...lphacool-eiszapfen-screw-plug-v.2-g1/4-chrome I just ordered 2 to check.
Last edited:
In reality, you have to think about many things, like mentioned filling ports, so sometimes can be additional costs. From a perfect SFF cooling, it becomes an all-in-one cooler for large computers where you don't want or can't install a larger reservoir or a pump+res combo.
