EK FC-290X Review

This review is part of the R9-290X Water Block Roundup.

EK have been pretty reliable recently in having blocks ready at launch and with the R9-290X they did it again. Sadly it took us this long to get the review done because we wanted to compare the block to everyone else’s and some companies are slower to launch blocks than others. EK’s packaging is nothing if not consistent and bright!

The block gets a box while the backplate just gets some bubble wrap. While the bubble wrap is adequate, a box would be nicer. Accessories and detailed instructions are included. Ek probably have the best instructions out there:

This particular version is the plexi/nickel “clean” style block. EK usually have a bunch of different versions including full cover acetal, both copper and nickel, then they have the “clean” vs CSQ circle style. It all gives you options but presumably increases costs slightly both for EK and resellers. We would rather have options though so this is not a complaint. Despite this EK’s plexi/copper offering is the cheapest block in the roundup.

The nickel plating is not quite as luxurious as Watercool’s or Aquacomputers – there are more machining marks and the end result is not as “mirrored”. This does not mean it performs any worse of course.

This shot also lets you see the plexi “bridge” that lets coolant flow to the VRM section of the block which is more evident when dye is added:

Dye always adds something to a plexi block – I have to admit though I feel like the “glass” effect on the AquaComputer block though is a little prettier but this is certainly not bad:

The backplate also comes with accessories and instructions:

The included thermal pads means that this backplate helps to cool the VRMs (a good amount) and the GPU core (very slightly). The finish on the backplate is nice, the countersunk color matched screws give it a clean look and the logo is nice and tastefully small:

The inner side of the backplate is machined so as to provide good thermal contact yet avoiding any electrical contact:

EK is the only manufacturer who uses minimal countersunk color matched screws so as to keep a very clean look and I have no idea why no one else has done this:

Thermal Results

For greater detail in thermal results vs flow and block restriction check out this page.

The EK block is a solid all rounder. Performance is improved over the Titan/780 roundup where performance was poor at low flow rates. Performance is now good throughout the range though it’s not good enough to challenge the leaders:

For VRM temperatures EK again does well and the backplate with it’s thermal pads helps some more. However the AquaComputer backplate helps the EK block even more and so it’s clear that again EK have done a good job, but are still not performing at the top of their game.

Summary

EK has produced an attractive all rounder. It performs well on core, VRM and keeps a decently low restriction. While not performing at the top on any single one metric it never performs near the bottom and due to it’s low price it therefore wins the value award.

Overall: 8/10

Where to buy: Block $118–130, Backplate: $29–37

Back to the R9-290X Water Block Roundup.