EK GTX 480 Full Cover Water Block Unboxing & First Look Linus Tech Tips

This video is an unboxing and first look at the EK GTX 480 full cover water block, specifically the acrylic nickel version. Linus walks through what’s included in the package, starting with thermal pads and stoppers, which have new styling featuring O-rings and spacers to accommodate long fittings and prevent interference. He emphasizes the importance of using quality thermal pads for aftermarket GPU cooling, noting that a poor pad can degrade contact and potentially shorten the card’s lifespan, even if immediate effects aren’t obvious. The presenter points out the components that come with the block, such as washers, spacers, screws, and a detailed instruction sheet, and discusses how the hardware will mount to the GPU and RAM. He then extols the visual appeal of the nickel-plated block, highlighting its mirror-like finish and non-oxidizing properties compared to copper blocks, which can develop fingerprints over time. The video culminates with a teaser that he will install the block on the MSI GTX 480 card and create a follow-up guide, while also inviting viewers to see the block’s machined surfaces and intended contact points for RAM, GPU, and VRM. Throughout, Linus conveys enthusiasm for EK’s pro cover blocks and signals how the block will contribute to cooling and quiet operation in his water-cooled system, ending with a reminder to subscribe to Linus Tech Tips.

Topics · technology · hardware · water-cooling · unboxing · gpu · pc-build