I've seen numerous treads of ek blocks and folks getting error 97 on intels and b2 or 62 on amds after installing or dying soon after.  Has anyone  using the other brands seen the same issues? I seen another tread where ek wanted a guy to sent his block and card to them.  This is pretty troubling if you have any more info please add it below. 
 
Thanks 

I just followed the instructions (block & backplate) and it has been running strong for around a month.

Eksu99

blaise
I just followed the instructions (block & backplate) and it has been running strong for around a month.

Do you have 3080 or 3090?

3090 FTW3 Ultra Gaming

I have been watercooling since 2010 and never had an issue in the past. I just finished installing the EK waterblock on my 3080 FTW3 last night. I made no modifications to any pads.

The only differences I have made from the EK manual is that instead of the X method when applying thermal paste to the die, I used my usual manual spreading method with a credit card. Also instead of the EK TIM I used my own thermal grizzly hydronaught TIM that I had laying around.

Also I’m not using the EK backplate but the EVGA one instead because I like the way it looks. I drilled the holes on the EVGA backplate to make them wider.

I will report back with my results later today once I’m done with the tubing

I have had my EK water block on my 3090FTW Ultra for over a month and a half without any problems with it period.

Emparus
No problems here with Ekwb waterblock on a 3090 FTW3 ultra. Some people may have tried to put the backplate on with the GPU bracket on as it is not specifically stated in the manual. Otherwise, I don't see any way to screw that up. Electrostatic discharge can always be a problem but is very rare. 

I took the io-bracket off when installing but my 3080 ftw3 died after ~2h of using with the block. Normal temps etc. Got artifacts and the card died.

Emparus
No problems here with Ekwb waterblock on a 3090 FTW3 ultra. Some people may have tried to put the backplate on with the GPU bracket on as it is not specifically stated in the manual. Otherwise, I don't see any way to screw that up. Electrostatic discharge can always be a problem but is very rare. 

I installed the EKWB on my 2080ti and the directions were flat out wrong. Also, the backplate was missing thermal pads, etc.. All in all it was a very stressful and  frustrating process and it is *super* easy to mess up if the directions tells you flat out the wrong pad thickness for certain chips on the board.  Also, what is up with having to cut the pads to the correct width for the price point they ask for?  I went hybrid (KingPin) this time and am waiting for the hydro versions...

xMAXxIMUSx
happend to my Strix just got a replacement from Asus, so its not just EVGA. I know i had to use a few different size thermal pads besides recommended or i would never have had gotten backplate on, also had one of those mp5 backplate coolers aswell.

I've put EK water blocks on multiple Strix 3090s and MSI Gaming X Trio and Suprim cards without issue.  I had no trouble getting the backplate on with the recommended thermal pads in the instructions.

Been using EK blocks for years....580...680...780Ti...1080Ti....never any issues and am quite confident my 3080 will be fine!!!
Likely user error installing.
Sure the first few you do can be a bit stressful I suppose, but after many not a big deal....I too dont use the "X" method as instructed ....too messy when disassembling later on down the road.
The only thing I have ever found that you defintely have to careful with is when you pull the pull apart to clean inside, best to try not to disturb that big gasket, it can be a pita to get back in and seated correctly !

rjbarker
Been using EK blocks for years....580...680...780Ti...1080Ti....never any issues and am quite confident my 3080 will be fine!!!
Likely user error installing.
Sure the first few you do can be a bit stressful I suppose, but after many not a big deal....I too dont use the "X" method as instructed ....too messy when disassembling later on down the road.
The only thing I have ever found that you defintely have to careful with is when you pull the pull apart to clean inside, best to try not to disturb that big gasket, it can be a pita to get back in and seated correctly !

I agree. The most stressful part of the install is taking apart the stock cooler and cleaning out the stock thermal gunk. Lots of room for error here!
 
Also in the manual it states not to overtighten the block as the die is prone to cracking. I wonder if users are tightening things too much

Turbo-12R

blaise
I just followed the instructions (block & backplate) and it has been running strong for around a month.

 Same 

^^+8 or wherever we are.  3090 FTW Ultra, EK Block & BP. I'm sure it's probably very frustrating, and upsetting. 

i never did any custom thingies just cause if bad things happen most of times its not covered under warranty

The only thing I would say that would mean this isn't a water-block issue, is that there are tons of people running them on the stock air coolers in here that seem to be getting the no video red light of death issue. I really wish EVGA would actually acknowledge this is an issue though. I'm about to receive my THIRD ftw3 ultra. and 2nd RMA, I REALLY hope there is not a fourth.

I would say you could sell it and buy a 3090 from another company then slap a wb on it. But it would probably take you about 5 years to find one.

Jynxed16
Call me stupid or brave but I put the block back on my RMAd card and it’s been running heaven an hour straight now and working fine under water 🙏. I heated the card up first with gaming then was super careful with proper screws washers and even a bit extra thermal pads on the back plate

I’m still hitting 67c after all this time but it’s loads better than 86c and all that fan noise hopefully this gives someone hope will update if it dies

Both my 3090's died (they were both installed at the same time) after waterblock installs.  I do think it was the stock cooler removal that was the culprit.  The PCB seems to bend so damn easily AND that putty is tough as hell.  I think the amount of wiggling and tugging may have caused some issues.  I've built several water cooled rigs in the past 10 years and I've never had issues like this.
 
To your point -- heating the card up prior to removing everything sounds like it works for many people.  I read someone else warmed theres up a little bit with a heat gun before removing the stock cooler to help soften up the putty so that it wasn't so tough.
 
I just sent a support ticket today to RMA both my FTW3 3090's and if EVGA does RMA both my cards, I'm pretty nervous about trying to waterblock them again.  But I really want to, because they looked awesome in my rig before I realized they were friggin dead lol.