EK Takes Home Top Honors for Custom Coolers at EHA Reader Awards 2023

EK, the renowned manufacturer of premium PC water cooling equipment, has proudly announced its latest achievement: winning the prestigious EHA Reader Awards 2023 for Best Custom Coolers. EK’s innovative custom Liquid Cooling product line, Quantum, has been recognized for its ability to take performance and aesthetics to new heights. These highly sought-after awards are the result of votes from the discerning readers of nine influential European technology publications, with a combined audience of 20 million. This dedicated community of enthusiasts, gamers, early adopters, and influencers played a crucial role in the nominations and voting process that led to this prestigious honor. Earlier this year, EK’s EK-Quantum Velocity² CPU water block also secured the European Hardware Award for Best Custom Cooling, further solidifying EK’s commitment to delivering top-tier cooling solutions for PC enthusiasts.

Beyond the accolades and recognition, EK is focused on advancing the PC-building experience for enthusiasts. This commitment is exemplified by the introduction of the EK-Matrix7 standard, a revolutionary concept aimed at simplifying and enhancing the process of building custom liquid cooling loops.

For PC enthusiasts and modders, assembling a liquid cooling system can often be a meticulous and demanding task. With the EK-Matrix7 standard, EK sought to change the game by standardizing the dimensions, port positions, and spacing of liquid cooling components. This level of standardization is unprecedented in the custom water cooling industry. All products adhering to the Matrix7 standard are designed with increments of 7 mm. For example, extender fittings are available in heights of 7, 14, and 28 mm, while radiators come in thicknesses of 30, 44, and 58 mm.

In simple terms, Matrix7 ensures compatibility between components. Let’s say you want to use a 58 mm thick EK-Quantum Surface X radiator. Pairing it with a Quantum Torque 90° angled rotary fitting will perfectly align with the ports on any Quantum Reflection² distribution plate. Alternatively, if you choose a 44 mm thick Quantum Surface P Series radiator and add a 14 mm extender, your setup will reach the same 58 mm height as with the X Series radiator. Similarly, incorporating 28 mm extenders will achieve the desired 58 mm height with an S Series radiator. This standardized approach eliminates the need for complex calculations and custom adjustments, ensuring that components work seamlessly together.

One of the main goals of EK-Matrix7 is to combine simplicity with aesthetics. Enthusiasts often face the challenge of tube bending to align components, which can be a tedious and time-consuming process. With EK-Matrix7, this challenge becomes a thing of the past. EK’s dedication to innovation and excellence in PC liquid cooling goes beyond receiving awards; it extends to empowering PC enthusiasts. With the EK-Matrix7 standard and the Quantum product lineup, EK is reshaping the landscape of custom liquid cooling, making it more accessible, efficient, and visually appealing. As EK Water Blocks continues to push boundaries, the PC building community can look forward to creating exceptional liquid-cooled builds in a straightforward, enjoyable, and rewarding way.

For additional insights into the nomination process, selection criteria, and a comprehensive list of award recipients, please visit the official European Hardware Awards website.

Technology Explained

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CPU: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of a computer, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It is the most important component of a computer system, as it is responsible for controlling all other components. CPUs are used in a wide range of applications, from desktop computers to mobile devices, gaming consoles, and even supercomputers. CPUs are used to process data, execute instructions, and control the flow of information within a computer system. They are also used to control the input and output of data, as well as to store and retrieve data from memory. CPUs are essential for the functioning of any computer system, and their applications in the computer industry are vast.

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Liquid Cooling: Liquid cooling is a technology used to cool down computer components, such as processors, graphics cards, and other components that generate a lot of heat. It works by circulating a liquid coolant, such as water or a special coolant, through a series of pipes and radiators. The liquid absorbs the heat from the components and then dissipates it into the air. This technology is becoming increasingly popular in the computer industry due to its ability to provide more efficient cooling than traditional air cooling methods. Liquid cooling can also be used to overclock components, allowing them to run at higher speeds than their rated speeds. This technology is becoming increasingly popular in the gaming industry, as it allows gamers to get the most out of their hardware.