The waterblock does not fit the MSI R9 290 Gaming 4GB card due to new PCB revision. Hence, I guess I have to mod it.



Need to file down the area in red box to clear the caps.



I used thermal grease to mark the location of the caps where it interfere with the block cover. The area in red box also needs to be filed to clear the caps (I just use a box cutter).

After that, everything fits as it should and appears to work fine.

The VRM cooling does not work very well as I have to use thick thermal pads. I don't have any readings for it. Its hot to the touch but I have no problem putting my fingers on the back of the PCB for 10sec. It just feels hot but does not hurt. So I think VRM should be 60C or so. fired up Furmark and cores shows out at 49C after 2hrs.

The original MSI back plate will fit but longer screws are needed. The ones supplied by EK is too short. The ones by MSI will not fit due to different size.

Hopefully EK will decide to revise their waterblock to fit the new PCB revision so no modding is needed.