Replacing your GPU cooler isn't rocket science, but we're dealing with expensive hardware so follow these steps carefully. Don't skip, rush or overtighten anything and you should be good.

If you need support at any point, feel free to join the discord or contact me on the bottom of the support page.

You should've received your cooler along with some accessories. Make sure the box contains the following:

  • Cooler
  • PCIe brackets
  • Thermal pads for the memory
  • 4x M2.5 shoulder screws to attach the heatsink to the PCB
  • 8x M2 screw to attach the backplate and PCIe bracket

You will need to provide for yourself (unless you purchased the heatsink install kit):

  • Thermal paste
  • T5, T6 & T8 screwdriver

Included accessories

4x shoulder screws

8x M2 screw

1x M2.5 screw

Thermal pads

Low profile PCIe bracket

Standard height PCIe bracket

Requirements

Thermal paste

T5, T6 & T6 screwdriver

Step 1: Remove the shroud

Unscrew the two T8 screws that hold the PCIe bracket. Don't pull off the bracket just yet, as it's still fixed to the PCB.

 

Unscrew all T5 screws on the back of the card. Remove the backplate and PCIe bracket, lift the shroud, and carefully detach the fan header. When the header is detached, you can take off the shroud.

 

Step 2: Remove the heat sink

The heat sink is attached by four T6 screws through the retention bracket. This bracket acts as a spring for the screws. Squeeze the bracket and heat sink together while unscrewing the screws, so the bracket doesn’t spring back.

When all screws are unscrewed, take off the retention bracket and the heat sink. The heat sink may be glued to the die due to the thermal paste. In that case, carefully tilt it to the left and right until it comes off.

Step 3: Thermal pads and paste

Replace the original thermal pads on the memory chips with the ones included.

Wipe the original thermal paste off the die using a lint-free cloth. Clean the die using a bit of isopropyl or other cleaning alcohol. Apply a dot of thermal paste in the center of the die, about the size of a grain of rice.

If you have purchased the heatsink install kit, this comes with a phase change pad. Carefully take off the plastic from one side and put this side on the chip. Rub it gently so it sticks well to the chip. Now comes the tricky part: take off the second plastic without pulling the pad from the chip. You may need tweezers for this.

TIP: placing the phase change pad in the fridge for 10 minutes before applying it, makes this process a lot easier.

Step 4: Mount the new cooler

Lay the cooler upside down, with its fan against the rear of the card, and plug in the fan header. Then pivot the cooler into place on the card.

Turn around the card along with the cooler. Put the retention bracket into place and screw the new shoulder screws through the bracket and PCB into the cooler with your T6 screwdriver. Squeeze the bracket and cooler together like you did when removing the heat sink.

Put the two included plastic spacers on the back of the PCB on the two rightmost screw holes. These will make sure the backplate doesn't bend due to the lack of the original PCIe bracket.

Step 5: Attach the backplate and PCIe bracket

Attach the backplate with the included M2 screws with your T6 screwdriver. The original thermal pads on the backplate should be reused.

Attach the PCIe bracket of your choice using the included M2.5 screw and your T8 screwdriver.

You have successfully installed the single slot cooler! For optimal temperatures, it is highly recommended to adjust the fan curve. The stock fan keeps the fan spinning at low speeds, even when the card is running hot.

Step 6: (Recommended) Fan curve

The stock fan keeps the fan runnig at low speeds, even when the card is running hot. While a fan curve may be up to personal preference, I advice a linear or exponential curve that increases the fan speed from 30% to 100% between 40°C and 80°C.

Custom fan curves can be configured using software like Fan Control or MSI Afterburner and require a recent driver version (Game Ready or Studio).

How did it go?

Congratulations with your single-slot graphics card! I would love to hear about your experience and value all feedback very much.

If you have any question, issue or suggestions, don’t hesitate to get in touch! You can join the Discord server for live support or to meet like-minded builders.

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