Alphacool CORE GPU BLOCK SERIES

Step 1: Check Compatibility and Prepare Graphics Card

Before starting the cooler assembly, compare your graphics card with the pictures in the Alphacool configurator. Visit https://gpu.alphacool.com and search for your graphics card or cooler model. For definitive identification, compare the PCB number. The cooler is designed for a specific PCB layout, and manufacturers may revise designs, affecting compatibility. Ensure taller components have adequate space and the cooler does not damage your graphics card during assembly.

Preparation: Place the hardware on an antistatic mat. Begin dismantling the original cooler by removing screws at the back of the card and carefully unhooking the fan connector. If the original cooler uses thermal glue, exercise extreme caution to avoid damaging parts. Pick up all items carefully. Clean the hardware of thermal paste or pad residues with a solvent (e.g., isopropanol alcohol).

Diagram Description: This diagram illustrates the initial steps: checking graphics card compatibility on the Alphacool configurator website, identifying the PCB, and carefully dismantling the original cooler by removing screws and disconnecting fan cables. It also shows cleaning the GPU with a solvent like isopropanol.

Step 2: Remove Transport Spacer

Remove the transport spacer from the cooling block.

Diagram Description: This diagram shows the removal of a small transport spacer, typically a piece of foam or plastic, from the main cooling block component.

Step 3: Place Thermal Pads on Cooling Block

Place the designated thermal pads onto the cooling block in their specified locations.

Diagram Description: This diagram depicts the placement of specific thermal pads onto designated areas of the metal cooling block. These pads are crucial for heat transfer from the GPU components to the block.

Step 4: Apply Thermal Grease

Apply thermal grease to the GPU die area on the cooling block.

Diagram Description: This diagram illustrates the application of thermal grease onto the GPU die area of the cooling block. A thin, even layer is typically applied.

Step 5: Install PCB

Carefully align and install the graphics card PCB onto the prepared cooling block.

Diagram Description: This diagram shows the main graphics card PCB being carefully aligned and placed onto the prepared cooling block, ensuring contact with the thermal pads and grease.

Step 6: Place Thermal Pads on PCB Backside

Place the thermal pads on the backside of the graphics card PCB, targeting components like VRAM and VRM modules.

Diagram Description: This diagram shows the placement of additional thermal pads on the backside of the graphics card PCB, targeting components such as VRAM modules and VRM heatsinks.

Step 7: Install Original IO-Shield and Backplate

Install the original graphics card's I/O shield and then mount the cooler's backplate onto the rear of the PCB.

Diagram Description: This diagram illustrates the installation of the original graphics card's I/O shield into the corresponding slot, followed by the mounting of the cooler's backplate onto the rear of the PCB.

Step 8: Connect ARGB Lighting

Connect the ARGB lighting cable to the designated header on the GPU water block.

Diagram Description: This diagram shows a small ARGB cable being connected to a specific header on the GPU water block, enabling customizable lighting effects.

Step 9: Screw in Screw Plugs

Secure the GPU water block by screwing in the provided screws using the tool.

Diagram Description: This diagram shows the final step of securing the GPU water block by inserting and tightening screws into the designated mounting points, using the provided tool.