Installation and Mounting Manual for EK-FC970 GTX Backplate

Important Information

This product is intended for installation only by expert users. Please consult with a qualified technician for installation. Improper installation may result in damage to your equipment. EK Water Blocks assumes no liability whatsoever, expressed or implied, for the use of these products, nor their installation. The following instructions are subject to change without notice. Please visit our web site at www.ekwb.com for updates. Before installation of this product please read important notice, disclosure and warranty conditions printed on the back of the box.

STEP 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

Sample picture of nVidia GeForce GTX 970 graphics card.

[Description of image: A photograph of the top side of an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 graphics card, showcasing its printed circuit board (PCB) with various components, including the GPU, memory chips, and the default cooler shroud. The NVIDIA logo is visible.]

STEP 2: PREPARING YOUR GRAPHICS CARD

The EK-FC970 GTX Backplate is very easy to install. First, install the EK-FC970 GTX water block according to its manual. If you have it already installed, please check the picture below to see which mounting screws are to be left in their position and which are to be removed. Please remove the four (4) encircled screws.

STEP 3: APPLYING THE THERMAL PADS

The EK-FC980 GTX Backplate features passive cooling of the printed circuit board and its components. Therefore, it is mandatory to install the enclosed thermal pad. Please install the enclosed 0.5mm thick thermal pad (Thermal Pad D – 0.5mm (RAM 8X)) on each memory IC (if present) as shown on the picture below.

[Description of diagram: Diagram illustrating the application of thermal pads on a graphics card PCB. Circular areas labeled '1' indicate memory IC locations for thermal pad placement. A separate view shows the EK-FC980 GTX Backplate alongside a 0.5mm thermal pad, indicating their relationship for installation.]

STEP 4: ATTACHING EK-FC980 GTX BACKPLATE TO THE GRAPHICS CARD

Take the enclosed mounting screws and install them as shown on the picture below. EKWB recommends users to start with four (4) M3x8 DIN 7991 screws (? HINT: do not tighten screws until they are all positioned in their mounting holes) in the middle of the card and then continue outwards. The backplate has milled in standoffs, so there is no fear of over-tightening of the screws. Nevertheless, do not exaggerate with screwing force as there is no need for it. Please use the enclosed 2mm Allen Key to tighten the screws.

Note: This product is intended to be used only with EK-FC970 GTX series water blocks. No other 3rd party heat sinks or coolers are supported!

[Description of diagram: An exploded view diagram detailing the attachment of the EK-FC970 GTX Backplate to a graphics card. The backplate is positioned above the card, with four mounting screws (M3x8 DIN7991) indicated to align with specific holes. Arrows show the direction of assembly. A separate illustration shows the EK-FC970 GTX Backplate and the M3x8 DIN7991 screws.]

IMPORTANT NOTICE!

For Palit / Gainward and other non-reference circuit board designs, please use 0.5mm PVC washers underneath each backplate standoff to prevent backplate collision with tantalum capacitors or other circuit board components. When using 0.5mm washers, it is mandatory to use a 1mm thermal pad on memory IC (if present) instead of 0.5mm (as shown in STEP 3).

[Description of diagram: A photograph of the underside of a graphics card PCB, revealing numerous small components such as capacitors and resistors. Key markings include 'P/N. NESX970H1462-2041J', 'MADE IN CHINA', 'A140903013', 'warranty void if removed', 'S/N:19140025472', 'EAN:4710636268540', 'Not for Sale', and 'Promotion Item'.]

REQUIRED TOOLS AND MOUNTING SCREWS

• M3x8 DIN7991 screws
• EK-FC970 GTX Backplate
• 2mm Allen Key

Additional Information

All disclosures, notices and warranty conditions are being written on the back of the box.