Alphacool GPX-N 1080-M01 Installation Guide
Included Components
- 9x M3x12 screws
- 2x M3x8 screws
- 2x SW 2 / SW 2.5 wrenches
- 9x 15mm x 15mm x 1.5mm thermal pads (red)
- 3x 30mm x 30mm x 1.5mm thermal pads (red)
- 8x 15mm x 15mm x 3mm thermal pads (yellow)
- 2x 30mm x 30mm x 3mm thermal pads (yellow)
- 1x Backplate
Installation Steps
Step 1: Preparation and Disassembly
Place the hardware on an antistatic mat. Begin by dismantling the original cooler. Depending on the cooler's structure, remove fan screws and detach any covers. For coolers attached with thermal glue, exercise extreme caution as components can be easily damaged. Carefully collect all removed parts. Clean the hardware of any thermal paste or pad residues using a solvent like alcohol.
Step 2: Apply Thermal Paste
Using a plastic strip or thermal paste spreader, apply a thin, even layer of thermal paste to the GPU. The layer should be less than one millimeter thick to prevent contamination of surrounding components.
Step 3: Apply Thermal Pads
Remove the protective film from the red-indicated 15mm x 15mm x 1.5mm thermal pads and place them on the memory chips. The red-indicated 30mm x 30mm x 1.5mm thermal pads for the voltage converters need to be trimmed to size. Ensure protective films are removed from all pads.
Step 4: Mount the Cooler
Mount the assembled cooler onto the graphics card. If a protective film is present on the cooler's base, remove it. Clean the contact surfaces on the cooler's base with alcohol or a similar agent to ensure they are free from contaminants.
Note on Contact: Ensure good contact between the cooler and the GPU. Poor contact leads to ineffective heat transfer. The diagram illustrates incorrect application (no contact, poor imprint) versus correct application (good contact, well-distributed paste).
Step 5: Secure the Cooler
Insert the screws with washers as shown in the diagrams. Initially, tighten the screws only loosely.
Step 6: Apply Rear Thermal Pads
Remove the protective film from the yellow-indicated 15mm x 15mm x 3mm thermal pads and place them on the memory modules. Trim the yellow-indicated 30mm x 30mm x 3mm thermal pads for the back of the card as shown in the diagram. These are to be placed on the rear side of the voltage converters and the GPU. Place the red 15mm x 15mm x 1.5mm thermal pad on the back of the GPU. Remember to remove protective films.
Step 7: Install Backplate
Place the backplate onto the graphics card as depicted. Apply slight pressure to ensure optimal contact between the backplate, cooler, and graphics card.
Step 8: Final Tightening
Screw the cooler together. Tighten the screws crosswise, one turn at a time, following the instructions. After approximately 12 hours of graphics card usage, re-tighten all screws.
Step 9: Ready for Use
The graphics card is now ready for use. Diagrams are provided showing cutting patterns for thermal pads.
Safety Information
- Not suitable for children under 6 years (contains small, swallowable parts).
- Do not operate cooling components without ensuring coolant flow. Uncooled components can overheat and cause burns.
- Coolers not filled with coolant can destroy computer hardware. Always ensure the pump is operational when the system is powered on.
- Do not use tools (wrenches, pliers) to tighten connectors. Plastic or metal-plastic connections can be easily overloaded, leading to cracks or damage. Such damages are not covered by warranty.
- Use connectors with sealing rings only. Hand-tightening is sufficient. Tools are only permitted if explicitly stated in the manual.
- Verify hardware and cooling system functionality (tightness, pump, fans). Alphacool is not liable for manufacturer warranties of electronic components. Assembly is at your own risk.
- Do not overtighten screws; this can loosen mounting bolts and prevent even cooler contact.
- Connectors with 8mm thread length may reduce flow.
- Perform a leak test before installation. Water pressure in the cooling loop should not exceed 0.8 Bar.
- Ensure the cooler makes contact with all components needing cooling via thermal paste and pads.
Intended Use
Alphacool International GmbH cooling components are approved for cooling computer parts. Warranty is void for any other use.
Warranty Information
Data in brochures, catalogs, etc., is for information only. Alphacool does not guarantee the accuracy of this data. Order and order confirmation details are decisive for delivery.
If a defect exists, customers are entitled to repair, withdrawal, or price reduction according to legal provisions. Warranty period is two years for consumers and one year for entrepreneurs from receipt of goods.
Warranty claims require the original invoice, sales receipt, or an ALPHACOOL INTERNATIONAL GMBH confirmation.
ALPHACOOL INTERNATIONAL GMBH reserves the right to repair or replace defective products or components. Replaced items become ALPHACOOL INTERNATIONAL GMBH property.
Repairs by unauthorized persons are not covered by ALPHACOOL INTERNATIONAL GMBH unless previously agreed.
Costs arising from product retrofitting are not covered.
Warranty exclusions include: regular checks, maintenance, repair/replacement of wear parts, incorrect operation or installation defects, damages from external factors (storm, water, fire, etc.), transport or packaging damage.
Consumer rights in the respective country are not affected. ALPHACOOL INTERNATIONAL GMBH is not liable for indirect damages unless legally mandated.
Alphacool International GmbH does not assume the manufacturer's warranty for electronic components. Cooler assembly is at your own risk.
Contact Information
Alphacool International GmbH
Marienberger Str. 1
D-38122 Braunschweig
Support-Tel.: +49 (0)5 31/288 74-0
Fax: +49 (0)5 31/288 74-22
Mail (German/ English): info@alphacool.com
Internet: www.alphacool.com
Forum: Accessible over the homepage
Environmental Compliance
All parts of the cooling system are RoHS compliant (2002/95/EC).
Do not dispose of this product with household waste. Contact an authorized waste management company for proper disposal.
Copyright 2014 Alphacool International GmbH. All rights reserved.