Alphacool GPX-N 970-M14 Installation Manual

Package Contents

The following components are included:

• 11x M3x12 Screws
• 1x Screw set
• 3x M3x8 Screws
• 2x SW 2/SW 2,5
• 11x 15mm x 15mm x 1.5mm Thermal Pads
• 1x 30mm x 30mm x 1.5mm Thermal Pad
• 10x 15mm x 15mm x 3mm Thermal Pads
• 1x 30mm x 30mm x 3mm Thermal Pad

Step 1: Preparation and Disassembly

Place the hardware on an antistatic mat. Begin by dismantling the original cooler. Depending on the cooler's design, remove fan screws and unhook the fan connector. Exercise extreme caution with coolers attached by thermal glue, as parts can be easily damaged. Keep all removed parts. Clean the hardware of 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 a millimeter thick to prevent contamination of surrounding components.

Step 3: Apply Thermal Pads

Remove the protective films from the red 15mm x 15mm x 1.5mm thermal pads and place them on the memory chips and voltage transformers as shown. The remaining red pads for the voltage transformers may need to be cut to size according to the provided template. Ensure all protective films are removed from the pads.

Step 4: Mount the Cooler

Place 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 bottom side with alcohol or a similar agent. The surface must be free of contaminants.

Important Check:

• False: No contact, bad thermal paste imprint.
• Right: Good contact, well-distributed thermal paste.

Step 5: Secure the Cooler

Mount the screw with the washer as shown in the picture, but do not tighten it fully yet. Remove the protective films from the yellow 15mm x 15mm x 3mm thermal pads and place them on the back of the memory chips. The remaining red 15mm x 15mm x 1.5mm pad is placed on the back of the GPU. Ensure all protective films are removed. Cut the remaining yellow thermal pads as needed and place them on the rear side of the voltage transformers, as depicted. Again, remove all protective films.

Step 6: Install Backplate

Place the backplate onto the graphics card as shown in the image. Apply slight pressure to ensure optimal contact between the backplate, cooler, and graphics card.

Step 7: Final Tightening

Screw the cooler together. Finger-tighten the screws with one turn each. Two screws require additional washers; refer to the graphic for correct placement. Retighten the screws from Step 5 that connect the cooler to the graphics card. Pay attention to the instructions provided.

Important Note: After approximately 12 hours of graphics card usage, re-tighten all screws.

Completion

The graphics card is now ready for use.

Thermal Pad Cutting Template

Patterns for laying down and cutting thermal pads:

Red Pads (1.5mm thick):

• 15mm x 15mm (x10)
• 30mm x 30mm (x1)

Yellow Pads (3mm thick):

• 15mm x 15mm (x10)
• 30mm x 30mm (x1)

Warranty and Safety Information

Warranty:

• Copyright 2014 Alphacool International GmbH. All rights reserved.
• Instructions manual corresponds to the technical conditions during printing. Subject to change without prior notice.
• Warranty claims are valid only with the original invoice, sales slip, or ALPHACOOL confirmation.
• Alphacool International GmbH is not responsible for damages caused by improper installation, misuse, or external factors beyond their control.
• Warranty excludes regular maintenance, wear and tear, incorrect operation, and damages from transport or packaging.
• Consumer rights in respective countries are not affected by this warranty.

Safety Advice:

• Not suitable for children under 6 years (contains small parts).
• Ensure cooling liquid flows through the system to prevent overheating and damage.
• Do not use tools to tighten connectors; hand-tightening with a sealing ring is sufficient.
• Check hardware and cooling system for leaks and proper function before use.
• Do not overtighten screws to ensure even cooler pressure.
• We recommend a tightness test before installation. Maximum water pressure in the loop should be 0.8 Bar.
• Ensure the cooler makes proper contact with all components using thermal paste and pads.
• Alphacool cooling components are approved for cooling Alphacool computer parts. Misuse voids the warranty.
• Dispose of products according to local regulations; do not dispose of with household waste.

Contact Information:

Alphacool International GmbH
Marienberger Str. 1
D-38122 Braunschweig
Internet: www.alphacool.com
Fax: +49 (0)5 31/ 288 74-22
Mail (German/English): info@alphacool.com
Support-Tel.: +49 (0)5 31/ 288 74-0
Forum: Accessible via homepage

All parts of the cooling system are RoHS compliant.