Alphacool GPX-N 970-M08 GPU Cooler Installation Guide
Included Parts
- 8x M3x12 screws
- 1x M3x08 screw
- 1x SW 2 / SW 2.5 tool
- 5x 15mm x 15mm x 1.5mm thermal pads (red)
- 3x 30mm x 30mm x 1.5mm thermal pads (red)
- 5x 15mm x 15mm x 2mm thermal pads (orange)
- 9x 15mm x 15mm x 3mm thermal pads (yellow)
- 3x 30mm x 30mm x 3mm thermal pads (yellow)
Installation Steps
Step 1: Preparation
Place the hardware on an antistatic mat. Begin by dismantling the original cooler. Depending on the cooler's structure, remove the fan screws and release the shrouds. If the original cooler uses thermal glue, exercise extreme care as parts can be easily damaged. Carefully collect all individual parts. Clean the hardware of thermal paste or pad residues using a solvent (e.g., alcohol).
Step 2: Thermal Paste Application
Apply a thin, even layer of thermal paste to the GPU using a plastic strip or thermal paste spreader. The layer should be less than one millimeter thick to avoid contaminating surrounding components.
Step 3: Thermal Pad Placement (Part 1)
Remove the protective film from the red-colored 15mm x 15mm x 1.5mm thermal pads and place them on the memory chips. The red-colored 30mm x 30mm x 1.5mm thermal pads for the voltage converters need to be trimmed to size. Remember to remove the protective film from both sides.
Step 4: Cooler Mounting
Mount the assembled cooler onto the graphics card. If there is a protective film on the cooler's base, remove it now. Clean the contact surfaces on the bottom of the cooler with alcohol or a similar agent. The surface must be free of contaminants.
Contact Check:
Ensure good contact and even distribution of thermal paste. Poor contact or footprint indicates an incorrect installation.
Step 5: Initial Screw Tightening
Install the screws with washers as shown in the image. Do not tighten the screws fully yet; leave them slightly loose.
Step 6: Thermal Pad Placement (Part 2)
Remove the protective film from the orange-colored 15mm x 15mm x 2mm thermal pads and place them on the memory chips. Cut the yellow-colored thermal pads for the back of the card as shown in the picture. These are to be placed on the rear side of the voltage converters and the GPU. Do not forget to remove the protective film from both sides.
Step 7: Backplate Installation
Place the backplate onto the graphics card as depicted in the image. Gentle pressure ensures optimal contact between the backplate, cooler, and graphics card.
Step 8: Final Tightening
Assemble the cooler. Tighten the screws crosswise, one turn at a time. After approximately 12 hours of using the graphics card, re-tighten all screws.
Step 9: Completion
The graphics card is ready for use.
Note on Thermal Pad Cutting Patterns: Patterns are provided for cutting thermal pads to size.
Safety Information
General Safety Advice:
- Not suitable for children under 6 years (contains small, swallowable parts).
- Do not operate cooling components without ensuring coolant flows through the system. Uncooled components can overheat and cause burns.
- Coolers not filled with coolant can destroy computer hardware. Always ensure the pump is functioning when the hardware is powered on.
- Do not use tools (wrenches, pliers, etc.) to tighten connectors. Plastic products or metal threaded connections linked to plastic parts can be overloaded, leading to cracks or damage. Such damage, or damage from leaking coolant, is not covered by the warranty.
- Use connectors only with a sealing ring. Hand-tightening with a sealing ring is sufficient. Tools are only permitted if explicitly stated in the instructions for exceptional cases.
- Verify the functionality of your hardware and cooling system (tightness, pump function, fans). This minimizes troubleshooting effort. Alphacool is not liable for the manufacturer's warranty of electronic components. Assembly is at your own risk.
- Do not overtighten screws. Overtightening can loosen mounting bolts and compromise the cooler's uniform contact.
- Connectors with 8mm thread length may reduce flow.
- A leak test is recommended before mounting/installing the cooler. Water pressure in the cooling loop should not exceed 0.8 Bar.
- Ensure the cooler contacts all components to be cooled with thermal paste and thermal pads. The image shows the required GPU imprint.
Intended Use: Alphacool International GmbH cooling components are approved for cooling computer parts. Warranty is void for non-intended use.
Warranty Information
General Warranty Terms:
- Information in brochures, catalogs, etc., is for informational purposes only. Alphacool does not guarantee the accuracy of this data. Order and order confirmation details are decisive for delivery.
- In case of a defect, customers are entitled to demand rectification, withdraw from the contract, or reduce the purchase price according to legal provisions. Warranty claims for consumers are two years from receipt of goods; for entrepreneurs, one year.
- Warranty claims require the original invoice, sales receipt, or an ALPHACOOL INTERNATIONAL GMBH confirmation.
- ALPHACOOL INTERNATIONAL GMBH has sole discretion to repair or replace defective products or components. Replaced items become the property of ALPHACOOL INTERNATIONAL GMBH.
- Warranty claims are handled by ALPHACOOL INTERNATIONAL GMBH or authorized dealers. Repairs by unauthorized persons void warranty unless pre-approved by Alphacool.
- Costs arising from product retrofitting are not covered by Alphacool International GmbH.
- The warranty excludes:
- Regular checks, maintenance, repair, or replacement of wear parts.
- Incorrect operation or defects from faulty installation.
- Damage from storm, water, fire, overvoltage, force majeure, war, incorrect power connection, insufficient ventilation, or other external factors.
- Damage from transport or improper packaging.
- Consumer rights in the respective country are not affected by this warranty. Alphacool International GmbH, its branches, and distributors are not liable for direct or indirect damages unless mandated by law.
- 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
Address: Marienberger Str. 1, D-38122 Braunschweig, Germany
Support Phone: +49 (0)5 31/288 74-0
Fax: +49 (0)5 31/288 74-22
Email (German/English): info@alphacool.com
Website: www.alphacool.com
Forum: Accessible via the homepage.
Environmental Compliance
All parts of the cooling system are RoHS compliant (2002/95/EC).
Do not dispose of this product with municipal waste. Contact an authorized waste management company in your country.
