Alphacool NexXxoS GPX-A 290-M04 GPU Water Block Installation Guide

Introduction

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing the Alphacool NexXxoS GPX-A 290-M04 graphics card water block. Please read all safety warnings and instructions carefully before beginning the installation. Assembly is performed at your own risk.

Safety Warnings ⚠️

• Age Restriction: Not suitable for children under 6 years (contains small, swallowable parts).
• Cooling System Operation: Never operate cooling components without ensuring coolant flow. Dry operation can lead to overheating and severe hardware damage. Always verify pump function when powering on the system.
• Connector Installation: Do not use tools (wrenches, pliers, etc.) to tighten connectors. Over-tightening can cause damage. Use only connectors with a sealing ring and hand-tighten them firmly.
• Liability: Alphacool International GmbH is not liable for damages resulting from improper installation, misuse of tools on connectors, or failure to follow instructions.

Intended Use

This cooling component is designed for cooling compatible computer graphics cards. Warranty is void if used for unintended purposes or with non-Alphacool components.

Warranty Information

Alphacool International GmbH offers a warranty for its cooling components. Key terms include:

• A warranty claim requires the original invoice or sales receipt.
• The warranty period is two years for consumers and one year for businesses, commencing from the date of purchase.
• Alphacool reserves the right to repair or replace defective products at its discretion.
• The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, damage from incorrect installation, external factors (e.g., storm, fire, water, power surges, war), improper connections, or transportation damage.
• Alphacool does not assume warranty responsibility for the original electronic components (e.g., the graphics card itself).

Contact Information

For support, please contact Alphacool International GmbH:

Installation Steps

Step 1: Preparation and Original Cooler Removal

Verify your hardware and cooling system functionality. Prepare your workspace on an antistatic mat. Carefully remove the original cooler from your graphics card. This may involve unscrewing fans and shrouds. If the original cooler is adhered, proceed with extreme caution to prevent component damage. Keep all removed parts. Clean the graphics card components of old thermal paste and pads using a suitable solvent (e.g., isopropyl alcohol).

Visual Description: A diagram compares thermal contact on a GPU. One side shows 'false' contact with poor footprint and uneven thermal paste distribution. The 'right' side shows 'good' contact with well-distributed thermal paste.

Step 2: Thermal Paste Application

Apply a thin, uniform layer of thermal paste to the GPU die. Use a plastic spreader or strip. The layer should be less than 1mm thick to avoid contaminating adjacent components.

Visual Description: An illustration shows thermal paste being applied to the GPU surface.

Step 3: Thermal Pad Placement (Memory & VRMs)

Remove protective films from thermal pads. Place 15mm x 15mm x 1.5mm pads on memory chips. Use 30mm x 30mm x 1.5mm pads for voltage converters (VRMs), trimming them to size if necessary. Ensure all protective films are removed from both sides of the pads.

Visual Description: Images display various thermal pad sizes (e.g., 15x15x1.5mm, 30x30x1.5mm) and indicate their placement areas on memory chips and voltage regulators.

Step 4: Mounting the Water Block

Align and carefully place the assembled water block onto the graphics card as illustrated. Remove any protective film from the water block's base. Clean the base's contact surface with alcohol or a similar cleaner to ensure it is free from contaminants.

Visual Description: An illustration depicts the water block being positioned onto the graphics card.

Step 5: Backside Thermal Pad Application

Cut the yellow/red thermal pads according to the diagram. These are for the backside of voltage converters and potentially the GPU. Remove protective films from both sides before application.

Visual Description: A diagram shows thermal pads being cut and applied to the rear side of graphics card components.

Step 6: Backplate Installation

Attach the backplate to the graphics card as shown. Apply light pressure to ensure optimal contact between the backplate, water block, and graphics card.

Visual Description: An illustration shows the backplate being attached to the rear of the graphics card.

Step 7: Final Tightening and Checks

Secure the water block by inserting and tightening the screws. Finger-tighten them in a cross pattern, one turn at a time, for even pressure. Re-check and tighten all screws after approximately 12 hours of graphics card use.

Visual Description: An illustration shows screws being tightened in a cross pattern.

Compliance and Disposal

All Alphacool cooling system parts are RoHS compliant. For disposal, please contact an authorized waste management company. Do not dispose of electronic components with general household waste.