11 / CLEAN COMPONENTS
Use TIM cleaner or isopropyl alcohol to clean the GPU core, RAM
modules and VRMs with a lint-free cloth. This will ensure the new
paste and pads can adhere to a clean surface and work effectively.14 / INSTALL WATERBLOCK
Place the waterblock down onto the PCB, then flip it over and install
the new screws provided with the waterblock. Lightly tighten the four
screws around the GPU core first, then apply more pressure, moving
from corner to corner to apply gradual, even pressure. Then move on
totherestofthecard.12 / TESTFIT WATERBLOCK
It’s important to test-fit the water block, not just to check it fits, but to get
familiar with how it slots in place. This will prevent you from needing to
wiggle it around to line up the mounting holes, which will result in a nasty
mess if you do it after the thermal paste and pads have been applied.15 /FITBACKPLATE
A backplateisa verygoodidea,asit includesthermalpadstoassistin
the cooling of the card, and you can’t refit your cooler’s stock backplate
once the waterblock is fitted. A backplate is included with some
blocks, such as the one we’re using, and they include longer screws
than the standard waterblock screws, so you can mount it.MODDING / HOW TO GUIDES
10 / DETACH CABLES
Our model includes both lighting and fan power cables on separate
sides of the cooler. Once you’ve lifted the cooler clear of the PCB, use a
pair of needle pliers to pull out the connectors, but don’t yank them by
the cables. Grab the connectors and pull them gently out of the sockets.13 / APPLY PASTE AND PADS
The thermal pad application is rather complex with Navi, as there
are numerous small chips that need to be covered with thermal
pads, and you’ll need to cut out these pads yourself. Pay careful
attention to the instructions.