The gtx280 has an IHS anyway, so crushing the core is nigh on impossible...
It's easy to fit a GPU block, remove old cooler (i find removing each screw at a time, altenating sides of the card so that the pressure is kept even, and leaving the 4 core screws untill last.. remove 2 opposiet corner core screws, then unscrew each one a turn at a time - you could just go ahead and remove them all at once in no particular order, but i like to be careful..)
remove all the thermal paste and pads etc, then re-apply new paste/pads. (if you're going to use just paste on the componants such as the memory and mosfets, it's best to fit the new cooler then remove it to see if the contact is good enough... pads are usually a better idea on the memory chips and mosfets...)
I find leaving the water block upsidown on the desk the best way, then you can manuver the lighter (in weight) gfx card into place above the block, and easily line up the holes (if you use thermal pads, it's a little tricky to maneuver/slide the card about to line the holes up perfectly, thus using this method..)
After the card is in the right place, start putting the supplied screws/washers in place. Start with 2 opposite corner core screws, a few turns at a time untill tight (not very tight though... just as they start getting a little resistance..) Then the other 2 core screws, then the rest of the screws. Don't go and tighten them all up as hard as you can, chances are you will warp the PCB of the gfx card, you can check if the PCB is warped by looking down one of the straight edges, you will soon be able to tell if anything isn't straight.
If the card is warped a little, try tightening/loosening some of the screws close to where the warping has occured.. It doesn't have to be 100% straight, but obviously you don't want the board to warp so much that it starts to crack...
How's that for a brief guide?
