Help with thermal compound replacement MSI 7970 GHz tf3

[outlawrob1984]

Sorry for the long title.

Tomorrow when my new thermal compound arrives I will be replacing the old (probably dried up) compound on my CPU and GPU. I know how to replace it on the cpu but the GPU will be a 1st time effort. I've looked on YouTube for guides but most videos are for sapphire cards or reference AMD cards. I'm guessing the guides for that will apply to the twin frozer 3 card?

 

[outlawrob1984]

Just to say I will eventually be replacing the GPU although I'm impressed with how much legs this card has had. It's unable to budge an inch over its factory overclock anymore so I hope a good clean brings it back to form

 

[vapor matt]

When takeing apart, place all screws in order and if you want to be 100% sure draw back of card on paper, and place screws on paper where they go. and I expect you should see a nice improvement after new thermal compound applied.

good luck bud.

 

[Geck0]

If you are having issues cleaning the old TIM off you can use either brake cleaner solvent or even unleaded petrol on a rag. then clean that residue off with metho. It will not hurt the card and easily removes old grease based TIM.

When mounting the cooler again seat it flush and hand tighten it, then go around the screws in opposing order like changing a wheel on a car. Get the cooler seated nice & tight. Apart from the other usual and similar stuff it's no different than a CPU.

 

[outlawrob1984]

Thanks guys for the replys.

I'll let you know how I get on

 

[Freddie1980]

Is your GPU overheating? There's risk involved in this procedure, one wrong move and you could damage or break your card I would only do it as a last resort (CPU's are less risky as most of the critical components are away from the chip).

 

[Wrinkly]

What TIM did you order? (Please don't say liquid metal)

 

[outlawrob1984]

I ordered Noctua NT-H1

Just received a email to say it will be here tomorrow instead now

 

[Geck0]

I ordered Noctua NT-H1

Just received a email to say it will be here tomorrow instead now

That's about the best out there, I use that one.

 

[Panos]

Sorry for the long title.

Tomorrow when my new thermal compound arrives I will be replacing the old (probably dried up) compound on my CPU and GPU. I know how to replace it on the cpu but the GPU will be a 1st time effort. I've looked on YouTube for guides but most videos are for sapphire cards or reference AMD cards. I'm guessing the guides for that will apply to the twin frozer 3 card?

Usually a good idea it to check the EK website for waterblock installation manuals on the card you want to do. Might have what you ask.
Have a look here
https://www.ekwb.com/shop/EK-IM/EK-IM-3831109856154.pdf

 

[Geck0]

if you have forgotten thermal tape just pick some up from your local electronics hobby store, it actually works as well or better than Akasa in most cases if you check the specs.

 

[Scrumpy_Jack]

I replaced the paste on my windforce and TF3 cards last year and it dropped the temps down by 10c on 1 of the cards. Used the spread method for the GPU paste to ensure the full die was covered evenly. Definitely recommend changing the thermal pads as mine partially disintegrated when i removed the cooler from the pcb, bought 0.5mm & 1.0mm pads from OcUk and Ebay to replace the stock pads. As mentioned above best bet is to watch the youtube vids to know how to take the card a part and take your time through the whole process.

 

[outlawrob1984]

apologies for the late replay to the thread.

I only just managed to find the time to do this today due to work schedule.

was very easy to do and once i cleaned all the gunk out the heatsink and removed the old...very dry stock tim I applied the new TP and put the gpu back together.

when i attempted the 1st boot I held my breath lol but it worked fine and can report that it is performing like new so very happy.

I even was able to OC it further than I ever had before so can get my GPU to 1100/1400. was a poor OC when i got it but i'm glad I can use it further until next years cards come out as we are getting later in the year and I am not paying the current GPU prices.

Many thanks