Heatkiller 7970 help

RoEy

RoEy

RoEy

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Joined
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Nottinghamshire
Hi all, spent a while trying to fit this block with a backplate. I've only been given 11 washers but I have some spares from my previous block. I have a few questions and if someone could help that would be great.

Do I need to use the washers if I'm using the backplate?

Do I need to do anything to the slot plat screw or can I leave it how it was originally?

There's two m3 8 screws that need an m3 bolt do I place washers both sides of the PCB when adding these?

The instructions don't come across clear enough so I want to make sure on here before going further.

Thanks.
 
Any advice would be great as I want to finish this off this morning and fill the system up.
 
RoEy said:
Do I need to use the washers if I'm using the backplate? I imagine so

Do I need to do anything to the slot plat screw or can I leave it how it was originally? I dont know what that is

There's two m3 8 screws that need an m3 bolt do I place washers both sides of the PCB when adding these? I would say yes
Click to expand...

Remember that washers are designed to stop short circuits by placing something non conductive between two conductive bits - so having a metal backplate still needs washers as you dont want the metal backplate touching the PCB and shorting components out - that would potentially kill the card

Unless ive understood your situation wrong - anyway - isnt there a youtube video of an installation you can watch? :)
 
The backplate comes with plastic insulating spacers that sit underneath each hole so that's why I thought I might not need washers for it and I was only sent 11 which is the amount needed for installation without the backplate. I know I need washers for the two holes that have no thread and require a nut.

It talks about the slot plate screw needing a washer and bolt but again only goes on about that without the backplate. So just not sure at all.

None of the backplate is touching the card. Tried looking for videos but can't find any.
 
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RoEy said:
The backplate comes with plastic insulating spacers that sit underneath each hole so that's why I thought I might not need washers for it and I was only sent 11 which is the amount needed for installation without the backplate. I know I need washers for the two holes that have no thread and require a but.

It talks about the slot plate screw needing a washer and bolt but again only goes on about that without the backplate. So just not sure at all.

None of the backplate is touching the card. Tried looking for videos but can't find any.
Click to expand...

The plastic insulating spacers do the same job as washers - they both stop short circuits

Having no experience with heatkiller blocks i dont want to ill-advise you and you kill your card

Perhaps search the build logs for pictures of how others did it
 
I've checked the manual (not using backplates myself), and the way I read it, you use the spacers instead of the washers, then use the washers that came with the block for the M8 washer/bolt combo.

From the manual:

"Now attach the back plate. None of the
screws may become wedged. Prior to actual
tightening, first turn in all screws by hand until
the thread engages. There is no thread of the
graphic card cooler behind the M3x8 screws.
These are fixed with an M3 nut (part of the
delivery of the back plate). A washer is placed
between the circuit board and the M3 nut (part
of the delivery of the cooler). "
 
Thanks for your advice panyan.

Hi Martos, yes that's how I read it also but just wanted to make sure. Did you do anything with your slot pate fixing? I'm using the MSI OC and I had to remove two small screws from the slot near the VGA connection to get the stock cooler off but there's another that's bigger and it attaches the slot to the PCB. As the block and plate sit, neither of them touch this screw area. Can this screw now short the card without the stock cooler hence why it mentions a washer and nut/bolt but doesn't mention it with backplate. I've only been sent two bolts as well which will be for the two holes with no threads.
 
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RoEy said:
1. Do I need to use the washers if I'm using the backplate?

2. Do I need to do anything to the slot plat screw or can I leave it how it was originally?

3. There's two m3 8 screws that need an m3 bolt do I place washers both sides of the PCB when adding these?

The instructions don't come across clear enough so I want to make sure on here before going further.

Thanks.
Click to expand...




1. Yes, you need to use the washers/spacers

2. ?

3. I did when i did mine

Yep, instructions left a bit to be desired :(




Uploaded with ImageShack.us

I take it you meant the above not and bolt?
 
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whyscotty said:
1. Yes, you need to use the washers/spacers

2. ?

3. I did when i did mine

Yep, instructions left a bit to be desired :(




Uploaded with ImageShack.us

I take it you meant the above not and bolt?
Click to expand...

So did you use washers with the plastic spacers too, as in you placed a washer over the hole and then the plastic spacer on top of it? It doesn't sound like you need to from the instructions. I know I need to use a washer for the ones you've circled but only needed on the nut side by the sound of it because of the plastic spacer the backplate side.



whyscotty said:
Back plate fitted, if it helps :)



Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Click to expand...

Thanks for uploading photos. See the screw that's for the slot plate near the crossfire connections. Did you do anything to that or not as I only have two nuts and I can't see why you'd need to do anything as how it originally is looks fine unless it can now short with stock cooler not on?
 
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RoEy said:
Thanks for uploading photos. See the screw that's for the slot plate near the crossfire connections. Did you do anything to that or not as I only have two nuts and I can't see why you'd need to do anything as how it originally is looks fine unless it can now short with stock cooler not on?
Click to expand...

No, that doesnt short anything, just screwed through the board.
 
As you can see(just), I fitted the screw next to the crossfire fingers.

Not 100% sure, I only used the spacers.

Sorry I can't be more helpful.

Really wish I took more detailed photo's :(
 
whyscotty said:
As you can see(just), I fitted the screw next to the crossfire fingers.

Not 100% sure, I only used the spacers.

Sorry I can't be more helpful.

Really wish I took more detailed photo's :(
Click to expand...

Why did you fit it though when there is an original screw there anyway? Were you provided 3 nuts then as I only have 2? OK just to clarify you only used the spacers for the backplate minus the two holes with no threads ofcourse? Don't apologise, you've been very helpful. Martos also.
 
RoEy said:
Why did you fit it though when there is an original screw there anyway? Were you provided 3 nuts then as I only have 2? OK just to clarify you only used the spacers for the backplate minus the two holes with no threads ofcourse? Don't apologise, you've been very helpful. Martos also.
Click to expand...


I'd love to answer those questions,

but I would be guessing and I don't want to give incorrect info.
 
whyscotty said:
I'd love to answer those questions,

but I would be guessing and I don't want to give incorrect info.
Click to expand...

OK fair enough on the first one but just clarifying the second one as in you just used the spacers for the main screws?
I can't find any installation videos. I should have been done well before now but want to make sure I'm 100% correct. I currently have it installed with the spacers for the longer screws and nuts washers for the end two screws and the original screw in the slot plate.
 
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Got issues, gets to windows and screen goes fuzzy and then black. Think I've screwed it. Could cry.
 
Take the backplate off and just screw down the gpu block and test. If everything works ok, then the backplate probably is shorting something, it will be down to over tightening flexing the PCB or a washer not quite in the right place.

I had a similar problem with a 4870 and got it sorted so dont worry!
 
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