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Installing an Arctic Accelero Xtreme IV to Sapphire 290
- Thread starter Beerbaron
- Start date
Thanks, I didn't realise I could do that
I'm pretty happy with my temps and fan noise. It's a shame the cooler doesn't come with the extra heatsink coolers. I had fun with the Dremel though 
I have no idea, I wanted the III but could only find IV. I thought it was a new release. I actually received an email from Arctic saying the new version isn't even released yet
Points I would like to add from the install:
Removing the ref cooler from a Sapphire 290 is pretty easy once the screws have been removed from the metal frame. You dont need to remove the coolers plastic housing first. The thermal tape and adhesive still hold it on so slowly twist the cooler off. There are loads of vids online to watch first if needed. The PCB will move/bend a little. I honestly found this the worse part. Once removed clean the GPU with some alcohol. I used Vodka but some may want to use something more pure, isopropyl or ethyl alcohol.
The Alpenföhn Thermal Adhesive is easy to spread, I used a penknife and some paper towel. It is not as messy as some people may think. A nice even thin layer is fine. Don't over coat the coolers as it may leak over the edge of the chip. I believe its non conduct so won't cause damage just a mess (correct me if I'm wrong). I haven't used the Akasa AK-TT12-80 Thermal Adhesive Tape people have recommended so can't compare. I easily removed a Alpenföhn cooler from a chip after 2-3 hrs curing. When it cures it has a rubbery type consistency. I slowly twisted the cooler off, cleaned the chip and cooler and reset it with no issues. The Alpenföhn Thermal Adhesive does cure somewhat in the tube after use. I stored mine lid tightened in a sealed bag but it does start to cure. I noticed this with mine about 6 hrs after I opened it. I was able to use it after I removed the part cured adhesive at the front of the tube.
Don't feel you have to test the card as soon as you have assembled the cooler. The thermal adhesive needs time to cure. I would say 2-3 hrs minimum to be sure but over night if you can. Although the coolers may be stuck the adhesive may not have cured fully in the middle. I found this when removing a cooler. I was very eager to make sure my card still had life but had to resist.
I used GPUz to test my VRM temps.
The Acrtic Accelero Xtreme IV is definitely wide. I have an MSI P67 GD65 motherboard which this fits on a single card. The motherboard is a good few years old. I did try to have 2 Sapphire 290's in crossfire but there is only an inch gap between the cards.This is not sufficient for crossfire and this cooler. I opted to send one card back, sorry OcUK, as the heat and noise of a ref card is too much. In hindsight I could have bought a non-ref card or even a new motherboard.
The protective sheet of plastic that sits in between the rear PCB cooler and the card I found was pretty useless. By the time I had cut out all the areas I had stuck the blue thermal putty there wasn't much of it left. Its held in place by a few plastic clips that pin the large heatsink and the heatsink/fan around the card.