Water block Installation First Timer

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18 Feb 2009
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Morning all

As you can see from the title I'm about to install my first GPU water block. The reason for the thread is that I am after any last little tips or hints so I don't manage to **** this up

I have a new block from EK, is everything in the box that I should realistically need (apart from fittings, natch) to complete a successful installation?

Am I right in thinking non conductive TIM? How do I spread this on the GPU, a little blob as I do on the CPU or should I spread it and risk an un-even application? What's the best thing to use to spread it?

I bought a back plate with the block, will the screws that come with the block be long enough for me to include the BP or will I have to source longer ones? Will the fact that the BP is counter sunk negate the need for longer screws?

Any help will be very, very much appreciated
 
Spreading paste should be the same as you always do. Just do whatever you're comfortable with. Personally I like to spread with a credit card or razor blade but that doesn't make my answer any more valid than anyone else's.

As to the mounting, just follow the instructions the block came with.
 
Thanks for the replies, much appreciated

In particular I'm looking for some user input/hints/tips that you won't or are unlikely to get from user guides. One thing I have learnt is that I'll need a T6 Torx driver to remove the stock cooler.. although this will be in the 'tools needed' part of the user guide I haven't opened the block as yet so it is good to know this before hand
 
What's the block? You'll need thermal pads for the memory chips and VRM - 1mm and 1.5mm I expect - it'll say in the installation leaflet, and then non-conductive TIM for the GPU. Just beware the plastic spacer bit - why EK can't just mill away and leave the standoffs I don't know. I expect it's a cost issue, but makes installation needlessly fiddly.
 
It's this one but it's the Acetal version. Don't the thermal pads come with the block? I just took it they did, so I didn't order any

When you say standoffs, do you mean the thick ish black washers that you're advised to use a tiny bit of TIM on to hold in place?

I usually use ceramique ofr the CPU, anyone got any recs as to a better non conductive TIM?
 
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