GPU Block

[Midnite8]

I just ordered a Heatkiller GPU-X³ 79X0 Ni-Bl for my card and this is my first time water cooling a GPU and was wondering if I need to apply any thermal compound or thermal pads. I have the Promilatech PK-3 thermal compound.

 

[smithkt]

You will definitely need to apply thermal paste to the main die. The block will most likely come with thermal pads for the memory/VRM. Instructions should be provided with the block.

 

[Spazturtle]

With good quality blocks you put thermal paste on the GPU and the vRAM then pads on the VRMs.

With low quality blocks you put thermal paste on the GPU and pads on the vRAM and VRMs.

The instructions should tell you.

 

[Jorona]

How does needing thermal pads on the ram mean its a "low quality" block?

 

[W.Feather]

Its more in reference to the machining tolerances. Larger gaps (larger tolerances) would mean lower quality, and the need of a pad rather than paste

 

[Midnite8]

Well in terms of "quality," how is the one I purchased?

 

[Jorona]

The Heatkiller block is one of the best 7970 blocks on the market. You did fine.