[hodgoes2001]

Hey all...

As Promised

Here is my instructions on how to Install this cooler on a GTX 480 with a EVGA Backplate

Edit: This should work on all 480s with reference PCBs

And also some pics of my system with SLI 480s with this setup on both cards

Things you will need-

EVGA Backplate
GTX 480
AXP cooler
VR004 Kit for AXP
A Small phillips head screwdriver
Drill
a Drill Piece about 1cm thick
Some small Screws that will be able to be screwed into the backplate

Step 1:

Unscrew all the screws off the backplate (image below) and remove backplate

Step 2:

Unscrew the remaining screws (image Below)

Step 3:

Remove the shroud by unclipping these tabs in images below

Step 4:

Remove Stock Heatsink and Ram/VRM sink

Step 5:

Line up the backplate with all the screw hole and use a screwdriver to mark the 4 holes that are needed for the AXP cooler

Here is another pic of just the backplate with the 4 marks to be drilled out

Step 6:

Drill out the backplate in the spots that you marked

You will end up with something like this

Step 7:

Pre Tread all the holes on the backplate with a screw

Step 8:

Attach the backplate onto the card using the small screws i mentioned before

Step 9:

Apply Thermal Glue onto the VRMs and VRAM, and apply the heatsinks

Step 10:

Screw on the main AXP cooler

And there you go...

One GTX 480 with a AXP cooler and EVGA backplate

Also here is some pics of my 2x 480s in SLI with this Heatsink setup

Edit:

If there is anything you don't understand about the instructions... or you know of someway that i can improve them...

please let me know

Edit:

Temps

45 Deg C Idle Temps

69 Deg C Load Temps

On Top card

44 Deg C Idle

65 Deg C Load

On bottom Card

Btw it is like 40 Deg C here atm!!

Also this is with my Max OC

900/1800/2200

 

[ranerX3]

nice but what your temps ?

 

[hodgoes2001]

Updated with temps

 

[blackbalt89]

There was no way to make those drilled holes any neater?

Either way I'm glad your temps are nice!

 

[hodgoes2001]

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackbalt89;12023124
There was no way to make those drilled holes any neater?

Either way I'm glad your temps are nice!

there would be....

but the only drill bit that i had... was a bit blunt so it kinda made it look a bit scrappy

i plan on re drilling these holes later on

I wasn't looking for the better temps/looks that come with the backplate (mind you it is nice to get them anyway)

I was looking to make the card more rigid....

Since the AXP cooler has a habit of bending the cards...

And as you can see.... in my system they don't really bend at all with the backplate on

 

[adamlau]

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackbalt89;12023124
There was no way to make those drilled holes any neater?

Hehe...Always use cutting oil and as high a speed as your drill can support (versus high torque) when drilling through aluminum, even a plate as thin as the EVGA backplate. Nice job, hodgoes2001

.

 

[Draygonn]

Great tutorial. Your rig looks amazing. The backplates look great. Even the sli bridge fits perfectly, with no bending. Nice work.

 

[hodgoes2001]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Draygonn;12107792
Great tutorial. Your rig looks amazing. The backplates look great. Even the sli bridge fits perfectly, with no bending. Nice work.

it was a total fluke with the sli bridge....

i was looking for a flexible bridge to go across 3 slots and i thought that one would actually be a bit small... but it ended up being perfect...

it has taken me alot of time to mod my system....

probably easily have spent about 24 hours modding it so far... if not more....

Also Draygonn.... this mod should work with your cards

 

[Ulver]

Hey, nice work and very nice system, man!
I have a very similar layout here with an identical X-Fi, so I was wanting to ask you: How tight are those cards with the AXPs?
Do the top card's fans' plastic frame touches the next card's back?
How about the bottom one? Does it touches the PSU?

 

[hodgoes2001]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ulver;12551226
Hey, nice work and very nice system, man!
I have a very similar layout here with an identical X-Fi, so I was wanting to ask you: How tight are those cards with the AXPs?
Do the top card's fans' plastic frame touches the next card's back?
How about the bottom one? Does it touches the PSU?

there is about 2-4mm gap between the cards...

no touching...

and it is along way away from the PSU

EDIT:

Here is a more up to date pic of my PC with my new CPU cooler...

and a better look at the spacing

 

[SirWaWa]

everything looks good except for the drilled holes
one of the heatsinks look bent