Help replacing stock cooler on 7950GT

NorCalDave · Post by **NorCalDave** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 11:21 am

Hey - I'm new to the forums and also a 1st time system builder

I've got a brand new EVGA 7950GT and want to replace the stock cooler with a Zalman VF900-CU that I bought. It comes with directions but they're kind of lacking in detail. I've never done this kind of thing before and could use some tips on how to go about removing the stock cooler - in particular how to deal with what looks like adhesive pads on the RAM.

I have Arctic Silver's cleaning kit and some AS 5 for the GPU so once I get the cooler off I should be good to go.

Thanks - Dave

bigblockmatt · Post by **bigblockmatt** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 11:41 am

try using a hair dryer to heat up the heat sinks. i have been able to wiggle them off and if not, try and pry it off but very carefully.

NorCalDave · Post by **NorCalDave** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 2:28 pm

Thanks Matt

I'm gonna sit down now that I found my anti-static strap and see if I can get something accomplished.

NorCalDave · Post by **NorCalDave** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 6:01 pm

Well, all went smoothly

Seems that EVGA attaches the thermal tape to the heatsink itself - when you remove the 4 screws holding it on, it just about falls off in your hand.
Cleaned the old thermal goo off the chipset and cleaned the RAM so the ramsinks stuck and the rest was gravy.

Took my mobo (P5B Deluxe) out of its box and popped the vid card in to check for clearance issues with the Zalman and some tall capacitors next to the slot - they cleared the hold down nuts by like 1/16 of an inch .

My case gets here next week and will try to get everything in that weekend.

Thanks for the help