De-Modding 101: Reattachment of Stock GPU Heatsink/Fan

By Brian Tiller (8/03/2003)

Introduction

Now we all know that modding your computer and it's components can be fun and look pretty cool too, but what happens when you decide that you don't like a particular mod? Well, that's where we come in and today we're going to talk about De-Modding your VGA card. A little while ago Dean modded up my ABIT Siluro Ti4200 with the same Thermaltake heatsink and Tweakmonster RAM sinks as he did on his BFG Ti4200 that you can see here. While the Thermaltake and Tweakmonster stuff is pretty cool, I still like the look of the original heatsink that came with the card. So today, we're going to show you how to bring it back down to factory standards easily and efficiently.

   

Here we have the VGA card and it's factory heatsink/fan. However we do have a problem. When we removed the card to do the initial mod, one of the retaining buttons on the sink broke, so we're going to have to reattach the sink in a manner other than the prescribed one. 

Tools Needed

This is a somewhat important section, so make sure that you read it well and take heed. Some of the tools that we will use are not required and may be substituted for something else, however there are a few here that are absolutely mandatory.

   

Along with the factory sink and VGA card, you'll need some thermal paste, something to spread it with and a rag to wipe off excess goo. Next we need someway to attach the sink, so here are a few items that may be used. We have a DeWalt cordless drill and drill bit, a 28oz smooth head hammer, and a pneumatic nail gun capable of driving the nails at 130 PSI. Any of these are sufficient, but since we at the Cafe' choose to follow Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor's motto - "More Power" we've chosen to use the pneumatic nail gun. And lastly you'll need your favorite beverage, this is an absolute must have. For me, I've chosen a nice bottle of Scotch, some Rum and for those mellow, reflective moments, some Foster's Lager. I apologize for the blurriness of the last photo, but I've already had a few weee nips (uuuurrrrrp) from one of the bottles.

Preparation

The first thing you need to do is to make sure you're good and hydrated, so pick your fav beverage and pour away. Next it's time to spread the thermal paste onto the GPU to make sure we have good heat conduction.

 

Whoops, I think I may have used too much goo there. But no matter, I'll just spread it around and get it (hic) nice and thick. That deserves another drink, so hold on a sec. Ahhhhh, ok now we're ready to proceed. Now place the heatsink into position on the GPU and get ready to fasten it on.

 

It's time for that little glass to go by the wayside. For something requiring this amount of precision, I'm gonna need the big glass of Scotch. Now, we're (hic) ready to proceed. Place the nail gun into position above the hole and...

WAIT A MINUTE HERE... what am I doing? I can't do this inside, I might break something. We gotta take this outside so I won't do any damage.

 

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