crwdns2931653:01crwdne2931653:0 Exterior view

• In this accessible tutorial, I will show you how to replace the thermal paste on a graphics card. The method applies to all cards.
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crwdns2931653:02crwdne2931653:0 Remove the screws securing the heatsink-fan assembly



• You will have to remove the Phillips screws to detach the heat sink and the fan from the card. Some cards may be equipped with a shroud, but there isn't one on this one.
• The screws to be removed (Red Circles)
• I also advise to unscrew the screws in an "X" pattern (a turn or two at a time for each) so that the force exerted by the screws is very uniform and does not damage the card.
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crwdns2931653:03crwdne2931653:0 Disassembly of the heatsink/fan assembly
• It is important to remove the fan leads with care not to damage them. Disconnecting them can be tricky.
• Graphics processor (GPU) in my case, it's a Radeon HD 7790
• Video memory chips (VRAM) in GDDR5, on this card we have a total of 1gb of memory spread over 4 256 MB chips.
• 6-pin 12v connector for power supply.
• The voltage regulator modules (VRM) permit the delivery and regulate the power supplied to the GPU, VRAM etc ...
• Connectors for video and audio such as HDMI, DVI and Display Port.
• VRAM dedicated thermal pads.
• Heat sink to dissipate the heat generated by the GPU VRM's and VRAM.
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crwdns2931653:04crwdne2931653:0 Replacing the thermal paste
• Remove the old thermal paste with a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol. Then, apply a new dose of thermal paste (it's inexpensive).
• After replacing the heat sink on the GPU, the thermal paste will spread.
• Be careful not to use too much or too little paste. To be sure of the amount, you can spread it out with a card.
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