Nothing as scary as tearing a 800$ ASUS GTX1080Ti GPU apart and voiding warranty, but that is also part of the thrill. I love the look of EKWBs Acrylic and Acetal water block. With the GPU mounted vertically there is no need to spend time on a custom backplate, so went with the black backplate from EKWB.
Such a beautiful card, even if the cooling capability and noice levels can be discussed.
Small screws requires small tools. Few screws to remove the backplate, but don’t let that fool you. The work starts once the backplate is removed. Two small bowls to keep the screws sorted while dissembling.
There it is. The inside backside of the amazing ASUS Fe GTX1080Ti. 20! screws to be removed to release the big and heavy frontside. I went counter clockwise and did the 9 GPU screws last. Also counter clockwise. No particular reason, I just tend to go counter clockwise when I remove stuff and go clock wise when I put things together. That way I can more easily keep track of all the progress.
This is how it looks, once all the 20 screws are removed and both halvs of the card is visible.
Simple and clear instructions included by EKWB. Just follow it and do one thing at a time and it’s really uncomplicated. Only thing I felt was a little unclear was the reference to the LED. But after checking EKWBs website again, it states that LED is not included but is optional. If you want the plate to light, order that LED or you will need to break your card apart again, once you want to add it. I left mine without, due to that reason.
Thermal pads added according to the instructions. Just a scissor and some measuring needed. Anyone can do it.
Much better. THAT is how a real ASUS GTX1080Ti should look like. With a beautiful water black keeping the awesomeness cooled. Used Grizzly Kryonaut as new paste to keep it cool.
Backplate mounted and card is done and EKWB logo unpeeled 🙂 Will look amazing mounted in my custom vertical GPU bracket.
Block photographed by my GF with a real camera. I just love the black and transparent combination. ASUS and EKWB awesomeness. Like 1 + 1 = 3.
