Koolance VID-AR290X-R User Manual

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VID-AR290X Video Block Guide v 1.0

NOTE: The video card should be removed from the chassis in order to install this
cooling device. Most cards using the VID-series blocks are disassembled the same
way, although heat sink assemblies of any given model can vary.

CAUTION: Removal of the original heat sink or liquid cooling may void
your manufacturer’s hardware warranty. Please consult the manufac-

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turer if unsure, and keep all original parts in case of a return/RMA.

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Unplug the heat sink fan
wire. Remove the original
RAM thermal transfer
material, and wipe any
residual thermal material
from the main GPU
chipset.

All heat sink assembly screws should be removed. There are
multiple screws on the rear of the video card, and 2 more on
the L-bracket.

Radeon 290X Disassembly Screws (Bottom and Rear L-Bracket)

With all screws removed,
carefully remove the GPU heat

sink, followed by the card heat sink.
Original thermal paste may present
resistance during removal.

Thermal paste is only required on the main GPU.
The other areas will utilize the included heat transfer
pads.

Spread thermal compound on the GPU thinly and
evenly using the included paste packet, or a piece
of thick paper (such as a business card).

The thermal pad sheet should be cut into
pieces required for your video block contact

areas. Please use the diagram included
with your water block to determine the approximate sizes
needed. Koolance heat transfer pads can have different
thicknesses (0.5mm, 0.7mm, and 1.0mm).

After cutting the proper shapes for
your block, peel the protective film
from each pad.

Apply each thermal pad to the
water block as illustrated in the
provided thermal pad diagram.

Basically, any area of the video card in contact with the original heat sink will

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need new heat transfer material. Place thermal pads on the corresponding
areas of the Koolance water block.

VID-AR290X Water Block Thermal Pad Locations

Multiple types of heat transfer pads are included with some Koolance blocks.
You might not require both (check the pad diagram). This is done because card
manufactures change the component height tolerance from time to time. After
completing video block assembly, it’ s recommended to remove the block temporarily
to check thermal paste and pad impressions for good component contact:

• If the GPU area paste is not evenly disrupted, thinner thermal pads may be
needed in corresponding areas to improve GPU contact.

• If thermal pads have no chip indentations but the GPU paste looks good,
thicker thermal pads may be needed to improve contact in those areas.

Place the Koolance block onto the
video card so the mounting screws
will align.

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Use the included insulating
washers on the rear of the
video card to help prevent
scratching and electrical
shorting.

Insulating Washers

Using the Koolance-supplied

screws, tighten each location
on the Koolance back plate to assemble the video
card and water block. Do not use the original “X”
bracket behind the GPU.

G 1/4 BSP inlet/outlet nozzles can be screwed into the top or bottom side of the
cooler, as long as coolant flows from one half to the other (left to right or right to
left).

Socket Plugs

Socket plugs are included with
the VID coolers which must be
placed opposite the desired nozzle
locations.

Connecting Multiple VID Coolers

When connecting multiple VID
coolers, Koolance offers an
optional direct-connect nozzle.
This minimizes liquid routing while
avoiding potential conflicts with
hardware in between the video
cards.