How to Clean the Heatsink on a Graphics Card
- 1). Turn off the PC and remove the power and monitor cable from the system. Open the case by removing the screws securing the case cover to the body of the case. These screws are located on the back of the case. Slide the case cover back from the front of the case and lift it free from the body of the case.
- 2). Locate the graphics card at the rear of the machine. The graphics card has the port for the monitor cable on it. Remove the screw holding the graphics card in place and press the small lever at the bottom of the card towards the socket containing the card. Carefully pull the card from the socket; place it onto a flat work surface.
- 3). Expose the heatsink of the card, if covered, by removing the screws holding the cover in place. Pull the cover free to reveal the heatsink. Remove the retaining clips securing the heatsink to the graphics card by pressing the clips at the bottom of the card together and sliding the heatsink post from the hole in the card. Gently pry the heatsink from the card.
- 4). Wipe away the thermal compound from the rear of the card and the top of the graphical processing unit with a cotton ball.
- 5). Remove any dust or debris between the small metal fins of the heatsink using a cotton swab.
- 6). Dampen a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol. Wipe the surface of the heatsink with the swab to remove all traces of dust.
- 7). Apply a small amount of thermal compound, about the size of two grains of rice, to the center of the GPU. Spread it over the entire surface of the GPU completely using the edge of a piece of plastic.
- 8). Replace the heatsink onto the GPU, screwing it securely into place, then replace the plastic cover. Return the graphics card to its socket and screw it into place. Replace the cover of the PC, securing it with the case screws, then plug the monitor and power supply back into the system.
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