Unveiling the Secrets of the 980 Ti Kingpin: A Guide to Disassembly

Unveiling the Secrets of the 980 Ti Kingpin: A Guide to Disassembly

The EVGA 980 Ti Kingpin graphics card is a masterpiece of engineering, built for enthusiasts and overclockers who demand top-tier performance. Known for its impressive cooling solution and factory overclock, the 980 Ti Kingpin is often seen as a high-performance option for gaming and other demanding applications. But like any piece of advanced hardware, sometimes users need to disassemble and maintain it for cleaning, upgrades, or repairs. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the disassembly process, troubleshooting tips, and everything you need to know about the 980 Ti Kingpin.

Why Disassemble the 980 Ti Kingpin?

Disassembling your 980 Ti Kingpin may seem like an intimidating task, but there are a few reasons why you might want to do so:

• Cleaning: Over time, dust can accumulate inside the card, especially around the cooling fans. Disassembling the card allows you to clean it thoroughly and maintain its cooling performance.
• Upgrades: If you’re planning on upgrading thermal paste or installing a custom cooler, disassembling the card is necessary.
• Repair: If your card is malfunctioning or damaged, opening it up allows you to identify the problem and possibly fix it.

Steps to Disassemble the 980 Ti Kingpin

Now that you know why you might want to disassemble your 980 Ti Kingpin, let’s get into the details of how to do it. Follow this step-by-step guide to safely and effectively take apart your graphics card.

Tools Required

Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools ready:

• Small Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver (for prying, if necessary)
• Antistatic wrist strap
• Compressed air (for cleaning dust)
• Thermal paste (for reapplication)

Step 1: Power Off and Disconnect the GPU

Before you start, it’s essential to ensure your computer is completely powered off and unplugged from the wall. Disconnect all cables from your 980 Ti Kingpin, including power cables, display cables, and any other connections. To avoid damaging any components, make sure to use an antistatic wrist strap to ground yourself while handling the card.

Step 2: Remove the PCIe Slot Screws

The 980 Ti Kingpin is secured to the case with screws at the bracket. Use your Phillips-head screwdriver to carefully remove the screws securing the card to your PC case. Once removed, gently slide the card out of the PCIe slot. Be cautious not to pull too hard or damage the PCIe connectors.

Step 3: Remove the Backplate and Cooling Assembly

The 980 Ti Kingpin features a robust cooling system, including a backplate and a custom cooling solution. Here’s how to carefully remove these components:

• Locate the screws on the back of the card that secure the backplate and the cooling assembly.
• Use your screwdriver to remove these screws, ensuring you don’t lose any of the small ones in the process.
• Once the screws are removed, carefully lift the backplate off. Be gentle as some thermal pads or sticky materials might be holding it in place.
• Next, locate the screws securing the cooling assembly (the fan and heatsink). Remove them, and carefully detach the entire cooling system from the card.

Step 4: Inspect and Clean the Components

At this point, you should be able to see the GPU core, memory chips, and other components. You may want to use compressed air to blow away any dust or debris. If you’re planning on reapplying thermal paste, gently remove the old paste from the GPU core and heatsink using isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth or paper towel.

Step 5: Reapply Thermal Paste (Optional)

If you’re disassembling your 980 Ti Kingpin for maintenance or cleaning, it’s a good idea to reapply fresh thermal paste. Follow these steps:

• Clean the surface of the GPU die and the heatsink with isopropyl alcohol.
• Apply a small, pea-sized amount of high-quality thermal paste to the center of the GPU die.
• Reattach the cooling assembly, making sure the heatsink sits evenly on the thermal paste.

Step 6: Reassemble the 980 Ti Kingpin

Once you’ve completed any maintenance or cleaning, it’s time to reassemble the card. Follow these steps in reverse order:

• Reattach the cooling assembly by securing it with screws.
• Reinstall the backplate, ensuring that all screw holes align properly.
• Insert the card back into the PCIe slot and secure it with screws.

Step 7: Testing and Reinstallation

Once everything is reassembled, you can plug the 980 Ti Kingpin back into your system. Reconnect all cables and power on the computer. It’s a good idea to monitor the GPU temperatures during the first few hours of use to ensure that the cooling system is functioning properly.

Troubleshooting Tips for the 980 Ti Kingpin

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may encounter issues after disassembling your 980 Ti Kingpin. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

Overheating Issues

If your card is running hotter than usual after reassembly, ensure that the thermal paste has been applied correctly and that the heatsink is making full contact with the GPU die. You may need to disassemble the card again and reapply thermal paste if necessary. Additionally, check for any dust or debris that could be obstructing airflow around the cooling system.

Fan Not Spinning

If the fan on your 980 Ti Kingpin isn’t spinning, check to make sure it is properly connected to the card’s power source. If the fan is physically damaged, it might need to be replaced. Also, ensure that there are no obstructions blocking the fan blades.

Card Not Detected by PC

If your PC fails to detect the 980 Ti Kingpin after reassembly, try reseating the card in the PCIe slot. If that doesn’t work, test the card in another system to rule out potential motherboard or slot issues. You can also check if the power cables are securely connected to the GPU.

Artifacts or Display Issues

If you notice artifacts or display glitches, it could be due to improper cooling or thermal paste application. Verify that the card is running at the correct temperature and that the heatsink is properly seated.

Conclusion

The 980 Ti Kingpin is a powerful and highly regarded graphics card that offers exceptional performance. Disassembling it for maintenance or upgrades is a straightforward process, as long as you take your time and follow each step carefully. Remember to always use proper tools, take precautions to prevent static damage, and apply new thermal paste if necessary to keep your card running smoothly.

If you’re unsure about any step or encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to online forums or professional services. For more details on maintaining your hardware, you can refer to the EVGA official page, or check out some user reviews and tips on Tom’s Hardware for more insights.

This article is in the category Guides & Tutorials and created by TheFixitLab Team