Removing EVGA GTX 1070 SC cooler for cleaning

[volkgren]

I've got a pretty dirty EVGA GTX 1070 SC and GTX 1080 Ti SC2 that need to be cleaned underneath the cooler.

What should I keep in mind when doing this? I've done it on lower-end GPUs that didn't have thermal pads.

Will I need new pads?

*I contacted EVGA and they said I don't need new pads.

 

[Barty1884]

No, pads are reusable. Nothing else to really keep in mind, if you've already done similar on lower-end cards. Disassembly will be a little different, but pretty obvious/straightforward.

Note where all screws go, don't force anything, ensure you remove the fan/LED connector from the PCB etc....

 

[RobCrezz]

Just get some decent quality thermal paste - its worth changing it when you take it apart.