KickAssCop
Hi, I am looking for some information about how to install the G10 Kraken. Rather than posting it in multiple threads, I thought this thread should suffice.
It would be great if you could tell me the following:
a) Did you install the G10 on one card or both cards (if SLi)
b) Did you leave the backplate on for the install?
c) Did you remove the mid plate for your install?
d) Did you need separate ram sinks or sinks for any mofsets?
e) Did you require a copper shim? If yes, what size?
f) Which hydro AIO cooler did you use?
g) Which model card did you use?
h) Did you replace the default NZXT fan?
i) Did you require separate screws for installation without using NZXT backplate and using the video card backplate? Did you install the NZXT backplate on top of the video card backplate?
j) What temperatures are you getting?
 
Personally, I was going to order the following for installation on my EVGA SC+ 980 Ti with ACX cooler. However, I am not sure if I need a copper shim and ram sinks for my setup.
Noctua 92 mm fan w/ PWM connector (can be installed directly on the video card without any splitters)
Arctic MX-4
NZXT G10
Corsair H75
 
Would be great to know your thoughts about this.
 
 
 
 

I installed 2 G10s + H75s on my GTX 980 KPEs in SLI originally. After stepping up to 980 Tis, I attempted to install them on those as well.
 
Motherboard = Asus Z97 Sabertooth Mark S
Case = Corsair Carbide Air 540
 
a) Did you install the G10 on one card or both cards (if SLi)
Both SLI 980 KPE and SLI 980 Ti ACX 2.0+
 
b) Did you leave the backplate on for the install?
Left on for both.
 
c) Did you remove the mid plate for your install?
980 KPE has a 2-section midplate. I removed only the plate around the GPU die. No shim necessary if removed. On the 980 Ti, the whole midplate must be removed unless you have a shim.
 
d) Did you need separate ram sinks or sinks for any mofsets?
With midplate, no. Without midplate, recommended.
 
e) Did you require a copper shim? If yes, what size?
With midplate, yes. Without midplate, no.
I did not use a shim on the 980 KPE because I opted to removed the first section of midplate.
I first attempted a 20x20x1 mm copper shim on the 980 KPE and 980 Ti with midplates, but I did not get very good contact with the die. If you want to keep the midplate, I recommend a thicker shim -- at least 1.2-1.6 mm (and 25x25 mm should also be okay).
 
f) Which hydro AIO cooler did you use?
2x Corsair H75.
 
g) Which model card did you use?
2x EVGA GTX 980 KPE
2x EVGA GTX 980 Ti ACX 2.0+
 
h) Did you replace the default NZXT fan?
No.
 
i) Did you require separate screws for installation without using NZXT backplate and using the video card backplate? Did you install the NZXT backplate on top of the video card backplate?
Different screws are necessary if you want to keep the backplate and/or midplate. The G10 packaged ones are too short when using the G10 backplate + GPU backplate.
With different screws, I installed both with and without the G10 backplate, over the 980/980 Ti backplate.
Take note -- without the G10 backplate, the screws can shift a bit, and contact with the GPU can be compromised. Take care when aligning and tightening the G10 mounting caps. This also can happen even with the G10 backplate unless you can find some nuts to fit the replacement screws to secure them to the G10 backplate (similarly to the stock screws/nuts).
 
j) What temperatures are you getting?
Maxed around 65C in Furmark, usually.
 
After trying this, I don't know if I would recommend it unless you don't care about a backplate and midplate. If you use the G10 as it comes, without replacing anything, it works wonderfully. If you want to keep the two GPU plates, it is a bit of a hassle and not guaranteed to work at its best.
You might be able to keep the GPU backplate, then flip the G10 backplate upside down (or peel off the foam insulation on it right-side up), then remove the GPU midplate and still be able to use the stock screws.
 
Personally, I am planning on waiting for the new Corsair HG10 N980 to come out next month before I reattach my H75s to my 980 Tis. I think their bracket will work much better.