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    7970M Copper Shim Question

    Discussion in 'Alienware M15x' started by Night92, Dec 13, 2012.

  1. Night92

    Night92 Newbie

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    Hello everyone,

    I would like to use copper shims on my 7970M to provide more contact between the GPU die and the heatsink since I don't have the necessary equipment to grind my x-bracket which was included with my 7970M purchase. Could anyone provide me with an insight on the thickness of the copper shim required?
     
    Night92, Dec 13, 2012
    #1
  2. sangemaru

    sangemaru Notebook Deity

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    I would like to stress that this is a bad idea, temp-wise, because you'd be putting 3! layers of interface between the core and the heatsink (TIM on one side, copper shim, TIM on other side).
    I'll be honest, I can't imagine there not being a neighbor, workshop, home depot or similar around you that can get you at least a Pile to shave with. Or you can order the proper x-bracket online, and it would get there just as fast as the copper shims would. Then there's also the issue of the shim maybe slipping out and touching stuff on the card or mobo and shorting something. You'd have to use thermal epoxy to keep it fixed in place to the heatsink.

    Really, don't do this.
     
    sangemaru, Dec 13, 2012
    #2
  3. Lambda808

    Lambda808 Notebook Consultant

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    Are you sure it increases temps? Has anyone ever. Had that happen?
    And also I'm curious. Lets say you have a 460m, and you grind down to put the 7970m in. Then your 7970m doesn't work for some reason. Will your 460m still be able to function or be placed back in?
     
    Lambda808, Dec 13, 2012
    #3
  4. ssj92

    ssj92 Neutron Star

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    this setup, it'll be fine. Idle temps 28-32C Load temps 62-73C depending on the game. [Your temps may vary]

    On other forums people are reporting around 75C max temp under full stress with a copper shim.

    20mm x 20mm x 1.5mm thickness should be fine.
     
    ssj92, Dec 13, 2012
    #4
  5. JohnnyFlash

    JohnnyFlash Notebook Virtuoso

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    I run a shim on my card. It does add another layer between, but it's copper and still going to be a massive improvement over bad contact.
     
    JohnnyFlash, Dec 13, 2012
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  6. Night92

    Night92 Newbie

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    Woah thanks for the exact dimensions! Hopefully no more random shutdowns at 80 degrees Celsius!
     
    Night92, Dec 13, 2012
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  7. IrateMike

    IrateMike Notebook Geek

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    In my opinion, copper shim should be fine. I ground my x-plate down, I did it with a file, very simple. I used two washers on the x-plate so that the metal protruding past the washers was what I needed to remove and filed down until the file started contacting the washers. This meant I removed the same amount on each post and they were filed flat. There was only 1mm difference between my 260m and the 7970m x-plate, so it's not a lot to remove.
     
    IrateMike, Dec 14, 2012
    #7
  8. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    I agree with Johnny in this. It will work better even though you are adding a new layer.
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Dec 14, 2012
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  9. Mexic00ls

    Mexic00ls Notebook Deity

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    i have done the same with my m15x and have no complaints with using copper shims
     
    Mexic00ls, Dec 14, 2012
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  10. Lambda808

    Lambda808 Notebook Consultant

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    Where did everyone get their copper shims? I can't find any with the dimensions I need within the US.
     
    Lambda808, Dec 16, 2012
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  11. ssj92

    ssj92 Neutron Star

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    I used ebay.
     
    ssj92, Dec 16, 2012
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  12. Lambda808

    Lambda808 Notebook Consultant

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    Shipping from within the US? I can't find these dimensions: 2cmx2cmx1.5mm, anywhere other than China.
     
    Lambda808, Dec 16, 2012
    #12
  13. Mexic00ls

    Mexic00ls Notebook Deity

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    Mexic00ls, Dec 17, 2012
    #13