Modding The Heat Sink

First, you should remove the thermal tape from the heat sink. I used WD-40 to remove it. However, I do not recommend you using it because it is both greasy and hard to clean up. Of course, using WD-40 makes the thermal tape a lot easier to remove.

Alternatively, you can use sandpaper instead. This not only allows you to completely remove the thermal tape, it will also allow you to lap the heat sink base for better contact.

I then placed the graphics card onto the heat sink and marked the drilling spots using a pen. This is a rather critical step. Please make very sure that the heat sink can mate properly with the GPU.

If you do not check, some components on the graphics card may actually block the heat sink from touching the core. You do not want to discover that only after you drill the heat sink!

If components are preventing the heat sink from coming into full contact with the GPU, try moving the heat sink around until it can make full contact with the GPU. If that doesn't do it, you will have to look for a smaller heat sink.

After marking the spots, I used a hand drill fitted with a 2.5 mm drill bit. If you have access to a drill press, please use that instead! It is easier, safer to use and more precise. If you use a hand drill, you may not drill at the exact spot. Even a few millimeters off the mark is not acceptable. Don't say I didn't warn you.

If you use smaller bolts, make sure you choose the correct drill bit for them. This is the result after I drilled the heat sink.

Tapping the holes is the next step. If you don't have a tapping tool, use the bolts to make the threads.