Reddit reviews NZXT Kraken G12 - GPU Mounting Kit for Kraken X Series AIO - Enhanced GPU Cooling - AMD and NVIDIA GPU Compatibility - Active Cooling for VRM, Black

I've done this to a 1070 before, so here's what I recommend:

One of the problems I had when mounting the cooler was just dealing with how big it is compared to the chip. Granted, the cooler I used is rectangular and almost blocked the mounting holes, but it still poses a problem when considering HOW to mount it. With a circular cooler, this is much less of a problem.

Looking at images of the Vega 56 PCB, it looks like the VRMs are relatively close to the chip on the top. This isn't a problem if they're flush with the chip itself, but if the VRMs are taller, you'll either need to use a spacer over the chip, or mount the cooler lower, because the AIO will definitely sit ontop of at least a couple of the VRM modules.

These are the heatsinks I bought for the VRAMs and VRMs on my 1070. Some fair warning about these : The backing you find on most of these heatsinks packs isn't actual "proper" thermal adhesive, even when it says it is, so keep that in mind. I would recommend getting a roll of double-sided thermal tape or something similar, but whether or not it actually helps things is not something I could tell you for sure. It's definitely good for peace of mind, though.

When it comes to actually mounting the cooler, your idea of drilling holes in the bracket DOES work; I have seen it done on other cards before. But if you're worried about being able to return the cooler, there are other methods like using zipties that is cheap and easy, or using an NZXT Kraken to mount the cooler, although that will cost you (and I'm not sure if it fits Vega).

Either way, best of luck! Hope it works out for you.

The one that's $30 on Amazon?

https://smile.amazon.com/Kraken-Matte-Cooling-Black-RL-KRG12-B1/dp/B06ZYHRMYP?sa-no-redirect=1

My friend and I just finished building his first PC, and went the route of using AIO coolers for both his CPU (i7-8700k) and GPU (ASUS GTX 1080 Turbo).

This was built in an NZXT S340 Elite case, which had some radiator restrictions that you do not have, so you have a little more leeway on your cooler choice, but the overall results are phenomenal.

For CPU, we decided on the NZXT Kraken X62 280mm AIO cooler. The performance is one of the best for overall cooling performance, and is a breeze to install, plus he really liked the design of the unit. This was mounted in the front of the case as an intake with a push fan config (we had no choice on this due to the case, but I don't know that we would have done it differently regardless). The EVGA CLC 280mm is another very good 280mm cooler, but this comes entirely down to design preference. There are plenty of other options if you prefer a 360mm rad instead, but you can do the research and decide which one you like best (IMO 280mm is the best for noise/cooling performance). Ultimately almost all AIO coolers are rebranded Asetek coolers anyway, so they have the same overall design with different names and RGB LEDs.

For the GPU, we removed the factory blower fan and installed an NZXT Kraken G12 bracket, and paired it with a Corsair H55 120mm AIO. One thing to be careful of, the G12 is mostly universal, however some aftermarket cards have different PCB layouts for the board itself, and the G12 MAY NOT WORK for your card. If you can look up your card and send me the info, I should be able to look up the PCB on google and determine if it will work for your card. Since you have more options on your install, you could instead change this to a 140mm radiator for better cooling performance, however this is not necessary unless you want very significant overclocks, and will be more expensive depending on the unit you choose. One note for the GPU portion of this swap, the AIO swap MUST be installed in one of two ways. Either 1) you use fan headers on the motherboard to control GPU temps, or 2) you must buy this adapter to control the AIO fan from your GPU. If you choose option 2, you can also buy this fan splitter to power the G12 fan (its a constant RPM fan, no speed control) as well. We personally went with option 2 and added the splitter as well to control everything from the GPU fan header using MSI afterburner (IMO, it is definitely the best way to go). The 120mm AIO was mounted in the rear as an exhaust with a push fan configuration.

Some other related notes: 1) Many individuals will shout from the rooftops that you MUST buy VRAM heatsinks because the G12's fan will not be able to adequately cool them. We did not buy heatsinks, and have zero temp issues at a +600 memory OC. I personally do not feel this to be necessary, but heatsinks are cheap, so if you want to be absolutely sure, feel free to grab them. 2) If you choose to go with a different GPU cooler, say like the NZXT Kraken X42 with RGB lighting or pump speed control, MAKE SURE you have enough USB headers on your motherboard! Most likely you will need to grab a internal USB hub like this to run them all.

I do not have any pictures on hand right now, but there are multiple Youtube videos you can look at to see what it all looks like and entails, just search for "Kraken G12" and you will see multiple videos detailing install procedures, cooling performance, and how it looks.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. My friend has never been happier with his build, and the performance numbers are outstanding.

https://www.amazon.com/Kraken-Matte-Cooling-Black-RL-KRG12-B1/dp/B06ZYHRMYP

https://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Hydro-Quiet-Liquid-Cooler/dp/B009VV56TY

https://www.amazon.com/Noctua-NT-H1-Thermal-Compound-Retail/dp/B002CQU14A

Those three things are what you need to convert the card to hybrid cooling.

Thats a very power hungry chip. You’re gonna want full cooling. Some mini-heatsinks and good airflow would do, but you cannot just run a core waterblock and be done. If watercooling, I actually recommend using an AIO with a NZXT G12 bracket, since it will provide be cheaper than an entire loop, and probably cool the same, since its in direct silicon contact. If you already have a loop though, then go with the waterblock.


For a Universal Waterblock, you need a thermosphere


Thermosphere:
https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-thermosphere-nickel


Heres an AIO
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019EXSSBG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BYP4Ab7SGPX4A

Heres a G12
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZYHRMYP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_hZP4Ab4JEJC1V

You dont even need 240mm, my 980ti which only draws 25w less than the 390 is perfectly fine on 120mm rad.

Read my lips. It's compatible. Nzxt is just saying that to cover their because they only tested with FE cards.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/reviews/B06ZYHRMYP/ref=cm_cr_dp_mb_show_all_btm?ie=UTF8

User Slammy has a photo if his strix 1080ti w/kraken g12 on it including review. I did the same thing. Make sure to keep the front plate and back plate on. You should only have to remove 4 screws to take the strix air cooler off. From there just follow instructions on g12

https://www.amazon.com/Kraken-Matte-Cooling-Black-RL-KRG12-B1/dp/B06ZYHRMYP

First review mentions mounting it on 980ti strix

Well heck yea dude!

Check out the NZXT G12 bracket. You'll need to buy an AIO watercooler. It'll fit any asetek gear-shaped pump. If your system already has a Corsair water cooler, you can run two corsair watercoolers on the same software. Same with NZXT.

I have the older G10 model (last generation) but installation is the same and I'm open to questions if you want to PM me.

https://smile.amazon.com/Kraken-Matte-Cooling-Black-RL-KRG12-B1/dp/B06ZYHRMYP

https://smile.amazon.com/Kraken-Liquid-Cooling-System-RL-KRX42-02/dp/B06XXJ86WJ/

Doesn't seem that expensive

get one of these

https://www.amazon.com/Kraken-Matte-Cooling-Black-RL-KRG12-B1/dp/B06ZYHRMYP and https://www.amazon.com/Kraken-Matte-Cooling-Black-RL-KRG12-B1/dp/B06ZYHRMYP. I believe that's what your looking for

I too have the 1070TI but what i did was a simple water cool set-up. Which is get a Gpu bracket, NZXT G12 then put on a compatible AIO liquid cooler Examples .

If you are looking to do the fancy custom water-cool stuff (pumps, reservoirs, tubing, radiators); I can't help you there cuz I'm not knowledgeable enough in that area.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZYHRMYP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_4SToDb93XHTJF maybe get this if you buy the GPU it would fix the heating problem

Thanks for replying Brad,

Do you think three fans (2 in front pushing and 1 pulling on the top) will still do a single digit change in temperature? Or should I buy a AIO watercooler for the GPU?

Edit: Even with a more agressive fan curve my temp is still at 82c, 95% fan speed running at 82c. Same as default fan curve.

(tested with PUBG)

Edit 2: Can I watercool my gpu with a NZXT Kraken G12 mount + Corsair H105 240mm liquid cooler?

NZXT Kraken G12 GPU Matte Cooling Black (RL-KRG12-B1) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZYHRMYP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_QPjTAbYSJZHXG

Corsair CW-9060016-WW Hydro Series H105 Extreme Performance Liquid CPU Cooler https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HKEI3EY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_TQjTAbAKMKEH8

I dont know if this would work but maybe if you research you can find out more ways https://www.amazon.com/NZXT-Kraken-G12-Mounting-Compatibility/dp/B06ZYHRMYP

https://www.amazon.com/Kraken-Matte-Cooling-Black-RL-KRG12-B1/dp/B06ZYHRMYP/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1523461640&sr=8-2&keywords=gpu+cooler#customerReviews

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For the r5 3600 it should be fine with the stock cooler, if not the noctua cooler I linked below should be a solid improvement and will fit your case.

Noctua cpu cooler: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/xxphP6/noctua-cpu-cooler-nhl9i

For the 2070 super I can’t see it having problems with temps since it has direct access to airflow on the bottom of the case. If there are somehow high temps you’d have to buy an nzxt gpu mounting kit and their nzxt kraken which will get very expensive.

Gpu mounting kit: https://www.amazon.ca/NZXT-Kraken-Matte-Cooling-RL-KRG12-B1/dp/B06ZYHRMYP/ref=asc_df_B06ZYHRMYP/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=341629887997&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13030501980379102421&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001066&hvtargid=pla-570573637648&psc=1

Nzxt kraken 120mm: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/fmx2FT/nzxt-kraken-m22-liquid-cpu-cooler-rl-krm22-01

Nzxt kraken 240mm: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/kTL7YJ/nzxt-kraken-x52-rev-2-731-cfm-liquid-cpu-cooler-rl-krx52-02

*Note that these are older models and may have some problems. The newer models cost $40+ more than these models

Out of curiosity have you already purchased the parts / built the pc or is this just a parts list?