So finally got around to installing the hybrid kit and overall pretty disappointed as it does not achieve the objective of reducing key temperatures across the board. For mining my overall recommendation is to stay away as the stock cooler does a much better job in keeping the memory cool.
Here are some results.
Before
After
Prior to installing the hybrid cooler I had 2 M2 heatsinks installed on the backside of the card with an ML120 fan blowing over the backplate.
Now my final setup isn't quite cutting it due to small case size and because of the front mounted rad pulling in extremely hot air and blowing all over the card. I also forgot to install my anti-sag bracket which I will install tomorrow morning.
Here are more shots of the work. Overall it took me about 2 hours to install the thing. Reason is I took my time removing the goop from the power phases which had literally melted. Overall, installation was not complex but requires a lot of care because the card is quite sensitive and has very small MLCC all over the whole card. You never know when you could just chuck one off.
This whole experiment for mining was a fail. If I don't mine then the performance and temps are all fine. I will most likely remove the cooler tomorrow and install the stock HSF.
However, thanks to Sir Pauly for sponsoring this kit. It is definitely worth the investment if you are not mining with the card.
Some shots below.
Original HSF
Hybrid box
Open box
Unwrapped kit
Backside of stock HSF (notice the melted thermal pads)
