For discrete modding or more comprehensive customisation, access to the complete dimensions of the Fury X’s removable faceplate means the sky’s the limit.
For discrete modding or more comprehensive customisation, access to the complete dimensions of the Fury X’s removable faceplate means the sky’s the limit.
If you’re lucky enough to have your hands on one of AMD‘s brand new Radeon R9 Fury X graphics cards you’ll almost certainly have been struck by both the build quality and striking aesthetics of the aluminum shroud. New form factor options were the most well-reported consequences of the cooler design, but AMD are now highlighting a feature which could be of interest to modders and others who appreciate adding their own fingerprints to the ‘look’ of their system – the removable shroud faceplate.
Normally parts of the heatsink shroud being removable would avail you little (unless your intention is to replace the cooler entirely); generally speaking they’re too interdependent, and modification can impair air-flow and overall thermals. The Fury X is different however – by addressing cooling through a closed loop system the shroud has relatively little impact on heat dissipation and no active role to play, allowing aesthetic tweaks to be made. Such is the case with the faceplate, which as well as being a first on a GPU of this kind is also replaceable.
To facilitate personalisation of your own faceplate – either through modification of the existing plate or fabricating your own version, AMD have released 3D CAD files (.STP & .STL) suitable for 3D Printing and as a base in editing within CAD applications. In addition, they’ve also provided the following advice:
– Do not remove the front plate while the graphics card is installed inside a system
– Do not remove the front plate while the graphics card is powered or operational
– Ensure your workspace is clear of debris and appropriate electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection is taken
– The front plate can be removed by removing the four hex screws from the front of the graphics card as illustrated below
— Do not remove any other screws or modify any other components on the graphics card
– Use a proper hex key or screwdriver to remove the screws from the front plate to avoid damaging the screws
— When reinstalling the screws do not to overtighten the screws
– Do not remove the front plate while the graphics card is powered or operational
– Ensure your workspace is clear of debris and appropriate electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection is taken
– The front plate can be removed by removing the four hex screws from the front of the graphics card as illustrated below
— Do not remove any other screws or modify any other components on the graphics card
– Use a proper hex key or screwdriver to remove the screws from the front plate to avoid damaging the screws
— When reinstalling the screws do not to overtighten the screws
Naturally they’re also keen to see and share community designs, so don’t be afraid to pop any mock-ups and creations on social media. More information, including links to the appropriate files, can be found here.
IMPORTANT: AMD’s product warranty does not cover damage to your graphics card or system caused in whole or in part by removing, modifying or reinstalling the AMD Radeon Fury X faceplate, which activities you agree to carry out at your own risk. AMD will not provide replacement faceplates for any faceplates lost or damaged, nor will AMD be liable for any damages to the graphics card or your system caused during the removal, modification or reinstallation of the faceplate.
