Pimp My Bitaxe

Step-by-Step Instructions

In this guide, we will show you step by step how to install the Pimp My Bitaxe Upgrade Kit.

This guide can also be used for other cooling upgrades. In general, the steps remain the same. If you are using heatsinks other than the ones shown here, different adapters may be required. However, with this guide, that should not be an issue.

WARNING!!!
When replacing the heatsink, mechanical modifications will be made to the Bitaxe. It is absolutely essential to disconnect the Bitaxe from the power source beforehand and to perform all steps with utmost caution.
We do not assume any liability for damage caused by improper handling of the Bitaxe during this upgrade.
Please use common sense and handle the device carefully to avoid causing any damage!

1. Check the package contents

Check if all parts are included in the package.

For the complete set, the following items should be included:

  • ICE-Tower heatsink
  • Mounting adapter for the ICE-Tower heatsink, including 4 push-pins for securing it to the Bitaxe
  • Noctua fan
  • Y-splitter cable
  • Thermal paste
  • Cleaning cloth for thermal paste
  • Bag with screws and connectors: 8 large M3x20 screws, 2 small screws for the heatsink adapter, 1 4-pin connector for the fan (only needed if the Bitaxe does not already have the connector pre-soldered)

2. Apply the stickers

Take the stickers out of the box and stick them somewhere right away - like on your laptop, for example.

3. Check the fan connector

Check if the correct connector is present on your Bitaxe.

If your Bitaxe already has the correct connector, proceed to Step 4. (The color of the connector is not relevant, by the way.)

If the large 4-pin PWM connector is missing, it needs to be soldered first. We include the necessary connectors in the complete set. If you’re not comfortable soldering yourself, ask a friend for help or reach out to us. For easy soldering, set your soldering iron to 330°C.

4. Remove the old heatsink

Carefully disconnect the fan connector.

Using pliers, gently squeeze the two push-pins on the backside of the Bitaxe that hold the heatsink in place. While squeezed, you can easily push the pins out of the board with your thumb.
Alternatively, you can carefully clip off the pins using side cutters.
Once the pins are removed, the heatsink can be easily lifted off.

5. Clean the ASIC

Clean the old thermal paste from the chip.
Use the included cleaning cloth to easily remove the old thermal paste from the chip.
Additionally, you can use cotton swabs or a soft cloth with IPA cleaner for a more thorough cleaning.

WARNING!!!
This step applies mechanical pressure to the soldered ASIC chip. Please be as careful as possible and never press forcefully on the chip, as this could damage it.

5.1 After cleaning

This is how the ASIC chip should look after cleaning. Make sure that no fibers from the cleaning cloth or cotton swabs are left on the chip.

6. Attaching the heatsink

Use the two small screws from the bag to secure the adapter to the bottom of the heatsink.

Make sure the adapter is mounted in the correct orientation. The screws should fully sink into the adapter - if they do, you’ve attached it correctly.

7. Attaching the fan onto the heatsink

Use four of the included M3x20 screws to securely mount the fan onto the heatsink.

7.1. After attaching the fan

This is how the heatsink should look with the mounted adapter and fan.
We have had good experiences with the cable routing shown here. However, there are no strict rules for cable management - other routing methods are also possible.

8. Cleaning the contact surfaces

The ASIC chip was already thoroughly cleaned of old thermal paste in Step 5.
In this step, it is recommended to briefly clean the heatsink’s contact surface with the cleaning cloth to remove any potential contaminants. The contact surface is the area with the copper heat pipe that extends from the bottom of the adapter.

9. Applying the thermal paste

Using the syringe, carefully apply a pea-sized drop of thermal paste onto the ASIC chip.


The correct amount of thermal paste is shown in the reference image. Try not to use too little, but also avoid excessive paste.

Note:
The amount shown in the image is slightly more than necessary. However, we intentionally demonstrate a larger quantity, as too little thermal paste can lead to inadequate heat transfer.

10. Attaching the heatsink onto the Bitaxe

We recommend installing the heatsink with the fan facing upward to ensure optimal temperature management.

In its pre-assembled state, you can place the heatsink on a table with the contact surface facing up. This allows you to easily position the Bitaxe from above, aligning it correctly with the four push-pins.

Now, gently press all four pins through the corresponding holes on the Bitaxe. It is best to start with two diagonally opposite pins, then insert the remaining two.

10.1 Final Assembly Check

This is how the setup should look once all four push-pins are correctly inserted through the board and have each clicked into place.

Alternatively, you can use screws and nuts instead of push-pins. However, be very careful when tightening them - applying too much pressure on the ASIC chip could cause damage.

11. Connecting the fan

If no rear fan is being installed, simply connect the fan to the board now.

Optionally, you can tidy up the cables using zip ties. You may also remove the yellow sticker on the fan cable for a cleaner look.

Without a rear fan, this concludes the installation guide. Enjoy your pimped Bitaxe!

12. Installing the second fan on the back

Use the remaining four M3x20 screws to secure the second fan to the back of the mount. We recommend placing it in the upper position, as this is where the voltage regulator, which requires the most cooling, is located.

13. Connecting the Y-splitter cable

The included Y-splitter cable can be easily connected to the corresponding fan connector on the Bitaxe. It doesn’t matter which end is connected to the front or rear fan - both will work the same way.

14. Mounting the backplate and connecting the fan cables

In this step, the Bitaxe can be screwed onto the backplate of the mount. Use the four small screws included with the mount for this. Next, connect the front and rear fan cables to the Y-splitter.

15. Cable Management

Once all cables are connected, they can be neatly bundled together. You can use a zip tie (not included in the set) or a wire (e.g., from the power supply) for this.

There are no strict rules for cable management - feel free to get creative! Just make sure that the cables do not come into direct contact with the board to avoid potential issues.

16. Done

Everything is now set up - your Bitaxe has been successfully pimped and will no longer have overheating issues. Enjoy the improved cooling performance!

Note:
The standard power supply provides 30 watts of power. For long-term use, it should not be operated at more than 80% load, which corresponds to a maximum power consumption of 24 watts. Keep this in mind if you plan to overclock your device.

A setting that has proven effective in our tests is 650 MHz at 1150 mV.