Pimp My Bitaxe Upgrade Kit Premium – Schritt-für-Schritt Installationsanleitung
In these instructions, we'll show you step-by-step how to install the "Pimp My Bitaxe" upgrade kit.
By the way, this guide works just as well for other cooling upgrades – the basic steps are almost always the same. Of course, other heatsinks might use different adapters, but don't worry: with this guide, you'll manage it easily!
1. Check package contents
Check if all parts are in the package. The Premium Set should include:
- 1x ICE-Tower Low-Profile Plus heatsink
- 2x mounting adapters for the heatsink incl. 2x screws M2.5x6
- 1x Noctua NF-A6x15 5V PWM fan
- 1x mounting adapter for the fan incl. 2x mounting clips
- Thermal paste incl. cleaning cloth (not included in the photo)
- 4x screws M3x12 incl. 4x nuts M3
2. Unplug fan
Unplug the old fan.
3. Loosen screws
Carefully loosen the 4 mounting screws of the standard heatsink on the back.
4. Remove the heatsink
Once the four mounting screws are loosened, the heatsink including the fan can be easily removed from the Bitaxe.
5. Cleaning the ASIC chip
You can easily remove the old thermal paste from the chip with the enclosed cleaning cloth. If you like it particularly thorough, cotton swabs or a cloth with IPA cleaner can also help. Make sure no lint remains on the chip.
⚠️ Important: This step involves applying mechanical pressure to the soldered ASIC chip. Please proceed very carefully and under no circumstances press forcefully on the chip – otherwise it could be damaged! So: rather stay gentle. 😉
6. Installing the mounting adapter
Secure the two mounting adapters to the heatsink with the included M2.5x6 screws.
A big thank you at this point to IN ∞/21M WE TRUST. for the great design and the permission to use these adapters! 🙌
7. Fan and Heatsink
For the next steps, we will need:
- the heatsink
- the fan
- the fan adapter
- the two mounting brackets
8. Attach the fan adapter
Place the adapter on the heatsink as shown in the photo.
🔍 Note: The heatsink is not square, so the adapter will only fit in a specific orientation. If it doesn't fit straight away, just turn it!
9. Install fan
Place the fan loosely on the adapter – don't worry, it won't be tight at this point and can wobble a bit. It will all be firmed up shortly.
10. Orient fans correctly
Ensure that the fan – as shown in the photo – is oriented so that the sticker with the type designation faces upwards. Only in this position will the fan properly draw in warm air and blow it away from the heat source.
11. Secure fan
Use the two mounting clips to attach the fan to the heatsink, as shown in the photo.
First, insert both ends of the clip into the designated holes on the fan, then carefully press the clip under the heatsink.
💡 Tip: This step is the trickiest part of the entire assembly – so take a moment and work calmly and carefully. You can do it! 💪
12. Home stretch
We're on the home stretch now. Here's how to mount the heatsink onto the Bitaxe.
13. Apply thermal paste
Carefully apply a pea-sized dab of thermal paste directly onto the ASIC chip using the syringe.
How much exactly? Take a look at the photo – it shows the perfect amount. Try not to skimp or overdo it – this precise amount ensures optimal cooling. 🧊
14. Plug in the fan cable
Since space between the board and the heatsink is quite tight, it is recommended to plug in the fan cable now.
Once the heatsink is screwed in place, it will be difficult to access the connector – so it's better to do it beforehand! 🔌
15. Insert screws into the board
To align the board cleanly over the heatsink, it is advisable to now insert two of the four screws diagonally from the back through the board.
16. Place Bitaxe on the heatsink
Carefully place the board on the heatsink so that the two screws pass directly through the corresponding openings in the mounting adapter. This ensures everything sits exactly where it should – without slipping. 🧩
🔄 Tip: It's best to orient the board so that the curved heat pipes face the display – this way, everything will fit together perfectly later.
17. Insert remaining screws
Now, thread the remaining two screws from the back through the board.
It's best to hold your Bitaxe carefully with one finger so it doesn't tip forward – a little balance helps immensely here!
18. Tighten screws slightly
Hold the M3 nuts against the screws from below with one finger and gently tighten them by hand – do not use force!
🔧 Tip: It's best to tighten the screws crosswise (i.e., diagonally) – this distributes the pressure evenly and everything sits nice and straight.
19. Tighten screws
Use pliers or an M3 wrench to carefully tighten the screws.
🛑 Important: Don't overtighten them! Too much pressure can damage the ASIC chip. Finger-tight is sufficient – gentle rather than forceful!
20. Done!
🎉 Congratulations!
You've done it – your Bitaxe has been successfully upgraded and is now ready for continuous cool operation. Overheating? No longer your problem!
🔌 Note:
The standard power supply delivers 30 watts of power. For safe continuous operation, it should not be loaded with more than 80% – this corresponds to a maximum power consumption of 24 watts.
If you want to overclock your Bitaxe, keep this in mind and play it safe.
21. Cable management (optional)
Optionally, you can now neatly fix the fan cable to the bracket – ideally with a small cable tie (not included).
Of course, any creative solution for cable management is conceivable.
📌 Our recommendation:
Do not run the cable under the heatsink and do not wrap it around the copper heat pipes – this could otherwise lead to heat buildup and significantly impair cooling performance.