Main risks

• Electric shock or short circuits when installing or handling the card while the computer is connected to mains power.
• Electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage when touching contacts or circuit components.
• Overheating due to insufficient ventilation, dust build-up, or blocked fans.
• Minor injuries from contact with spinning fans and cable entanglement.
• Mechanical damage from forcing insertion, failing to secure with screws, or from the card’s weight (deformation of the connector or the motherboard).
• Power-connector risks if connectors are not fully inserted, unsuitable cables are used, or cables are excessively bent close to the connector (overheating and failure).
• Short circuits caused by liquids, spills, or by loose screws/metal tools inside the chassis.
• Very hot surfaces after prolonged use, with a risk of minor burns on contact.
• On models with liquid cooling: possible leaks that may damage other components.

Safe use

• Shut down the PC, unplug it from the mains and wait a few minutes before installing, removing or cleaning the card.
• Work on a clean surface and discharge your static electricity by touching the metal chassis or using an anti-static wrist strap.
• Handle the card by the edges or the heatsink; avoid touching the PCB and the gold contacts.
• Check the case clearance and alignment with the slot; insert straight without forcing and secure with the retaining screws.
• If the card is heavy, use a support to prevent sagging and protect the motherboard slot.
• Connect only appropriate PCIe cables from the power supply; ensure each connector is fully inserted with no play, avoiding sharp bends near the connector.
• Keep cables and fingers away from the fans; check they spin freely before powering on.
• Ensure sufficient airflow in the case; do not obstruct the card’s air intakes and exhausts.
• Install drivers from official sources; avoid aggressive overclocking if you are not familiar with it. Stop use if you notice a burning smell, smoke, display artefacts or unusual noises.
• If your model uses liquid cooling, check the fittings and perform a leak test with the system powered off before powering on.

Storage and maintenance

• Disconnect the system and allow the card to cool before any maintenance.
• Periodically clean the heatsink and fans with low-pressure compressed air; hold the blades to prevent them from overspinning.
• Keep the case filters and grilles clean to ensure good airflow.
• Visually inspect power connectors and cables; if you detect discolouration, a burning smell or looseness, do not use it until it has been checked.
• Do not use liquids or harsh aerosols on the card; avoid vacuuming directly over the components.
• For storage or transport, use an anti-static bag and padded packaging; avoid shocks, moisture and extreme temperatures.
• Do not stack weight on top of the card or leave it hanging by the cables.
• Do not remove the heatsink or replace the thermal paste unless the manufacturer allows it and you have the necessary experience.

Usage restrictions

• Do not install or use the card outdoors or in environments with high humidity, conductive dust, drips, or near heat sources or open flames.
• Do not handle the card with the system connected to power or while it is operating.
• Do not use underpowered power supplies, damaged cables, improvised adapters, or mix modular cables from different power supply brands/models.
• Do not block the fans or use the card without the cooling specified by the manufacturer.
• Avoid bending or stressing the power and video cabling; do not support the weight of the equipment on the connectors.
• Do not leave the system under full load for long periods without monitoring temperatures and ventilation.
• Avoid extreme overclocking, BIOS modification, or voltage increases if you are not fully aware of the risks.
• Keep screws and accessories out of reach of children and pets; do not allow access to the inside of the PC while the system is running.
• If you lack PC-building experience, consider having it installed by qualified personnel.