RTX 3070 16GB VRAM Upgrade Guide

This guide provides a detailed step-by-step process for upgrading the NVIDIA RTX 3070 graphics card to 16GB of VRAM. The process involves replacing the existing VRAM modules with 2GB modules and adjusting hardware straps.

Do NOT do this mod if you have never soldered before, or are not willing to lose your GPU! It is recommened to practice SMD Soldering on a burner GPU First (any old GPU is enough. They all got Vram Chips and resistors you can practive on.) before even touching your actual GPU. Proceed at your own Risk!

---

Table of Contents

1. Tools and Materials
2. Preparation
3. Disassembly
4. Removing VRAM Modules
5. Installing New Modules
6. Soldering Straps
7. Cleaning and Reassembly
8. Testing and Verification
9. Troubleshooting

---

1. Tools and Materials

Hardware Tools:

• Soldering station
• Heat gun/Station (adjustable Temperature highly recommened)
• Flux (no-clean)
• Isopropyl alcohol (99%)
• Precision tweezers
• microscope (heavily recommened)
• Thermal paste (Arctic MX-4 or similar. Just use whatever you used for your CPU)
• Thermal pads (verify thickness based on the card's design. You maybe could also just reuse the old ones.)

Software Tools:

• MATS Test Suite (for VRAM diagnostics)
• NVFlash (BIOS backup and flashing)
• Benchmark tools: FurMark, OCCT, 3DMark
• Overclocking tools: MSI Afterburner or Firestorm or Evga Precision X1. Just use whatever your board supports.

Parts:

• VRAM Modules:
  • Samsung K4ZAF325BM-HC14 (14 Gbps) or K4ZAF325BM-HC16 (16 Gbps).
  • You might also want to have a spare one ready in case you damage one.
• Heat-resistant tape (Just use whatever you can find. Main Point it that you cover everything irrelevant. Just makes it safer.)
• Thick metal shield (for protecting GPU die during heating) (same as before)

---

2. Preparation

1. Backup the GPU BIOS using NVFlash.
2. Watch tutorial videos for visual references:
   • Tutorial 1
   • Tutorial 2
3. Ensure a static-free workspace. Just makes it safer. I also haven't got one so...

---

3. Disassembly

1. Remove the heatsink, and backplate.
2. Note thermal pad placement and thickness. Take photos of VRAM module orientation. (Not necessary. Can also be found out by looking at the triangles on the chip and the pads on the board)
3. Use heat-resistant tape to cover sensitive components and GPU die. (Krepton Tape)
4. Protect the GPU core with a thick metal plate or at least some Aluminium foil to shield it during heating.
5. Protect the capacitors using some additional alumuminum foil.

---

4. Removing VRAM Modules

1. Preheat the Board to around 120 Degrees.
2. Apply flux around the VRAM modules.
3. Heat each module using a heat gun (very risky due to the missing temperature settings) or hot air station until solder melts.
4. Carefully lift off the modules with tweezers.
5. Clean the pads with isopropyl alcohol.

---

5. Installing New Modules

1. Align new VRAM modules (K4ZAF325BM-HC14 or HC16) properly based on orientation photos.
2. Place flux on the pads and position the modules.
3. Use the heat gun to reflow solder until the modules are securely attached.
4. Verify alignment and connection under magnification.

---

6. Soldering Straps (Soon to be updated)

1. Identify the straps to modify (refer to the specific tutorial. This is different for every manufactor. I don't know how to find the correct one. Just try around. There are just 4 options available).
2. Move the resistors to new positions to match the 16GB configuration.

---

7. Cleaning and Reassembly

1. Clean the entire board with isopropyl alcohol to remove residue made from the flux.
2. Reapply thermal paste and pads.
3. Reassemble the heatsink, fans, and backplate.
4. Ensure screws are securely fastened but avoid overtightening.

---

8. Testing and Verification

Step 1: Check VRAM Capacity

• Boot into Windows and open Task Manager > Performance Tab.
• Verify that 16GB of VRAM is detected.

Step 2: MATS Testing

• Use MATS test suite to check memory integrity and stability.

Step 3: Stress Testing

1. Run FurMark to test thermal performance.
2. Use OCCT VRAM Test to verify memory stability.
3. PC Probably crashes after stopping the benchmarks. This is the problem we gotta fix.

---

9. Troubleshooting

Issue 1: Black Screen After Benchmark

• Solution 1:

  • Open NVIDIA Control Panel.
  • Go to 3D Settings > Global Settings > Power Management Mode.
  • Set to Prefer Maximum Performance.

• Solution 2:

  • Open Firestorm , Evga Precision X1, MSI Afterburner or any other software that works with your gpu.
  • Underclock GPU core and VRAM clocks slightly. (not tested by myself so no further description in detail)

Issue 3: Stability Issues (Unknown if this is really needed. Doesn't seem too be necessary to do?)

• Adjust memory timings if using the HC16 modules.
• Use stock timings initially, then test higher speeds incrementally.
• This issue shouldn't actually happen since it using less performance than actually needed making it not unstable, but you can just generally get more out of your GPU that way.

---

10. Final Notes

• Ensure proper testing before heavy usage.
• Don't be stupid. If you don't understand a single word from here. Please do NOT touch your GPU. This is an extremely risky mod.
• For Legal reasons: I cannot be held liable for anything in this Guide. Everything is up to your own Risk!

If you got any issue or questions just write me or open a Issue. :D