MSI RTX 4090 Suprim X Deshroud Guide

Deshrouding the MSI RTX 4090 Suprim X is a relatively straightforward process. Take your time, and if you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out!

You will need a precision screwdriver (PH0 or PH00) with a thin neck, ideally magnetic-tipped. Avoid screwdrivers with bulky interchangeable tips, as they may not fit in the tight spaces around the fan blades. Using a high-quality screwdriver with the correct tip will help prevent stripping the screws.

Quick Overview of Steps:

  1. Remove the stock fan shroud.
  2. Secure the brackets using the existing M2 screws.
  3. Place the fans on the brackets (do not screw them down yet).
  4. Remove rubber grommets from the fan's center area.
  5. Install the cosmetic covers.
  6. Secure the fans with the included M4 screws.
  7. Connect the fan cables.

Step 1 - Remove the Stock Shroud

Start by removing the 6 screws marked in the image below. Be mindful that the fan cable is connected at the bottom right of the card. Lift the shroud gently away from the heatsink and disconnect the fan header.

Step 2 - Secure the Brackets

Once the stock shroud is removed, use the existing M2, 3mm screws from the GPU to secure the brackets to the heatsink. Each bracket is labeled for easy placement (L = Left, C = Center, R = Right).

Step 3 - Place the Fans & Remove Grommets

Position the fans on top of the brackets, but don’t screw them in yet.
If your fans have rubber grommets, remove the ones in the center area (green-marked areas on the top side of the fan only) so the cosmetic cover can sit flush.

Step 4 - Connect the Fan Cables

If you purchased the fan header cable:

  1. Connect the two outer 120mm fans to the Y-splitter cable.
    Plug the splitter into the black micro 4-pin port at the bottom right of the GPU (with the PCIe slot facing downward).  These two fans will show up as FAN1 in software.
  2. Connect the center 92mm fan to the single fan cable.
    Plug this cable into the white micro 4-pin port, also at the bottom right of the GPU. This fan will show up as FAN2 in software.

Some cable management may be needed depending on the length of your fan cables. If needed, try rotating the fans to make the cables easier to route.

Note: You may notice that one of the pins in the male header of the Y adapter cable is "missing." This is by design. The missing pin ensures that only one fan reports its RPM signal to prevent conflicts when multiple fans are connected to the same header.

Step 5 - Install the Cosmetic Covers & Secure the Fans

Once the fans and cables are in place, position the cosmetic covers on the top and bottom.
Make sure everything is aligned, then secure the fans and covers using the included M4 screws.

Step 6 - Software Settings for Fan Control (MSI Afterburner)

If you are using MSI's Afterburner software, I find that the default fan curve is optimal for both performance/noise when using a pair of Noctua NF-A12 fans.

  1. Access the Settings menu in Afterburner (white arrow)
    Afterburner settings
  2. Click on the Fan tab, click Enable user defined software automatic fan control, select Default and then click Apply
    Afterburner fan curve