Usage Guide – One Pager

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Usage Guide – One Pager

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Preface to our Online Guides

We appreciate that for some, a printed user guide will always be the preferred option, which is why, in the past, we had always produced a clear and comprehensive one.

With the aim of reducing our environmental impact and waste, we have switched to this online guide. Beyond simply reducing material waste, this online format allows for an even more comprehensive product guide with more detailed steps and the ability to add or improve any part of the guide quickly based on user feedback.

Thank you for your understanding and if we can do anything to improve this experience, please let us know.

Introduction to the BC1 VGPU Kit

The BC1 VGPU Kit is a dedicated, adjustable base that fully supports the weight of modern GPUs while delivering complete vertical stability for the BC1 Open Benchtable. Using a standard riser cable (not included, ~18 cm with a 90° socket), your graphics card is securely mounted, resulting in a build that is both visually impressive and mechanically sound.

The kit also includes mounts for a radiator, allowing it to be fitted neatly behind the benchtable in a streamlined vertical orientation.

Design Overview

This is just to become familar with the terminology used, we will cover each part in more detail.

Prepare the BC1

Before being able to attach the VGPU, the BC1 should already be setup in vertical mode (by relocating the feet to the alternative mounting points). If you dont know how to do this, please refer to the BC1 V2 user guide for details.

Prepare the VGPU

Remove the following parts from the VGPU body

Rod (x2)
Feet (x2)
Riser Mount (x2)
Radiator Mount (x2) – Only if you plan to mount a radiator behind the BC1

The PCI mount does not need to be removed, it remains installed on the body.

Whilst it can be done after fitting to the BC1, now is an ideal time to attach the riser cable to the VGPU. The exact hole location on the riser cable PCB will vary between different makes/models which is why the VGPU features slots instead of fixed hole locations.
Using the included screws, washer, nylon spacer and nut, attach the riser cable PCB to the VGPU via the 2 slots.

Make sure to use the washer between the screw and PCB to avoid any risk of shorting.

Finally, attach the rods to the underside of the VGPU using the feet and nuts. The feet also act as a thumbscrew that passes though the hole in the rod and is then secured to the VGPU from above using the m3 nut.

Make sure that the foot is attached to the rod on the side that has a flat cutout.

Fitting the VGPU to the BC1

With the VGPU assembled, it can now be attached to the BC1. Simply screw the end of the support rods to the BC1 at the default left side foot mounting holes.

If mounting a heavy graphics card, using a screwdriver to better torque the screw is recommended.

An important feature of the VGPU to note is the ability to adjust the spacing away from the BC1. This allows fine tuning of the gap between the GPU and motherboard should additional clearance be needed.

Installing Hardware

Your PC hardware can now be installed onto the BC1. We recommend starting with the PSU as it will add weight and stability, then the motherboard (CPU, RAM, M.2 should already be installed on it). The riser cable should also be connected in preparation for installing the GPU.

We do not cover details of how to install this hardware, that is covered in more detail in the BC1 user guide.

Installing a GPU

Begin by loosening the thumbscrews that secure the PCI lock to the VGPU body. The thumbscrews only need to be loosened, no need to remove them, you just need to make a gap for the cards brackets to fit.

Slot the GPU into the PCI socket while also ensuring the PCI bracket of the GPU slots into the PCI Lock gap.

With the GPU properly seated in the PCI socket, lock the card in place by tightening the thumbscrews. For heavy cards or a more secure attachment, we recommend using a screwdriver to apply more torque.

The PCI nuts may spin when trying to tighten the thumbscrews. You can negate this by applying some pressure on them while turning the thumbscrew.

Fitting an AIO

The VGPU kit also includes a pair of mounts designed to allow vertical mounting of a radiator behind the motherboard. These must be used in combination with the standard BC1 brackets and work by giving a 90 degree fixture point to the radiator.

If you haven’t already done so, remove the standard BC1 brackets from their stored position on the BC1.

Install the brackets onto the BC1 at the top edge mounting points. Unless you are mounting a 120 or 140 radiator, the widest mounting points should be used.

Prepare the radiator by attaching the vertical brackets to the fixing points. The exact orientation and mounting screws used will depend on your setup, but in principle, the brackets should be fitted to the outer most mounting holes.

You will need the correct length screws for securing the brackets to the radiator. Our diagram shows the vertical brackets to the radiator sandwhiching the fans, but they can be fitted directly to the radiator with the BC1 thumbscrews.

The radiator can now be fitted behind the BC1 (above the PSU) by attaching the vertical brackets to the standard brackets using the M3 thumbscrew.

You will need to adjust the rotation of the standard brackets to align with the radiator.

The CPU cooler can now be fitted.

If you need to mount additional radiators in vertical mode, we recommend purchasing the SMR kit that can either be mounted to the front edge mounting points of the BC1 or to the VGPU edge mounting points.

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