CPU Cooler Question

[milan-03]

I am doing a build and last thing I am waiting for is my aftermarket cooler, but I want to build my PC this weekend because its the only time I can really. I have the AMD FX-6300, question is can I install the stock cooler for the week and install the aftermarket when it comes in probably next weekend? I know you're able to replace CPU cooler I am just wondering if it is bad practice to do it in such a short period of time...

 

[gussrtk]

it's not a problem to do it that way. you just clean off the old thermal paste and re-apply (in short)

the problem comes from the aftermarket cooler INSTALLATION. A lot of these will use a BACK BRACKET on your motherboard, which means that you'll likely have to remove your motherboard to install (from other side) the new cooler, which may seem like a lot of work.

OR, if you're lucky, you PC case will have a cutout in the inner panel to allow access to the CPU area from the backside of motherboard, then it should be easy install. if small/no cutout then you're gonna have to remove motherboard agian likely.

 

[milan-03]

it's not a problem to do it that way. you just clean off the old thermal paste and re-apply (in short)

the problem comes from the aftermarket cooler INSTALLATION. A lot of these will use a BACK BRACKET on your motherboard, which means that you'll likely have to remove your motherboard to install (from other side) the new cooler, which may seem like a lot of work.

OR, if you're lucky, you PC case will have a cutout in the inner panel to allow access to the CPU area from the backside of motherboard, then it should be easy install. if small/no cutout then you're gonna have to remove motherboard agian likely.

Thanks! I have a Phanteks P400 so I think it does allow what you specified.

 

[Ubrales]

Wait for the right after-market heatsink and do the job once and do it right! Installing the stock heatsink and then replacing it with the after-market heatsink does involve careful cleaning off of the thermal compound. As the above poster mentioned, it is much easier to take the motherboard out of the case even if the case has a cutout to access the heatsink bracket screws.

My HAF932 and HAF-X cases do have this cutout to access the bracket screws but I much prefer to take the motherboard out for the thermal compound residue cleaning using 70% isopropyl alcohol.

My suggestion: Wait for the after-market heatsink and do the job once and do it right!

 

[gussrtk]

it's not a problem to do it that way. you just clean off the old thermal paste and re-apply (in short)

the problem comes from the aftermarket cooler INSTALLATION. A lot of these will use a BACK BRACKET on your motherboard, which means that you'll likely have to remove your motherboard to install (from other side) the new cooler, which may seem like a lot of work.

OR, if you're lucky, you PC case will have a cutout in the inner panel to allow access to the CPU area from the backside of motherboard, then it should be easy install. if small/no cutout then you're gonna have to remove motherboard agian likely.

Thanks! I have a Phanteks P400 so I think it does allow what you specified.

yeah from the pictures it looks like it's got plenty of room to work around CPU.

Generally I agree with Ubrales, it's much easier to do it once. but it's not a big deal to re-do the cooler. personally i would use stock for now. One CPU i changed cooler 3 times... and it was a motherboard removal process, it sucked but if you take your time it's gonna be ok.

but... i have last question. did you JUST purchase your system components?

if so, I may suggest you against FX6300 (i3-6100 is much better choice or is it the new 7100 now? i havent looked at new parts in a couple of months). If this is an older system, then don't pay attention to this last note.

 

[milan-03]

it's not a problem to do it that way. you just clean off the old thermal paste and re-apply (in short)

the problem comes from the aftermarket cooler INSTALLATION. A lot of these will use a BACK BRACKET on your motherboard, which means that you'll likely have to remove your motherboard to install (from other side) the new cooler, which may seem like a lot of work.

OR, if you're lucky, you PC case will have a cutout in the inner panel to allow access to the CPU area from the backside of motherboard, then it should be easy install. if small/no cutout then you're gonna have to remove motherboard agian likely.

Thanks! I have a Phanteks P400 so I think it does allow what you specified.

yeah from the pictures it looks like it's got plenty of room to work around CPU.

Generally I agree with Ubrales, it's much easier to do it once. but it's not a big deal to re-do the cooler. personally i would use stock for now. One CPU i changed cooler 3 times... and it was a motherboard removal process, it sucked but if you take your time it's gonna be ok.

but... i have last question. did you JUST purchase your system components?

if so, I may suggest you against FX6300 (i3-6100 is much better choice or is it the new 7100 now? i havent looked at new parts in a couple of months). If this is an older system, then don't pay attention to this last note.

Correction the CPU is 'AMD FD8350FRHKBOX FX-8350 FX-Series 8-Core Black '. I think I will install the stock one and maybe even use it for a while before replacing it. My most intense graphics rendering/CPU load will be from raiding in WoW.