Easy heatsink installation?

hoot504

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Dec 6, 2008
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I'm planning on building a new system soon, and it seems that the hardest part is proper installation of the heatsink. Does anyone know of a heatsink which fits LGA 775 that is notoriously EASY to install? I think it would be worth paying the extra money for that. Thanks for any insight.
 
Push pin coolers can be tricky to install.
A bad installation can lead to higher temperatures, and even cpu throttling.
With the pc powered down, gently rock the cooler to see if it is on solid, or if it wobbles a bit.
Push pin coolers are best installed while the motherboard is outside of the case.
You need to be able to look at the back of the board to verify that
all 4 pins are completely through and locked.
Play with the pins on the cooler first, so you can see exactly how they work.
Read the instructions that came with your retail cpu.
When pushing down on the pins, do a diagonal pair first.
If you don't, it is hard to get the last pin in.
Don't forget to clean the parts and reapply fresh thermal compound every time.
Don't try to reuse the TIM.
Rubbing alcohol is OK as a cleaner.
I use a paper coffee filter to clean with because it is lint free.
Any name brand TIM should be OK(as-5, Mx-2, etc.)
When applying the TIM, don't use too much, because it can act as an insulator.
Don't apply too little, either, because it won't spread and fill the microscopic
imperfections in the surfaces. A dollop about the size of a grain
of rice should be about right.

I would get a cooler with a backplate mount. Look at the Xigmatek S1283 with the optional backplate mount.
 
Thanks for that laundry list of tips, however the original question still stands; what heatsinks out there are easy to install? I've seen the S1283 before and I don't like having to buy a backplate for it in addition to the heatsink...
 
There are coolers out there that come with all the hardware. Like the TRUE and like the one I have. The Asus Silent Knight II. I'm sure others will chime in with other brands and models of coolers That have all the hardware included.
 


You have two choices: Pushpin or backplate mount.
Backplate mount is easier if you are new to pushpins. Backplate is also more secure, particularly for heavy tower type coolers.
Neither should be a difficulty issue if you mount on the mobo outside of the case.

Buying the optional Xigmatek backplate still makes it about the cheapest good cpu cooler.
 


I was just pointing out that I wanted everything to come in the same package, but I'll keep that combo in mind. You reminded me of another question I have had; I see a lot of people saying that the heatsink should be installed on the mobo outside of the case, but how do you safely handle the mobo while doing this? It doesn't seem like the kind of thing you can just flip around and leave sitting on a table...
 


First, my whinge about your post... You're willing to spend more money to get a better mounting system, but aren't willing to get a seperate part? (Waaaahhh.... This is too hard, mommy...)

OK, that over with... How to build your MB outside of the case. Choose a good non-static work surface, such as a melamine / formica topped table, but a wood table would be best. Your MB comes in an anti-static bag, and usually also some anti-static foam as well. Put the foam on top of the MB box, then the bag, and handle the MB only by the edges. If you are more paranoid, get a wrist strap and plug the banana plug into the nearest available power outlet's ground. (Oh nooooooooees... More stuff to get!) Now mount the CPU, the back plate, and the heat-sink, turning the MB over as required to do the task. Now, mount the MB in your case...

 


It's not that I don't want to spend money on the extra part, idiot, it's that I want to buy a heatsink that is all inclusive and doesn't require me to wait for additional parts; I have a hunch there are plenty out there that fit this description. Having said that, thanks for the info.
 


Maybe you should just get a dell... (Ignore any and all previous information that I posted, as it is obvious that I am just an idiot.) ******* noob comes hat in hand asking for advice, then calls responders idiots???
 
Everyone will tell you to avoid the push pins. but really they are the simplest to install. make sure to twist the pins int he right direction. then it's just a matter of force. I haven't had a problem with the push pin mounts on my HTPC.

However if your looking for something else I would recommend the asus v60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835101011

Easy enough you place the back plate tighten the screws evenly.
 


Cool, the v60 was one that I thought looked good, thanks.
 
The reason that pushpins need to be mounted outside of the case is twofold:
1) You have to be certain that all four pins are fully through the motherboard and locked. You can't do this if you can't see the back side of the motherboard. If the pins are not properly mounted, the cooler will be ineffective.
2) It takes some pressure to get the pins pushed in. If you do this with the mobo in the case, the motherboard can bend, possibly damaging some mobo connections.

For a new build, it is best to test the mobo before you put it in the case. Attach the cpu, cooler, ram, and video card, and psu to see if it will post.

I would put cooler effectiveness and price as my purchasing criteria over cool looks. Read the cooler reviews.
http://www.anandtech.com/casecoolingpsus/showdoc.aspx?i=3268&p=7

If you ask for advice, consider taking it.
 
Easy? what's your definition of easy? If you can stack 30 lego blocks together without fail 3 times in a row, you should be okay. If you mean easy as lazy, then don't bother.

Installing new HS isn't about easy, it's doing the research to get the right one, reading about TIM compounds, methods to apply it depending on your chip and cooler you get. Chosing the fans and considering your case airflow
paths and is it good enough. Rerouting wires in the case for best flow.

Then learning how to take the Mobo out and installing it, and testing it. Then making sure you have the proper software tools to check your CPU temps, and a proggy to properly load the CPU to check load temps.

It ain't easy. It's fun. It's a lot harder than buying a Dell.
 



What are you, croc's boyfriend? You may know more about PC building for the time being, but there is a great chance that I am considerably smarter than you; I don't need a lecture about my supposed "lack of dedication" just because I asked for an easy to install heatsink.
 
When it comes to hobby PC's and getting the last bit of OC, reduced noise, whatever, easy is never ever part of the solution. Thats all. Easy is a word poorly used in any enthusiasts forum, no matter if it's building the Pyramids, or a Lego house.

Not implying lazyness etc, I type harshly, but correctly. I typed what is involved in installing a new CPU HS. And the tools needed to do it right. And the hours of research many of us do before asking for an easy, Dell like solution.

I don't care if your Mensa or a MIT grad. I know more about PC building, overclocking than you apparently, and in this forum I know more, maybe not smarter, but I know more.

I have also been building PC's since I was ohh 25, about 25 years ago. And taught electronics for 12, and was hand-picked to build the first USAF UAV squadron (with the help of many) from scratch. Next time you see a UAV take out a Taliban on TV................. Yea, I'm proud of that.
 



Fair enough, I do appreciate the info you provided. It just seems that there are many on this forum whose primary interest is talking down to the uninformed. I understand what you were getting at regarding taking the necessary steps in order to ensure the best end-result; thanks again.
 
No worries. You hang out here for over a year to help others and hopefully get a clue, you become a jaded best Buy Salesman pretty fast. I still help a lot, and mebbe even you. Dunno.

Now we are beer drinking buddies, may I point you to some real forums where peeps know a ton more and are even more hardheaded with the word easy?

You sound like you need more info, take your time, but all places are a good place to be a member at. Been week banned at one and warned at another. Still, the wealth of knowledge, as you know is priceless.

Leaning Watercooling, but the links to the forum top, you'll figure it out, your smart! "Punches arm, buys another round"

I'm Conumdrum there too.

Great place, not wayyy over the top with uber WC guys.
http://www.ocforums.com/index.php
Uber place, owned by one of the worlds winning OC guys in the world, been on stage with the Intel CEO. Not a place to post or ask questions by noobs, but an awesome place to learn. I post rarely when I can.
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/
Another good place to learn
http://www.overclock.net/water-cooling/




 
Jeez. I can't believe all this back and forth. get a push pin hsf. you can keep your mb in the case. Make sure it is mounted properly and make sure the hs pins are twisted to the correct position. Place it in the correct position. then just push real hard. expect your motherboard to bend upto 5mm but this is pretty normal (remember to push 2 opposite corners at a time). If you'r thinking crap, this can't be the right way to install a hsf, i remember it used to be much easier on my 486dx 33 you'd be wrong. The big hsf's can be tighter than an Asian midget nun's sn$*ch . You can check it's seated correctly with your eyes and a flashlight.

P.S. they guys above are correct about taking it out, but it isn't necessary, it's just the safest and surest way. And you shouldn't call them idiots when they are trying to help you