Installing Push-Pin style Intel heatsinks?

[Frostav]

I'm going to buy either today or tomorrow a Cooler Master TX3 for my i5-3350P (not going to OC so I don't need anything super powerful). The cooler uses push-pins to lock in. However, what's confusing me is when you twist the tops of the pins. The official manual on their site is hilariously vague (seriously, why do nearly all CPU components have horrendous manuals?). Do I push down in the pins and then twist them, or do I twist them and then tighten them?

I thought simply checking Intel's site would help, but their official instructions for installing the stock LGA 1155 heatsink doesn't mention ANYTHING about twisting them at all! Ugh.

The entire reason I'm buying this cooler was because I bungled the stock one's installation so hard that my CPU was idling at 75c and the thing was so broken I couldn't reinstall even if I tried, so I want to make sure this one goes on right.

 

[warezme]

From what I recall, you push the pins in pretty far until they are past a plastic ridge then turn them in (while simultaneously pushing down) so they grab under the ridge and you're done. The hardest thing is keeping the damn cooler level and from sliding around while you perform the feat.

 

[aldan]

yep,thats right.they are a big pain in the ass.

 

[dextermat]

Hi,

The best way to do it is:

1- be sure that the arrow on the pin is pointing away from the heatsink
2- put thermal paste and push in the center of the fan to be sure all pins are in the right place
3- Then push on the plastic on the side of one push pin and then push the pin, you should hear a click. If not something is wrong (arrow pointing to heasink, pin not in hole properly
4- repeat # 3 but the pin on the other side
5- push the 2 remaining one, if they are aligned properly and the arrow is pointing away from fan, it should go in place.

 

[ascii27]

Hi,

The best way to do it is:

1- be sure that the arrow on the pin is pointing away from the heatsink
2- put thermal paste and push in the center of the fan to be sure all pins are in the right place
3- Then push on the plastic on the side of one push pin and then push the pin, you should hear a click. If not something is wrong (arrow pointing to heasink, pin not in hole properly
4- repeat # 3 but the pin on the other side
5- push the 2 remaining one, if they are aligned properly and the arrow is pointing away from fan, it should go in place.

I've been following these instructions but I don't hear a click. However, if I then turn the pin counterclockwise I can then pull on the top of the pin and I do hear a click as it pulls out. I can repeat this and each time I hear a click as it pulls up but not as it pushes down. Can I assume that it is properly seated despite not hearing a click? Is there some other way to ensure that it is properly in place? Looking at the back of the motherboard I see two clear plastic prongs sticking through the hole with a small black plastic piece between them.