2 identical systems, but one overheats regularly and shuts down

[Turbonium]

I've exhausted, to the best of my ability, all backplated options (they either don't have enough performance, or if they do, they don't fit). Thus, I'm probably just going to go with this:

http://www.ncix.ca/products/?sku=54656

It doesn't have a backplate, which I'm extremely worried about given my experience with these Intel coolers, and there are reports of it having cheap mounting pegs or whatnot, but I assume it will still be an upgrade from what I have currently. Besides, if I really want to go into overdrive, I can get a higher CFM fan for it.

The thing I'm concerned about though is the asymmetrical design...

Does anyone know if I can orient it in any of the 4 directions I want? If I'm forced to do it in 2 out of the 4 directions, it won't fit. I tried looking at the manual and couldn't figure it out conclusively.

Online manual: http://www.coolermaster.com/product/Detail/cooling/cpu-air-cooler/vortex-plus.html

Best pic I could find of the determining factor (see 1st pic): http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Cooler-Master-Vortex-Plus-CPU-Cooler-Review/998/4

I guess if I simply rotate the clips 90 degrees either way, I can make the cooler point in any direction. Agreed?

 

[Virgorising]

One more thought: You blew off possibly inadequate thermal paste by sharing the unit came with a thermal pad, and so that whole thing could not be an issue. Your premise was those are just as efficient as actual Arctic Silver 5 (OR OTHER HIGH END KIND), properly applied. If so, I disagree.

 

[QuietDad]

Socket 775 specs have the mounting holes square at 72mm apart all four sides so it shouldn't be an issue.

 

[Turbonium]

One more thought: You blew off possibly inadequate thermal paste by sharing the unit came with a thermal pad, and so that whole thing could not be an issue. Your premise was those are just as efficient as actual Arctic Silver 5 (OR OTHER HIGH END KIND), properly applied. If so, I disagree.

What? I'm not sure I understand what you're saying.

I got the HSF units brand new. I installed them as was supplied with the stock thermal pad. The one never "melted" into place, suggesting it wasn't firmly attached with enough pressure, which isn't completely surprising given the push-pin issues I had during install.

On all subsequent reapplications of both heatsinks, I cleaned both the heatsink and CPU heatspreader surface with 99% isopropyl alcohol, and applied proper Noctua NT-H1 (horizontal line method).

 

[Virgorising]

What? I'm not sure I understand what you're saying.

I got the HSF units brand new. I installed them as was supplied with the stock thermal pad. The one never "melted" into place, suggesting it wasn't firmly attached with enough pressure, which isn't completely surprising given the push-pin issues I had during install.

On all subsequent reapplications of both heatsinks, I cleaned both the heatsink and CPU heatspreader surface with 99% isopropyl alcohol, and applied proper Noctua NT-H1 (horizontal line method).

Only now caught this. Thanks for the clarification, I did not, in fact, know you did that, replace the pad with good thermal paste. So, bravo on that one!

Jus not crazy about things inside computers which require "melting.":sneaky:

I get how frustrating all this is. Take deep breaths and just put one foot in front of the other foot. It's a journey and not the SATS, so be nice to yourself. I know, easier said than done. For I as well.

 

[Sunny129]

speaking of which, its been quite a few days since your last post OP. what's the current status of the situation?

 

[Turbonium]

speaking of which, its been quite a few days since your last post OP. what's the current status of the situation?

I messed up and got only one HSF when ordering instead of two, lol. Furthermore, it turns out I measured something wrong, and even the Vortex cooler is a bit too tall for my chassis.

So I just ordered another Vortex, and two Noctua fans (14 mm thick, rather than the 25 mm on the fans the Vortex comes with). I probably won't get them until Tuesday or even later, given the Vortex is on backorder now.

This whole experience has been rather funny.

 

[Virgorising]

I messed up and got only one HSF when ordering instead of two, lol. Furthermore, it turns out I measured something wrong, and even the Vortex cooler is a bit too tall for my chassis.

So I just ordered another Vortex, and two Noctua fans (14 mm thick, rather than the 25 mm on the fans the Vortex comes with). I probably won't get them until Tuesday or even later, given the Vortex is on backorder now.

This whole experience has been rather funny.

OMG, U poor guy! Stuff happens for many reasons, and I am kinda getting.....all this is making you stronger, more deliberate, patient in the organic journey, tenacious, confident and related things! I mean it.

THERE IS A LIGHT (I guess, LED), at the end of this tunnel...it is now visible!

 

[Turbonium]

Finally installed the new heatsink + Noctua fan in one of two cases. It fit perfectly, and I didn't even have to remove the case's CPU fan filter.

At 100% load, temps do not go over 71 degrees, and as an added bonus, it is much quieter than the previous HSF. Success.

However, while installing the new cooling setup in the second system, one of the pushpins exploded while i was tightening the retention clip on the heatsink, so now I have to look into getting a replacement, so more waiting. :/

And so the saga continues...

 

[Turbonium]

Well, both systems are now back up and running (finally) with the new aftermarket coolers. The temps max out at 70 degrees or so. Success.