Aftermarket Coolers - worry about weight?

[JackFlack]

I'm getting ready to build my first system since 2002 (yah time for an upgrade!). I've never used an aftermarket cooler, but want to get one this time to help with noise over a stock cooler. (Considering the Scythe Ninja.) Many of the aftermarket coolers seem to be very tall and (relatively) heavy. Given that atx cases mount the board on its side, is there a worry about weight or the lever arm forces on the MB?

Sorry for the silly question, but I just have no clue wrt to these things.

 

[IEC]

There are specific socket weight limits/guidelines; however, if you don't move your PC around a lot you should be safe exceeding the limit as long as you use a proper backplate.

 

[LouPoir]

Never had a problem with the many heavy HSF's Ive used -

 

[Ayah]

Not unless you're shaking the case.

 

[Conky]

Yep, as the other guys mentioned... it's no problem unless you decide to start lugging your rig around to LAN parties then you might want to consider a lighter heatsink. But under normal circumstances it's no big deal.

 

[JackFlack]

Thanks everyone. One more. Where would I find the recommended limits? I don't know that I've ever noticed that spec on anything I've reviewed.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: JackFlack
Thanks everyone. One more. Where would I find the recommended limits? I don't know that I've ever noticed that spec on anything I've reviewed.

you won`t find any recommended limits......thats why you were given this advice---Yep, as the other guys mentioned... it's no problem unless you decide to start lugging your rig around to LAN parties then you might want to consider a lighter heatsink. But under normal circumstances it's no big deal

 

[thecoolnessrune]

I personally have used the simple trick of tieing steel (obviously you could use something else, but i have alot of it) wire around the cooler and around the fan grill of the PSU. The wire is usually too thin to be seen that easily and gets rid of some of that lever arm force on the mobo.

EDIT: Also absorbs some shock if you shake it or carry it.

 

[Jumpem]

I was worried about it too since the Tuniq Tower I got weighs almost twice what the ATX spec is. But it seems pretty solid to me.

 

[JackFlack]

Thanks all!

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: Jumpem
I was worried about it too since the Tuniq Tower I got weighs almost twice what the ATX spec is. But it seems pretty solid to me.

where did you find the atx spec as far as weight allowable for the heatsink for the mobo?
At one time I had a link....thx

 

[Jumpem]

Originally posted by: JEDIYoda

Originally posted by: Jumpem
I was worried about it too since the Tuniq Tower I got weighs almost twice what the ATX spec is. But it seems pretty solid to me.

where did you find the atx spec as far as weight allowable for the heatsink for the mobo?
At one time I had a link....thx

I don't recall. It was 450 grams.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: Jumpem

Originally posted by: JEDIYoda

Originally posted by: Jumpem
I was worried about it too since the Tuniq Tower I got weighs almost twice what the ATX spec is. But it seems pretty solid to me.

where did you find the atx spec as far as weight allowable for the heatsink for the mobo?
At one time I had a link....thx

I don't recall. It was 450 grams.

well then I would gather there ar no publiushed specs for aftermarket heatsinks seeing as how using an aftermarket heatsink very well if proved void your warranty!!

 

[Canai]

I've got a Scythe Infinity weighing in at over a kilogram (with fan) and haven't had a problem. It seems very sturdy and I'm at a LAN right now . That said, I am always careful to move the case on it's side and lay it down in cars and such.

 

[soydios]

The manufacturer limit for the CPU bracket is usually around 450 grams. I have installed heatsinks double that weight (Zalman CNPS7700-Cu, biggest mofo of a heatsink you'll ever see) without issue. As long as your case isn't getting dropped, jostled, or regularly moved, you'll be fine.