Aftermarket cpu cooler question.

[Bovver]

I have the parts for my new build, and I would like to put it together now using the stock cpu cooler. Would it be a pain to put a new cooler in at a later time? If so, I might just wait to assemble until I can get one ordered.

 

[BlueBlazer]

If you are going to get an aftermarket cooler, then do so. Changing coolers later can be quite a lot of work (depending on mounting type, casing, etc). :thumbsup:

 

[Idontcare]

Welcome to the forums Bovver! :thumbsup:

If you are considering are the types of 3rd party HSF's that make use of a "backplate" then you definitely want to wait to assemble your rig, otherwise you'll have to remove your motherboard from the case in order to get the backplate installed for your 3rd party HSF.

If you are intending to use the type of 3rd party HSF that uses the same style of push-pins that the stock HSF uses then you can do that without disassembling your rig at a later date.

Typically the backplate HSF's perform better than the the push-pin ones, and are more expensive as well.

 

[onza]

Boover,

As long as your case has a cutout on the back side of the motherboard mount area, changing to a 3rd party HSF is no problem, if your case is older and isn't as accommodating then I suggest doing it while doing your system build.

 

[veri745]

This is why I love the coolers that use the standard AMD mounting bracket, because it is very simple to install/remove/replace CPU coolers at any time.

I try to avoid HSFs that require a custom backplate for that reason (I tend to change my CPU a lot 😉 ).

 

[TakeNoPrisoners]

Welcome to the forums Bovver! :thumbsup:

If you are considering are the types of 3rd party HSF's that make use of a "backplate" then you definitely want to wait to assemble your rig, otherwise you'll have to remove your motherboard from the case in order to get the backplate installed for your 3rd party HSF.

If you are intending to use the type of 3rd party HSF that uses the same style of push-pins that the stock HSF uses then you can do that without disassembling your rig at a later date.

Typically the backplate HSF's perform better than the the push-pin ones, and are more expensive as well.

Cases now have a cutout behind the motherboard where that backplate goes so you do not have to remove the motherboard to install a heatsink.

 

[Bovver]

I went out and grabbed a Thermaltake cooler. Thanks for the replies!

 

[BonzaiDuck]

I went out and grabbed a Thermaltake cooler. Thanks for the replies!

Mmmm. . . . "Frio," "V1" or "Spin Q?" One of those should do, but wish I'd had a chance to throw in about some other options.

On the installation issues, yes -- the cutout in certain case mobo-pans makes that easier. Otherwise, fiddling around with the backplate and something (like flat, plastic rulers) to move it into alignment is possible to avoid removing or loosening the mobo.

I don't fool around with this anymore. I pick the cooler for lowest thermal resistance, look at the specs for height, width, etc. and check against case dimensions, then get it on the mobo before installing latter in the case.

OH! But now, seeking perfection, I find I have to get a thermal-sensor installed at the CPU to use a certain "thermally-adaptive dynamic" fan controller. I'll have to remove the cooler again . . . . first time since I built this thing a few months ago. . . .

Luckily, the backplate is an independently installed item for my NH-D14 . . .

 

[jhansman]

Cases now have a cutout behind the motherboard where that backplate goes so you do not have to remove the motherboard to install a heatsink.

Which is fine if your case has removable panels on both sides. Mine does not, so my 212+ went on before the mobo was mounted.