Are the push-pins okay to use?

Jack Flash

Golden Member
Sep 10, 2006
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I'm doing a build for a friend and forgot to budget a bolt-through kit for the cooler. I'm only planning on using the stock cooler and am wondering if the backplate is a 'necessity' or not.

On one hand I don't want to spend the $14 out of pocket for something he doesn't need, but he will be taking the computer around a bit and if it's going to be noticeably helpful for even the stock HSF then I would want to buy one.
 

Flipped Gazelle

Diamond Member
Sep 5, 2004
6,666
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The stock cooler works well w/o a backplate. I don't like the push-pin attachment, but it works OK done properly. Make sure the pins go all the way thru, and then turn them to lock in place.
 

VirtualLarry

No Lifer
Aug 25, 2001
56,587
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Push-pins do work, that's why Intel ships them with the stock heatsink.

My suggestion is to install the heatsink onto the mobo, with the mobo out of the case still, that way you can check if it is seated correctly.
 

2March

Member
Sep 29, 2001
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I would get rid of them if you can. It is possible to mount them properly but the chance of a misfit is simply too big.

I had one corner unwilling to allow the white pin all the way through and ended op damaging the MOBO in the process. Sure, after removing the MOBO it went on OK but I thinks its rather hilarious to have to remove the MOBO to mount the cooler.

People may disagree with me here but it was the for me the worst cooler attachment ever!
 

dguy6789

Diamond Member
Dec 9, 2002
8,558
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I would avoid pushpin. They can come loose just from moving the computer around even if you set it up properly.
 

sgrinavi

Diamond Member
Jul 31, 2007
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I have used them, but they are a PIA and, seem like, they don't cooperate as well once you've pushed them in and out a couple times.
 

F1shF4t

Golden Member
Oct 18, 2005
1,583
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While they are a PITA, there is no real reason to get a bolt through kit for the stock cooler.
Easiest way to mount them is to use a flat head screw driver, unclip all the pins and before securing them (while still loose) make sure all the white pins are through.
After the first few times they are easy to mount.

I'd say just get a cheap aftermarket cooler which doesn't use them. Quiter and better cooling :thumbsup:
 

Spicedaddy

Platinum Member
Apr 18, 2002
2,305
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Originally posted by: Flipped Gazelle
The stock cooler works well w/o a backplate. I don't like the push-pin attachment, but it works OK done properly. Make sure the pins go all the way thru, and then turn them to lock in place.

you only turn the pins to remove the heatsink...

when installing, make sure they're turned all the way BEFORE installing, and push down on them until they click.
 

Flipped Gazelle

Diamond Member
Sep 5, 2004
6,666
3
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Originally posted by: Spicedaddy
Originally posted by: Flipped Gazelle
The stock cooler works well w/o a backplate. I don't like the push-pin attachment, but it works OK done properly. Make sure the pins go all the way thru, and then turn them to lock in place.

you only turn the pins to remove the heatsink...

Not the ones I've done...
 

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
22,377
7
81
Originally posted by: Flipped Gazelle
Originally posted by: Spicedaddy
Originally posted by: Flipped Gazelle
The stock cooler works well w/o a backplate. I don't like the push-pin attachment, but it works OK done properly. Make sure the pins go all the way thru, and then turn them to lock in place.

you only turn the pins to remove the heatsink...

Not the ones I've done...

:confused:

You must be using some other kind of push pin. All the "stock Intel" push pins I've encountered need ZERO turning when fresh out of the box. Just line it up, wiggle each pin a bit to get the white part through the motherboard, then start pushing down the pins. It is seriously that easy. I don't know why so many people have problems with it. I usually install it outside of the case, but then again I usually POST-test the motherboard outside the case. I have installed push-pin coolers with motherboard in the case and it isn't as easy, but not impossible.
 

Flipped Gazelle

Diamond Member
Sep 5, 2004
6,666
3
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Originally posted by: Zap
Originally posted by: Flipped Gazelle
Originally posted by: Spicedaddy
Originally posted by: Flipped Gazelle
The stock cooler works well w/o a backplate. I don't like the push-pin attachment, but it works OK done properly. Make sure the pins go all the way thru, and then turn them to lock in place.

you only turn the pins to remove the heatsink...

Not the ones I've done...

:confused:

You must be using some other kind of push pin. All the "stock Intel" push pins I've encountered need ZERO turning when fresh out of the box. Just line it up, wiggle each pin a bit to get the white part through the motherboard, then start pushing down the pins. It is seriously that easy. I don't know why so many people have problems with it. I usually install it outside of the case, but then again I usually POST-test the motherboard outside the case. I have installed push-pin coolers with motherboard in the case and it isn't as easy, but not impossible.

Maybe 'cause I'm always playing with the pins... :p I have a habit of fondling (!) the moving parts, so maybe that's it.

Like you, I've never had a problem with them. I just don't like 'em.
 

2March

Member
Sep 29, 2001
135
0
0
Atfer fitting the cooler the best way possible (removed the MOBO to verify that all pins got through properly) I've checked the fit by pressing the cooler onto the MOBO by hand while the comp was running at full load.

It went down about 5 dergrees. I've checked that when I first build this system and then there was no difference...

I now simply have to buy an aftermarket cooler with bolt throught mechanisme...

When you turn the pins you can't pull them back anymore so the cooler should be fixed. When the pins aren't pressed yet you can turn them first. They will then make an easely noticable "click" when pressed but the mechanisme will wear out more quickly.
 

RallyMaster

Diamond Member
Dec 28, 2004
5,581
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They hold both my Scythe Ninjas fine. Takes some effort if you're using a big heatsink but not really that big of a dealio.
 

taltamir

Lifer
Mar 21, 2004
13,576
6
76
Originally posted by: VirtualLarry
Push-pins do work, that's why Intel ships them with the stock heatsink.

My suggestion is to install the heatsink onto the mobo, with the mobo out of the case still, that way you can check if it is seated correctly.

+1
 

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
22,377
7
81
Originally posted by: 2March
When you turn the pins you can't pull them back anymore so the cooler should be fixed. When the pins aren't pressed yet you can turn them first. They will then make an easely noticable "click" when pressed but the mechanisme will wear out more quickly.

I used to have a retail box cooler that I used as a test fansink. I probably removed/installed that thing literally 40-50 times. Still worked fine.
 

2March

Member
Sep 29, 2001
135
0
0
Originally posted by: Zap
Originally posted by: 2March
When you turn the pins you can't pull them back anymore so the cooler should be fixed. When the pins aren't pressed yet you can turn them first. They will then make an easely noticable "click" when pressed but the mechanisme will wear out more quickly.

I used to have a retail box cooler that I used as a test fansink. I probably removed/installed that thing literally 40-50 times. Still worked fine.


Then I'm probably wrong.

Still, it appears my stock cooler is history. I allready noticed my processor was getting hotter and hotter but after doing that pressure check I know I'm in for a new cooler.

Had to get on anyway cause I want to clock this babe :)

3.4 is not enough.
 

acole1

Golden Member
Sep 28, 2005
1,543
0
0
My after market cooler works great with push pins. It was a major + for me because the system was already built and in the case. It saved me the hassle of taking the whole rig apart just to install an aftermarket cooler.