ArticCooler installation tips

bmg

Senior member
Mar 18, 2000
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I notice that several folks are having problems installing the ArticCooler. There's not much that can be done if the clip just plain won't fit due to clearance problems with components. This is apparently the case with several slotkets. Assuming this isn't the case, getting the short side of the clip under the socket tabs still isn't easy. If you try to force it something's going to break, so don't! This morning I installed my third ArticCooler on ASUS CUSL2 motherboards, so have gotten the system down quite well (1Ghz Coppermine currently running solid at 1102Mhz at 1.75v).

My method always starts with getting the short side of the clip under the socket tabs. After this is done the rest is easy. The problem is that it's about impossible the get the clip under the tabs, since it's at an angle due to the heatsink hitting the edge of the processor die. The trick is to stick a couple of shims under the "U" shaped tabs between the clip and heatsink. Take a look at this photo on the HardOCP site to see what I'm referring to: mounted ArticCooler. Notice the gap when the heatsink is installed. You want to use a shim or spacer about .060" thick. When trying to come up with something to use that everyone has available, I thought of a CD or a plastic CD case. Both are the perfect thickness. I just broke off a couple of pieces from the side of an old CD case cover and then pulled the clip back and stuck in the plastic. I managed this without needing an extra set of hands, but if you have problems ask somebody else to stick the plastic in while you pull the clip back. When you've done this it's fairly easy to get the clip under one of the two socket tabs and then rotate the clip under the other tab. Make sure the clip is all the way under the tabs next to the socket. Then, leaving the plastic shims in place, carefully tilt the heatsink over on the processor with the left hand (apply a little sideways pressure to keep the short side of the clip in place) and attach the long side of the clip with the right hand (this is really easy). If you leave the plastic shims in place you'll put less stress on the edge of the processor die when you tilt the heatsink over. Once the clip is attached it's easy to pull out the plastic and you're done! Simple!

If you need to remove the ArticCooler, stick the plastic shims between the "U" tabs and the heatsink again, hold the heatsink down with the left hand and then unclip the long side of the clip from the socket (I think I used a screw driver in the turned up edge of the clip bottom to push the clip down and out away from the tabs - I can't remember for sure). With the plastic shims in place the ArticCooler then comes right off.

NOTE: this works great for me with the CUSL2 motherboard. I take no responsibility if it doesn't for you. Don't force anything if you can't get the clip on! The risk of expensive damage isn't worth it.