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CPU heatsink/fan weight question...

J

joshmroest

Senior member
I am looking for getting a new mobo and possibly a new HSF for my CPU. I recently heard that the most weight you want to safely have for a HSP unit is around 400g. I would like to get an all copper one (for better heat displacement) but found that they are generally well over that 400g safety weight.

I really liked that Fatal1ty version of a Zalman (because of the 120mm fan and all copper) but found that is over 900g!!! Please help me. Is it really that safe to put that much weight on the motherboard. By the way...it is a socket 478 that I am looking at.

Please advise.
 
I think it depends on what kind of mounting system you're using. I have a Thermalright SK-7 (485g I believe), then an 80mm TT Smart Case Fan II on top of that (82g). I think that's pushing it for my system (a Socket A board with the plastic socket mounting clips) - I had to use so much pressure to install it that I was somewhat afraid of sending a screwdriver flying into the motherboard or something. Not to mention that after LAN parties and other times when I move my computer around a lot, I notice my temps go up by a few degrees (which I assume is due to slight shifting of the heatsink).

I would think that the bolt-type of mounting would cope with these heavy heatsinks a lot better and hold them in place more firmly...
 
Unless you lay the case sideways so the weight of the HSF goes straight down and not hang off of the board, I can't see that Fatal1ty HSF being safe for any socket.
 
Aluminum heatsinks don't do that much worse than copper, maybe 2% difference at most. If you're in dire need of 2% more cooling, then I don't think it's just the CPU's HSF that's the problem. Other obvious factors are general ventilation in the case, exhaust, proximity to other hot parts (GFX card, PSU) and your ambient temp. But my 650-ish gram HSF is doing well with my case upright. Just be careful that you don't jerk your case around.
 
Well, I have the Zalman (yes, over 900g) in an upright standing case...
No problem, as the cooler is mounted on a backplate and not the socket (same for 478) which spreads the weight to a wider mobo area...
When I remember correctly, with the right case (and socket 478) you can also mount the heatsink directly onto the mobo tray...
 
I think I will stick the Alum/Cop lighter one because I take it LANs a good number of time. Don't want to take the risk. Heard there is not a huge difference is tempature between the two.
 
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