Do you guys install the heatsink before putting the mobo in the case or after?

[MournSanity]

In my first build I put my motherboard in the case and then attached the heatsink. On my other build I put the heatsink(with cpu under it obviously) on the motherboard and then put it in the case. The latter method seems easier. Which method do you use?

 

[Tab]

With the weight and size of heatsinks, you dont really have a choice.

 

[corkyg]

That applies only to the initial installation. A replacement of heatsinks and cooling fan was later done with the mobo in the case, but laid open horizontally. Likewise when i replaced the CPU with a faster one. It can be done either way with skilled hands. 🙂

 

[Budman]

Yes it's a lot easier this way,I install cpu,heatsink & ram while the mobo is out.

 

[MournSanity]

When I was replacing the heatsink(Well, I didn't really replace the HS, just switched a 60 mm fan for an 80mm) recently I had to put it on when it was in the case. I swear, if I didn't have my roomy cheiftec case, it would have been extremely difficult. Well anyway, when I was putting on the sink, I kept pushing down on the motherboard and I was afraid I would break it and crush the CPU. Thank god it worked 🙂

 

[TheGrandHooHa]

I always put the heatsink on before I install the motherboard. Too cramped and dangerous otherwise.

Oh, and hypersonic5, that is an excellent set of quotes in your signature! 😀

 

[MournSanity]

Originally posted by: TheGrandHooHa
Oh, and hypersonic5, that is an excellent set of quotes in your signature! 😀

Yep 🙂


EDIT: I remembered to add more 🙂

 

[Arcanedeath]

On the inital build I always install the heatsink before loading the motherboard into the case, for upgrades if the case is big enough I don't remove the motherboard, but if it's too cramped or the mounting clips for the HSF are blocked by the power supply, I end up having to remove the motherboard to remount the HSF. Just my exp... 🙂

 

[Actaeon]

Eh, well, my heatsink requires me to mount it on to the motherboard.

So, afterwards.

 

[ObiDon]

Afterwards. It just seems easier to me for some reason. You guys are all freaks!

Originally posted by: Arcanedeath
if it's too cramped or the mounting clips for the HSF are blocked by the power supply, I end up having to remove the motherboard to remount the HSF

In that situation, I just pull the power supply out. It's only held in by four screws and is easier to reinstall. 😉

 

[MDE]

It's just easier for me to put everything on that you can before you put it in the case.

 

[TheBoyBlunder]

Before...it's just so much easier.

 

[zainali]

my case was kinda small ( slk 3700) and u have to fight to install an amd heatsink so i do it while its outside.

 

[JC]

I usually install the HSF and RAM before putting the mobo into the case. Some of those HSFs take so much force to clip on, it's way easier when the mobo's on a hard, flat surface.


JC

 

[Ardan]

I have the SLK3700AMB as well, and I don't find it cramped. I can't remember how I installed the SLK-800(A) with this 2500+ (now overclocked to 2800+ speeds) onto an NF7-S Rev 2 board...but I know it wasn't hard to do. Not sure why you had to fight to get it in there, but I thought it had plenty of space 🙂

 

[Cerb]

With an initial installation, before it goes into the case. Otherwise, in the case if room permits.

 

[Cerb]

Originally posted by: Ardan
I have the SLK3700AMB as well, and I don't find it cramped. I can't remember how I installed the SLK-800(A) with this 2500+ (now overclocked to 2800+ speeds) onto an NF7-S Rev 2 board...but I know it wasn't hard to do. Not sure why you had to fight to get it in there, but I thought it had plenty of space 🙂

If the motherboard has the socket flanges on the top and bottom of the socket, it's difficult. Usually easy if they are on the left and right.

 

[Megatomic]

My Alpha PAL 8045 requires that I install it with the mobo out of the case. But unless it's an initial install, if the HSF clips on rather than bolts on I will install it with the mobo already installed in the case. This is just flat out faster and simpler.

 

[RalfHutter]

Originally posted by: Arcanedeath
On the inital build I always install the heatsink before loading the motherboard into the case, for upgrades if the case is big enough I don't remove the motherboard, but if it's too cramped or the mounting clips for the HSF are blocked by the power supply, I end up having to remove the motherboard to remount the HSF. Just my exp... 🙂

What he ^^^^ said.