I can anwser this one.
The Thermalright retention bracket you linked (which is the same as the Sidewinder version) has threaded inserts, so the four sprung bolts bolt from the top into the HSF bracket through the MB into the threaded inserts on the retention bracket on the backside of the MB.
The EK block works in a different way. They supply 4 bolts (they are M4s I think), which bolt from the bottom through the MB, then through the EK block bracket. You then put the springs and thumb nuts on to the bolt from the top side of the MB.
So in a nutshell it looks like this:
Sprung bolt
|
CPU HSF bracket (or water block bracket)
|
MB
|
threaded insert on Thermalright (or Sidewinder) retention bracket
Whereas, the EK mounting is like this:
Spring and thumb nut
|
CPU HSF bracket (or water block bracket)
|
MB
|
Bolts
The problem you have is that the spacing between the MB and a CPU HSF is different to the spacing between the MB and the EK water block. i.e. you will find that if you use the Thermalright retention bracket, then the springs on the bolts will either be too loose or will put too much pressure (I've forgotten which one it is) on the waterblock bracket, which either provides inadeqaute contact between the CPU IHS and block or even worse, there is too much pressure which could damage/crack the water block. With the former scenario you have the option of packing out the excess space with washers. With the latter scenario you are very limited what you can do.
You have another option, which is what I did.
Using a pillar drill, drill out the threaded inserts on the Thermalright retention bracket, so that the bolts, which are supplied with the water block will pass through the bracket. You cannot do this with a hand drill, because the holes in the retention bracket have to be perfectly vertical otherwise the bolts will not pass through the retention bracket, MB and bracket on the water block. i.e. the bolts will be cock-eyed.
You can then use the springs and thumb nuts, as you would normally if the retention bracket wasn't being used. The beauty of the spring and nuts is that you can adjust the pressure applied to the EK water block, whereas with the spring bolts, you are limited with what you can do.
Then, after modding the retention bracket, all I did was re-wrapped it with eletrical tape to prevent shorts. I also covered the bolts heads with tape.
So essentailly it looks like this:
Spring and thumb nut
|
CPU water block bracket
|
MB
|
Thermalright (or Sidewinder) retention bracket
|
Bolts
I hope my answer is not too confusing and that you understand what I'm trying to explain.
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