Foolproof way to install Intel push pins

[Zap]

Alright, nothing is "fool" proof, but hopefully this helps. I've installed push pin coolers many, many, MANY times. I've even re-used push pin coolers many, many, MANY times. I've only ever had ONE problem (turned out it was just faulty aftermarket push pins, not stock Intel push pins).

Other notes:

The pins can be rotated 90°. If it is rotated counter-clockwise, it is in the OPEN position for removal from motherboard. If it is rotated clockwise, it is in the CLOSED position for installation on motherboard. When it is on the motherboard, the easiest way to rotate it is to use a slotted screwdriver.

The method I use to get the clip into the motherboard mounting hole without the pin pushing down prematurely is to push down on it very slightly while wiggling it very slightly.

It really helps to get ALL FOUR of the clips seated into the holes before pushing down on any of the pins. Also, push down the pins in a cross fashion (opposite corners).

So, anyone think this is worthy of a sticky?

 

[WoodButcher]

Sticky?
w/o pics of bleeding fat fingers?
Yeah, ok, 1st nomination here.

Many times I've tried to explain this and now I can point to a picture!

 

[GodlessAstronomer]

Captain Common Sense called, he wants his picture back.

 

[nyker96]

god couldn't hate anything more in this world than those dreaded push pins.

 

[fffblackmage]

The biggest worry I have is actually wondering if I managed to push the pin all the way down to lock.... I'm afraid they'd somehow pop back out because I only managed to half-lock them or something.

 

[ahenkel]

I knew the ball peen hammer was the wrong approach

 

[Gillbot]

You forgot step 1, Buy LGA775 backplate & screws then remove and throw away push pins.

 

[MrK6]

1.) Pay attention.
2.) Use your head.
3.) Don't Sally it.

I've never found this mounting system difficult, but this keeps coming up. I say sticky it, it'll help more than a few .

 

[Yellowbeard]

I have had 1 Intel pushpin fail on me over the years. It happened when I was changing out a dead MOBO and not too long after my first neck surgery. I ended cutting my finger trying to get that last pushpin out. There's still a small gash in the wall of my basement which is the first thing that stock Intel sink hit when I threw it.

Stick it and see how many views it gets. If it's low traffic, then pull it. There's always the SEARCH button if anyone needs to find it later.

 

[aigomorla]

well i decided to throw all the informational posts on 1 sticky thread

which is why u see less stickies up at top.

I could include it in the main sticky... and so could zap.

If you guys feel like this is important i can add it to our collection.

 

[Yellowbeard]

well i decided to throw all the informational posts on 1 sticky thread

which is why u see less stickies up at top.

From an admin or mod standpoint, I personally like that idea. I hate it when the first thing you see in a forum is a long row of poorly organized, or outdated, or irrelevant etc stickies.

 

[yuchai]

Thanks for the tutorial. However, I still don't think I can install the push pins properly without removing the motherboard and visually verifying that all the push pins have gone through.

Just yesterday I reseated the stock HSF for the E4300 in a Shuttle KPC K45 box, as I had recently monitored the CPU temps and saw that it goes up to almost 60C on idle and over 80C on load. What I found is that the initial mounting was so bad that the stock TIM on the heatsink was almost untouched. After reseating properly, it now idles at 30C and goes to about 50 on load. I tested the CPU and was relieved/amazed that the CPU seems to not have been damaged (system had been in use for about 1.5 years)

 

[Holler]

Thanks for the tutorial. However, I still don't think I can install the push pins properly without removing the motherboard and visually verifying that all the push pins have gone through.

yep, this why these push pins fail. not to mention I have come across manufacturing defects where the head of pin is too big (viagra abuser?) and it requires too much pressure to fully seat without inadvertantly pushing the locking pin in. worst intel design ever imho.

give me the old school metal clamps anyday, at least I know the heatsink is on properly.

 

[Zap]

Holler, there's a special platform made just for people like you. It's called socket AM2/AM3.

 

[Rubycon]

I had a machine fail last February due to this silly flawed design.

The box was upright and fell over to the left.

It was righted and no sooner than it got back into windows it froze.

Power off, back on and cpu overheat warning on post screen! (intel mobo)

Pulled cover and found heatsink on top of video card! All pins shattered.

CPU survived and a replacment heatsink bracket was installed (bolt through).

It has fallen over again and not had any issues - not even rebooted!

My biggest fear now is heavy video cards like the 5970 and Quadro FX series.

We do have them reinforced after seeing this:

Even with a machine secured where it cannot fall over on a table one has to remember that movement still puts stress on the innards of the box.

 

[Zap]

Heh, one of my LAN gaming rigs fell over like that once. It wasn't powered on and was on the ground when someone tripped over it. I hooked it up and turned it on, and it booted into Windows fine, so I left it idling. 30 minutes later I went to use it and it was locked up. Opened up the side to find my PEP66 heatsink had fallen off the slotket so the CPU was running bare. It was a Pentium III 700 running at 933MHz. Put the heatsink back on and it booted up fine like nothing happened.

 

[antef]

Thanks for this. That exact problem just happened to me today. I had to reseat my Q6600 cooler because my temps were getting really hot. When I put it back on I thought the clips seemed to clip way too easily. When I turned it on the motherboard started beeping immediately and the system turned itself off. When I removed the heatsink again the bottom had no paste on it whatsoever, so I believe I pushed one or more of the pins down before it was through the hole and so it wasn't seated right. I did it again, making sure each pin was through the hole before pushing the black part down, then pushed each down firmly, and it worked great.

 

[QueBert]

I HATE those push pins, the 1st time I installed a stock heatsink I almost shat my pants. But I chalked it up to it being my first time. Well, I took it off a year later to "clean" out my box. When I tried to put it back on, I ended with wanting to punch whoever came up with this. Then it got me thinking how the fuck did it even get the green light after Intel QC process. Then I wanted to punch everyone who worked for Intel.

It's almost like Intel's CEO's some huge asshole and they made sure the absolute worst system for mounting a heatsink possible ship with their CPU's. Just thinking about the few times I messed with mine, makes me want to go punch somebody from Intel in the face.

 

[Yellowbeard]

I HATE those push pins, the 1st time I installed a stock heatsink I almost shat my pants. But I chalked it up to it being my first time. Well, I took it off a year later to "clean" out my box. When I tried to put it back on, I ended with wanting to punch whoever came up with this. Then it got me thinking how the fuck did it even get the green light after Intel QC process. Then I wanted to punch everyone who worked for Intel.

It's almost like Intel's CEO's some huge asshole and they made sure the absolute worst system for mounting a heatsink possible ship with their CPU's. Just thinking about the few times I messed with mine, makes me want to go punch somebody from Intel in the face.

LOL....I think you are just looking for a reason to punch someone from Intel in the face. Of course, these push pins are as good a reason as any.

 

[Old Hippie]

I know this thread is a little old but I gotta install one of these on Fri. and forgot how to do it.

Imagine that! LOL!

Thanks again Zap and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. :thumbsup:

 

[EarthwormJim]

The old socket 478 system I thought worked better.

Honestly though, why can't they just go with a screw system.

 

[galway]

Screw system would be a hell of a lot easier but at least i've done Unoccupied Landlord Insurance now i keep this thread in my huge amount of bookmarks so in case i ever need it again its there

 

[Rubycon]

Threaded backplate preinstalled (like server boards!) would be best. OEM HSF just sits over and you tighten four screws. BAM! Just like that you're done and even if the box falls over on its side it keeps on trucking. :biggrin:

 

[myinfinity]

I had a machine fail last February due to this silly flawed design.

The box was upright and fell over to the left.

It was righted and no sooner than it got back into windows it froze.

Power off, back on and cpu overheat warning on post screen! (intel mobo)

Pulled cover and found heatsink on top of video card! All pins shattered.

CPU survived and a replacment heatsink bracket was installed (bolt through).

It has fallen over again and not had any issues - not even rebooted!

My biggest fear now is heavy video cards like the 5970 and Quadro FX series.

We do have them reinforced after seeing this:

Even with a machine secured where it cannot fall over on a table one has to remember that movement still puts stress on the innards of the box.

That's horrible dude.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

That's horrible dude.

tell me about it