Issues installing HSF for Intel 775 based CPUs

[JWMiddleton]

I recently picked up a new ASUS MB to play with a Core 2 Duo 4300 that I'd been running on an ECS board (Fry's bundle.) Well, I picked up a COOLER MASTER 92mm Hyper TX2 CPU Cooler to use with this combo. I always install CPU with HSF before putting board into case. I tried this with the TX2 and could not get more that 1 pin to engage. I pushed to the point that my thumbs hurt and I was concerned about breaking the mobo.

THEN I did a bit of research on the TX2 and found that many ppl complain about installation difficulty. Well, I simply took the item back and got a refund. I then used a much cheaper Cooler Master that I'd purhased along with the original bundle. It uses 4 screws with tension springs. (I OC'ed the 4300 from 1.8GHz to 2.4GHz. It is running at 100% on Climateprediction and has not burped in over a week. BUT, the temp where I keep it is very cool this time of the year.)

So, what have has been found to be the easiest HSF mounting assembly to install for socket 775 boards?

 

[DerwenArtos12]

Easiest is hands down the pin method when they're made the right length. I've heard of this issue with TX2's and most people don't find it to be a big enough deal to return it but, there's a lot of personal preference there. I recommend always using bolts of some type to hold it in place. if the cheaper cooler has a back plate and bolts you should be able to transfer those to another heatsink by snipping the ends off the pushpins and removing them.

 

[Binky]

Easiest is difficult to quantify, but I've always liked the Zalman system. The mounting bracket uses a back and front plate and mounts securely to the motherboard. There is no iffy-ness about it. The heatsink then just screws down until it hits bottom. You can't over- or under-tighten it. If you remove the CPU and heatsink, you don't have to worry about the backplate falling off under the motherboard. It's simple and works great.

Push pins are very easy once you figure them out but i never had the feeling of security that I did with the Zalman system.

 

[DerwenArtos12]

Originally posted by: Binky
Easiest is difficult to quantify, but I've always liked the Zalman system. The mounting bracket uses a back and front plate and mounts securely to the motherboard. There is no iffy-ness about it. The heatsink then just screws down until it hits bottom. You can't over- or under-tighten it. If you remove the CPU and heatsink, you don't have to worry about the backplate falling off under the motherboard. It's simple and works great.

Push pins are very easy once you figure them out but i never had the feeling of security that I did with the Zalman system.

I've honestly never used the zalman system on a cpu heatsink but, if it's roughly the same as on the VNF100 i recently installed then, i might have to settle for second rate performance to get that mounting system as I was not only genuinely surprised by it but, very happy, amongst the best VGA coolers I've used.