Originally posted by: dwb122
How in the ---- do you install the Zalman ZM-NB47J northbridge heatsink? Where are the friggin mounting holes? There are only these four verticle metal rings for the stock fan (which is noisy crap), and there's no way I can use those for the Zalman. How is everyone else doing it?
I mounted the Zalman NB-32J Northbridge Heatsink on my MCH last summer. The NB-32J is an older variant of the NB47J I believe, with the 32J having a golden colored Heatsink and pins, instead of blue. But from the looks of it, I think you can just modify the 47J Heatsink in the same manner as I did with my 32J.
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HOWEVER, you must have the old style Heatsink/Fan combo that came with the IC7 Rev 1.0 boards. It is a light blue color and is made entirely of plastic. You will need this older style IC7 HSF combo just for the metal retention clips that you will then use on your Zalman. If you don't have the old style retention clips then it might not work. Since the NB chip does not have any retention holes around it, the only way you will be able to mount your NB47J is to use the old circular metal retention clip from the old style IC7 HSF.)
First off, start by removing the original Plastic Heatsink/Fan combo, it is dead-easy! You take off the flat fan by un-clicking the connectors. Then you have the HSF, and if it does not easily come off by just twisting the HSF, then use some acetone-, or alcohol-dipped cotton Q-tips, and a razor-blade. When the HSF is off, use some thermal cleaner, or more alcohol, get the NB chip clean, and get on with the Zalman.
The Zalman needs a bit of work: nip off three pins in each corner (for 12 total), and file the stubs down so they are flush with the base. DO NOT file any of the base away. Then the old IC7 HSF retention ring fits snuggly around the Zalman, and you are ready to attach the HSF. If you can BARELY get the retention clip to fit into the retention mounts, file the corners of the Zalman down a bit more, and I mean BARELY file; as too much filing will sink the retention clip down too far, and then you will have NO pressure to keep the 47J attached to the retention mounts. BUT, the 47J may have a thicker base than my 32J had? If this is the case then just file down the base a minimal amount so that the circular retention clips are able to fit into the retention mounts around the NB chip. No glue or epoxy or anything is required. The circular retention mount will then just slide over your Zalman and rest on the 4 clipped corners.
Once you have finished the 'pre-fit' process. Prepare the Zalman for final mounting on the NB chip. Use some Artic Silver (a very thin layer) and put the Zalman at any angle you wish on top of the NB, using the ring to hold it onto the NB chip. Here are important,
detailed instructions on how to apply Arctic Silver Once your done applying the AS, you want to make sure you have level, contact once you put the Zalman on.
30-60 minutes (if you really clean the NB and polish the Zalman.)
It really is best to take your MOBO out of the case to do this, even more so since I did not and I'm sure it took an extra hour with my fiddling around inside my case at odd angels, and I didn't get the best line of sight to make 100% sure I had 100% contact of the Zalman and the NB chip.
Once you are done, put the Mobo back in the case and make sure you re-attach everything. Fire up the PC and if you notice it crashing after a few minutes then you might not have solid contact on the NB chip. If this isn't the case then it worked!! Leave your case open for an hour or so, and then put your fingers on the Zalman NB fins. It should be hot, which means it?s working. Also, don't expect your temps too drop at all. If anything they should remain the same or go up 1 or 2 degrees C, since there is no active cooling of the NB chip.
Hope this helps. Let us know how it goes. If you have any other questions PM me.
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