question about Zalman cooler install

[Rick Schu]

I'm installing a Zalman CPS9500 AT CPU cooler on a pentium 4 lga 775 and notice although everything is tightened down, the cooler is loose enough that I can easily twist it one direction or the other. I don't know if this is normal or not. Is it?

 

[ch33zw1z]

I use a Zalman 7700, different cooler but same install design. I have the same issue, but it doesn't seem to effect temps. As long as your temps are ok, I wouldn't worry about it. The Thermal Grease will cure and it won't move as much after awhile.

 

[Rick Schu]

cool. thanks!

 

[Rodknock]

I have the Zalman 9700, and mine does the exact same thing. I even rigged the cross brace a certain way to correct the problem and it still does it. Temperatures don't seem to be adversely affected much if at all, although it's been a while since I've had something to compare it to. OC'd Q6600 @ 3.2ghz and 1.3v idles at ~32*C.

 

[DerwenArtos12]

I can fix all three of your problems with $4 plus shipping. Go buy a thermalright 77f bolt down kit and remove the stock pins and replace them with this backing plate and sprung bolts, should tighten things up and I can almost gaurintee, if it's wiggling/twisting, you're temps are being adversely affected.

 

[Rick Schu]

Well, booted up for the first time and sitting in the bios cpu temps are at 64C after 10 minutes (intel mobo). This seems high at idle even for a 3.4 ghz prescott. After "break-in", artic silver claims temps would only drop 2-5C.

Derwen - i am using the backing plate and mount that came with the Zalman cooler.