Swiftech MC-462A Installation Questions

[Courtland]

Well I have this hsf and ive installed it on two motherboards now, the spacer/washer things didn't fit inside the motherboard hole on either mboards, has anyone found a motherboard that does have holes large enough? I realize the instructions say you can just ignore the spacers if they dont fit, but does anyone agree with me that this isnt as safe and reliable? It seems you can easily have the screws alligned improperly. Also, if you have this hsf, how tight do you have the screws with the springs? My main problem is that I chipped an athlon core using this hsf, and I don't want to do it with my next cpu. I had it in fine, but I thought it wasnt tight enough, so I tightened it a bit and I think that chipped the core, or I did it when I was removing the hsf. The removal seems to be a problem as the nobs screwed into the mboard turn when you unscrew the mounting bolts, and you have to use some tools to get it off. Basicaly I am looking for installation tips/experiences, I really don't want to chip another cpu.

 

[jugornot]

Abit kt7a raid has holes that the washers fit. Ended up putting a little more pressure on the springs afterwards with just a little more washer. HTH

 

[mastertech01]

It doesnt say to ignor the washers if they dont fit..it says to use the standard flat washers if it doesnt fit.. the shouldered washers fit the KT7a Raid and must be used..on the MSI K7T turbo they dont fit so you use the plain washers. So you end up with Plastic nut on back side of mobo, plastic flat washer or shouldered washer depending on board on top side of mobo, brass stand off, heatsink,plastic flat washer, spring, plastic flatwasher. 4 screws retain heatsink and 4 screws retain fan. Yes they tend to seize into the stand offs so extra care on removal is required and only so much torque can be applied to install. Leave out any washers and it could be too tight and crack the core. Just snug tight is necessary,as the springs are loaded for the Athlon. You can easily damage the processor if you apply excessive pressure on the heatsink trying to tighten the screws.

 

[Courtland]

My instructions and the ones on the website cleary say to not use the hole washer if it does not fit, and others have confirmed this, but thank you for your tightening suggestions.

 

[Technonut]

No washers should be used at all on the top (front side) of the mobo if the mobo mounting holes are metal lined. (grounded) The washers are to prevent the metal stand-offs from possibly shorting out mobos without metal liners around the mounting holes. I personally phoned Swiftech regarding the washers on the KK266/R and was told to use none at all against the mobo. I also have one on my A7V133 with no washers.

I just have the spring loaded screws/washers already installed on the MC-462 with the stand-offs already screwed in. I take the heatsink and just install it stand-offs and all through the mobo mounting holes. I then hold the heatsink/mobo flat with the back facing me, and put the nuts on finger tight in a cross corner fashion. I then take a screwdriver and while holding the nut with my finger, just tighten the screw snug. Most of the time I am able to remove the HS just by inserting the screwdriver to hold the screw, and twisting the nuts off with my fingers. It is kind of difficult to explain without showing you, but I hope you get the idea. I have never damaged a core doing it this way, and have never had one work it's way loose.

EDIT: Content

 

[Courtland]

Thanks, and yes I get what your saying. Any clue what I should do if the holes arent grouned and the washer does not fit? I guess I will call swiftech and ask.

 

[panhead49]

i also have a iwill board that the special washers didnt fit ...but i didnt want to but the brass stand offs directly on the motherboard like the directions show to, do so i used a regular washer between the stand off and m/b...to keep the predetermended tension swifteck wants on the core i put a extra washer in with the spring.....to offset my puting a washer under the standoff and raising it.......think about it...


{like Jugornot did}

 

[mastertech01]

HI Sonny, I stand corrected, no washers if the shoulder washer doesnt fit.. here is a link to the installation


Installation