Thermalright ultra 120 Extreme and evga 680I A1 Mobo

[superclocked]

Does anyone know if Thermalright ultra 120 Extreme and evga 680I A1 Mobo are compatible with each other.

I heard the Thermal ultra's backplate problem with evga mobo. I have an 122-CK-NF68-A1 evga 680I.

Thank you

 

[BonzaiDuck]

I have the Striker Extreme 680i board. I cannot understand how the eVGA 680i board would be any different in terms of compatibility with the cooler, but I suppose it's always possible.

The backplate for the TR Ultra-120-Extreme is designed to avoid any contact with solder joints or pins, and the latest units shipped now cover the plate with an x-shaped vinyl insulator.

Since the holes for the stock cooler's retention mechanism would be identical, I'm a bit puzzled by what you heard on this matter.

 

[PCTC2]

I have the Ultra120 and the eVGA 680i-AR. It's fine. (the revisions are the same, and so is the mounting of the backplate for the Ultra120 and eXtreme.)

 

[HeXploiT]

If i remember correctly the A1 was the first version with the backplate issue. The AR is the latest revision in which the backplate has been fixed.

 

[CurseTheSky]

Originally posted by: BonzaiDuck
I have the Striker Extreme 680i board. I cannot understand how the eVGA 680i board would be any different in terms of compatibility with the cooler, but I suppose it's always possible.

I forget which revision I have, but the EVGA (reference design?) board does have issues. They have surface-mounted components (capacitors and resistors, I believe) right below the CPU socket. The backplate to my waterblock still worked, since it came with a foam pad to keep pressure off the board, and avoid electrical contact. However, heavy coolers would definately put more pressure on the backplate, so it could become an issue.

As far as I heard, the surface-mounted components weren't in the same location on the ASUS boards.

 

[coolidgus]

i emailed question to support at thermalright and here is their answer:

Hi,

The problem lies with eVGA, some of their motherboards have no problems
while others will have. The problem even crosses revision lines and seems to
be different from lot to lot.

I have an "A1" revision where there was no problem mounting the back plate,
but others with the same revision have had problems.
You take the risk of getting a compatible motherboard or a non-compatible
one, you never no until you attempt an installation.

Thermalright Support,

Bob


with this in mind what would be best for coolin q6600 with evga board?

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Coolidgus --

I think you started another thread with the same question. I thought the issues you were suggesting had to do with the top side of the motherboard. I see that the Ultima 90 has a backplate that might still precipitate the same difficulties with the U-120-Extreme per some eVGA motherboards.

The backplates have threaded extrusions that must fit into the motherboard holes. If the components that give the trouble are shallow enough, there might be some way to shim the backplate as well as to pad it with foam-rubber so that it still functions as intended. Of course, any such shims might prevent the extrusions from fitting securely in the holes. If they fit at least halfway, I'm making an educated guess that mounting-integrity of the cooler would be preserved. Then again, secure mounting might be achieved if the extrusions don't fit, but you also might have trouble then fitting the plate and its modifications between the mobo bottom and the motherboard pan.

 

[JAG87]

it will mount just fine. i just installed an apogee GTX waterblock which has essentially the same back plate as the thermalright heatsinks, and i had no problems. the A1 boards have a very clean socket backside, unlike the ARs that had a whole bunch of resistors and other SMD components sticking out. go for it.

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: JAG87
it will mount just fine. i just installed an apogee GTX waterblock which has essentially the same back plate as the thermalright heatsinks, and i had no problems. the A1 boards have a very clean socket backside, unlike the ARs that had a whole bunch of resistors and other SMD components sticking out. go for it.

Just a little warning. Make sure the backplate doesnt touch any pins, or anything metal.

The A1 is infamous for the "--" code error. Which means poor ground. That means either your PSU blows, or your backplate is touching something it shouldnt be.