How To Install a CPU Cooler

Installation

Today, I am going to be taking you through a more complicated installation to show you how it’s done.
For this installation I will be using the ASUS Silent Knight II and the thermal compound provided with this cooler. I am also using an LGA775 Motherboard. This CPU Cooler has only recently been introduced to the market and has cutting edge cooling technology. The fan is surrounded by two heatsinks with fins that span outwards from the centre so as to dissipate heat multi-directionally. Moreover the fan causes cool air to be drawn in from the side, through the fan and then spread out via the second heatsink.

I will be installing the Silent Knight II into the following rig:

Below I will document my progress.

The first step is to align the LGA775 backplate with the motherboard. This is very easy as the screw holes slot into the holes on the motherboard so it doesn’t move about once in place and make it awkward when trying to screw in the cooler.

Once the backplate is aligned, the mounting bracket, or retention bracket as the manufacturers like to call it, needs to be attached. This is done by pushing screws through the holes in the bracket into stand-offs so that the bracket is at the right height. Then the screws simply screw into the backplate so the whole thing is secure.

At this point some thermal paste needs to be applied. I am using the ASUS compound that comes with the Silent Knight. Just place a small blob in the centre of the CPU.

Then place the cooler onto the bracket and CPU and give it a gentle twist to spread the thermal paste out slightly.

After this, to simply stop the cooler slipping off, you need to attach the universal clip. This clips over the bracket and does require a little pressure to get the second end in as it is tight to secure the CPU cooler well. Then, push the lever down and the cooler is completely installed and fastened tightly.

Finally, one more thing needs to be done – connect up the fan to the motherboard otherwise all your efforts will have been wasted and the CPU will simply overheat.