Installing CPU Cooler

Before installing CPU cooler (HSF - heatsink and fan), be sure these steps have been done:

1. CPU installed
2. Thermal paste applied to CPU

The pictures in the examples below are the stock cooler for the iCore 7 970 Gulftown. This build is not being OC'd. Hence the stock cooler.

This cooler is huge!

Steps:

1. Unscrew the mounting bracket from the HSF
2. Very carefully slide the mounting bracket under the motherboard
3. Line up the mounting bracket with the mounting holes on the motherboard
4. Verify that you can see them lined from looking down on the motherboard
5. On the HSF carefully remove the protective covering (plastic film) off the heatsink
6. Slowly line up the HSF over the mounting holes
7. Line up the thumbscrews on the HSF with the mount holes
8. Double check that you've applied the thermal paste on the CPU
9. Make sure the HSF heatsink surface is clean
10. • use a lint free cloth or a cotton swab
11. Lower HSF onto the CPU
12. Tighten the HSF's 4 thumbscrews in place
    • Through the mounting holes
    • Into the support bracket on the back side of the motherboard
    • Finger tight is fine
    
13. Double check that the HSF is secured to the motherboard
    • If it moves after you've tightened the thumbscrews, it is not secure
14. Attach the fan's power cable to the motherboard power header pins

• Located close to the CPU & HSF
• It only fits on it one way
• Make sure the power cable connector is fully seated on the motherboard's header pins

That's it for installing CPU cooler.

Next Step:

1. Installing RAM / Memory

Tips:

Not all stock coolers or retail ones connect the same way onto a motherboard. Some have thumbscrews, some are spring loaded, and some have clips used to secure the HSF to the motherboard. Some do not have supporting brackets either.

The steps given here are based on experience for an air cooling system. As always, your own mileage will vary.

As always, it helps to review the hardware documentation before you start your installation.

Liquid cooling systems have very different hardware and installation steps vary as well.

Reasons to choose liquid over air:

1. Overclocking
2. Quiet
   • Fans make a lot more noise then a liquid cooled system

Return from Installing CPU cooler to Installing the Part

Applying thermal paste - How to apply thermal paste to your CPU

How to Install Your CPU - Steps to follow to install your CPU

Build List - List of parts needed to build a computer

CPU Cooler - Info, brand suggestions and tips on CPU Coolers