CPU Cooler Installation

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CPU Cooler Installation

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CPU Cooler Overview

The use of thermal paste is ESSENTIAL to ensure efficient heat transfer and must be applied to ALL the surfaces indicated in GREEN.

The fanless CPU cooling hardware comprises of 3 main parts.

The CPU mount assembly ( upper + lower CPU mount, and arms) that couples the heat pipes to the CPU / motherboard using the spring loaded screws.
The heat sink mounts that couple the heat pipes to the case side panel (heat sink).
The heat pipes that transfer the heat from the CPU to heat sink. The heat pipes are supplied in plastic sleeves which are numbered 1, 2, 3, 4 to assist with identifying them.

We recommend doing a test fit first without applying thermal paste as this will allow you to confirm everything and adjust the alignment without making a mess. Thermal paste can then be applied to the lower CPU mount (along the heat pipe channels)

The upper CPU mount features adjustable arms that rotate to adjust to different mounting hole locations and spacing. They should be rotated to ensure the CPU mount in centered on the CPU IHS and with the orientation of the heat pipes slots facing the heat sink.

Install the Cooler Assembly

Prepare the Cooler Heat Pipe Assembly

You should already have a rough idea of the position of the heat pipes and CPU mount assembly. Apply thermal paste along the Lower CPU mount heat pipe slots and secure them by adding the upper mount, arms and screws. Note that the screws don’t need to be fully tightened yet.

You can also apply thermal paste along the surface of the heat pipes that will make contact with the heat sink in preparation for the next steps.

Apply Thermal Paste to the CPU

Apply thermal paste to the CPU IHS, this can be done using any method of your choice, just make sure the coverage is complete and even.

Place the Cooler Assembly onto the CPU

Carefully place the cooler assembly (CPU Mount + Heat Pipes) onto the CPU ensuring its centered on the IHS

Secure the Cooler Assembly

With the CPU mount centered on the CPU IHS, use the spring loaded retention screws to secure the position but Do NOT tighten them yet.

Attach the Heat Pipes to the Heat Sink

With the CPU mount centered on the CPU IHS, use the spring loaded retention screws to secure the position but Do NOT tighten them yet.

Tighten the CPU Mount

With the CPU mount centered on the CPU IHS, use the spring loaded retention screws to secure the position but Do NOT tighten them yet.