Questions about replacing a heatsink

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MavenInferno

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Jun 11, 2016
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So I recently discovered that playing games at 70-80c cpu temp isn't very good especially if your not even overclocked. Therefore I looked into buying myself a Kraken x61 240mm cooler. I've also ran into a few issues with gaming and the only issue I can think of is because of these high temps.

I have yet to replace it because I'm worried about my cpu being stuck to the heatsink, and the last thing I need to do is damage the pins on on a i7 6700k. However I've only had my pc since late January, so I don't think that would even be possible, right?

I've also seen a few comments regarding the x61 and the s340 case. How well do they fit together and do I even need to remove my motherboard to replace the cooler? And for the installation, are there any specific things normally not mentioned that I should be aware of, or am I just overthinking it?

Thanks for whatever answer you guys have to my questions, I just get really paranoid when working with an expensive build. I like to have all my worries in check.
 
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The H7 is on par with the x61 when used with that CPU. Unless you've replaced the TIM inside the CPU, you won't see significant improvements.

If you have changed the TIM, then it would probably give you 5-10C of improvement. Otherwise, it will be closer to 2-3C.
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the nerd 389

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The x61 would be difficult to fit in that case. You'd be better off with a Thermalright True Spirit 120 or Cooler Master Hyper 212. Noctua also has some good single tower coolers, but you'll need to check the height of them. Your case officially only supports coolers up to 161mm, which means coolers rated at 157mm or shorter will fit.

Regarding the cooler sticking to the CPU, that's pretty unlikely. Thermal adhesive will make them stick, but that's some rare stuff. It's usually used to put a thermistor on the CPU between it and the heatsink. I've only ever seen that done in servers, and even that is nearly unheard of today. Normal thermal compound doesn't dry or harden. Even if it did, that CPU is an LGA, not PGA. It has no pins, those are on the motherboard.

Also, are you looking at core temps or the package temp? Those are normal core temps, but definitely high for package temps.

UPDATE: Forgot to comment on removing the motherboard. That case has an access opening behind the motherboard, so you shouldn't need to remove the motherboard to replace the cooler.
 
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MADVIU

MADVIU

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Hopefully here to answer some of your questions:

(1) cpu being stuck to the heatsink: No, the heatsink should not be stuck to the CPU, if it is, there is a problem. Also, your CPU is very well secured under that bracket you had to lift over it and clamp into place if you did it correctly, it's not moving. You may need to firmly remove the heatsink, as the thermal compound can be a little sticky or create some sort of weird seal.

(2) need to remove my motherboard to replace the cooler: You should not need to remove your motherbaord when installing/removing coolers. Maybe in a tight space like a MicroATX build, but yours is a mid tower and should provide enough room to move around in. Although, in my Corsair 200R, it can get a little cramped and removing the motherboard would make it easier, but a hassle with all the connections so I just deal with it.

(3) overthinking it: Nah, I had similar questions when I first built my computer, so it's all good so long as you don't freak out.
 
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the nerd 389

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The correct way to remove a heatsink is to slide it off the edge. If you do that, then the weird seal is a non-issue. I've even gotten heatsinks off that had thermal adhesive and seven years to set off that way.
 
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MADVIU

MADVIU

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I suppose, just my previous experience.
 
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MavenInferno

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Currently I have a CRYORIG H7. Although I dont think i'm going to stick with the tower coolers, I've read that the Kraken x61 can make at least a 5-10 change in temps. And for my cpu temps, the package is usually up around 70-80 on cpu intensive games, however the core temps can vary between 65-80.

So what i'm getting from all of this is that the process is quite simple and the cpu sticking isn't likely, however fitting the radiator may be a bit laborious.

Thanks for all the replies

 
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the nerd 389

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The H7 is on par with the x61 when used with that CPU. Unless you've replaced the TIM inside the CPU, you won't see significant improvements.

If you have changed the TIM, then it would probably give you 5-10C of improvement. Otherwise, it will be closer to 2-3C.
 
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