Intel Core 2 Duo motherboard not compatible with heatsink?

NiBL

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I just purchased an Intel DG965MQ motherboard, which says on the box that it's made for the Core 2 Duo processor. I just received my Core 2 Duo processor, and the heatsink fan that came with the processor doesn't fit on the motherboard! WHY? The holes on the motherboard are for a rectangular shaped contraption, while the Core 2 Duo heatsink is square. Does anyone know why two Intel products that are SUPPOSED to be made for each other are not compatible?
 

Mex

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This your board?
http://www.intel.com/products/desktop/motherboard/index.htm?iid=mbd_main+dt

And does your heatsink look at all like this?
fan_s775.jpg


Your board uses the BTX form factor, while almost all heatsinks packaged with Intel processors are for ATX. BTX boards don't use heatsinks, but thermal modules instead. Your best option is to swap your BTX board for a ATX equivalent, such as these:

http://www.intel.com/products/motherboard/DG965WH/index.htm
http://www.intel.com/products/motherboard/DG965OT/index.htm
 

NiBL

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Thanks.

I believe the board I'm replacing uses the BTX form factor, so I suppose I could use that thermal module. Is that sufficient cooling for a Core 2 Duo processor?

I know nothing about cooling systems, as you can tell. :lol:
 

Mex

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11353.jpg

For clarification, the BTX form factor is on the left, and the ATX from is on the right. If you didn't know the difference between the two, you know now.

ram55_btx_image02.gif

This is a thermal module. ATX uses heatsinks like the one in my previous post.

If you're sure that you're replacing a BTX board, then you can use the thermal module - and yes, it will adequately cool a Core 2 Duo, as these were originally designed to cool the Prescott Pentium 4.

One more thing - you need to make sure the case will handle the form factor of the board.