Installation

Although the cooler is modeled on the reference design, it is not equipped with Intel pushpin mounts. Instead, a retention module is used, which means the mainboard has to be removed. The manufacturer should have offered a pushpin mounting system at least as an optional accessory. A retention module is also necessary for the other supported socket types.

The following sockets are supported:

• Socket 478 for Pentium 4
• Socket LGA775 for Pentium 4
• Socket 462 (Socket A) for Athlon XP and Sempron
• Socket 754/939/940 for Athlon 64 and Athlon 64 FX

The manufacturer also claims that the unit can be used on Socket 370. There can be problems when using this socket, however, since Socket 370 boards don't have holes for mounting the retention module.

The cooler is connected directly to the retention module and is fastened with a nut on the back of the board.

The backplate (below) is screwed onto the back of the board, and the installation plates (LGA775, Socket 939/754, Socket 478, Socket A) are attached directly to the cooler.

The small screws fasten the installation plates to the cooler, and the large ones are used to mount the cooler to the mainboard.

The enclosed socket can be tightened with a normal screwdriver; a ratchet is not necessary.

Because of the screw on the backside of the mainboard, it is necessary to remove the mainboard when swapping the CPU. The installation time is about an hour, including board removal and re-installation.