Ergonomics
Another question to be considered is whether the cooler can be mounted on the most common motherboards without getting in the way of the RAM modules. There are even coolers that are so big that the PC case can't be closed after they are installed!
So many screws for just one cooler? That's a lot of work for the user.
Here's another way to do it: this Intel reference cooler uses pushpins
If the installation procedure was cleverly designed, then the cooler can be fastened without tools in a few minutes. Cooler models with this kind of simple installation gained points in ergonomics. After all, who wants to sort through five bags of screws, nuts, spacers and washers before even getting started with the actual installation of the new cooler? Of course, a mount shouldn't just be easy to install, it should also do its job, namely to keep the CPU fan mounted securely over the die.
Coolers also lost points in the evaluation if the mainboard had to be removed during installation. The time required for installation is greatly increased by this seemingly minor issue: from a minute or two to over an hour.
Mounting Hardware And Accessories
A critical glance at the extra accessories completes our test round. If the cooler is shipped without extra mounting hardware, then maybe it's not necessary, because the cooler is already set up perfectly.
So many extra parts - helpful tools or unnecessary accessories?
More is not always more, where accessories are concerned. Why does a user need four different slot brackets and front plates for air regulation, if only one can be installed? Only useful accessories that are really required got a positive rating.
