Heatsink Installation

Your next task is attaching the cooling fan assembly, known as the heatsink (1). The processor produces a lot of waste heat while operating and the heatsink carries that heat away. There are many different variety of heatsinks that have different mounting mechanisms. For specific details read the instructions that came with the heatsink. Next we will talk about the two most common heatsinks on the market today, and those are the ones that come pre-packaged with Intel and AMD processors. AMD and Intel tend to use a heatsink that is very similar for almost all of their processor lines, so these should cover most common cases.

Stock Intel Heatsink

Here we are going to cover how to install the factory heatsink that comes packaged with most Intel processors. The large majority of these heatsinks should come with a pre-applied thermal compound. To attach the heatsink simply carefully set the heatsink down on top of the processor (1) attempting to line up the four securing feet with the corresponding holes on the motherboard (2). Now, make sure that all of the tops of the four securing feet are turned all of the way against the way that the arrow on the top points (3). The arrow on the top of the securing feet is instructing you on the removal of the heatsink. To lock it, the feet should be rotated the other way. Now, using your thumbs, wiggle around each one of the feet until you get the tip of the foot through the hole in the motherboard. Now apply a firm pressure to one of the feet until you feel it pop into place (4). Then proceed to do the same thing on the next foot diagonal from the one you just secured (5). Now secure the other two in whichever order you choose. Go back and apply a firm pressure on all the feet to make sure that they are all secured correctly. Grab the heatsink by the metal fins and give it a little wiggle to make sure it is securely attached and solid. And finally, attach the fan power plug to a nearby fan power plug (6).

(1)		(2)
(3)		(4)
(5)		(6)

Stock AMD Heatsink

Almost all PGA based heatsinks secure the same way. They have a long metal clip that goes through the middle of the heatsink and gets latched to each side of the processor socket (1). Notice the plastic tabs on the side of the PGA processor socket (2). One side of the metal tab should have a slot for a screwdriver or a push assembly for your thumb (3). This side will go on last. Pick up the heatsink and latch the first side underneath the latch and then set down the heatsink on the processor (4). Now, using either a screwdriver or your thumb push the other side of the metal clip down over the securing tab until it is latched in place (5). And finally, attach the fan power plug to a nearby fan power plug (6).

(1)		(2)
(3)		(4)
(5)		(6)