I've just purchased a new MOBO and CPU and am in the process of installation, everything seems staight forward enough except the fitting of the CoolerMaster heatsink. How much tension do these things need to fit in place, the spring on my unit requires considerably more pressure than would be required to hold it firmly in place, I thought CPU's were supposed to be fragile objects, the four pads offer some support I know, but is it normal to have to apply quite a bit of pressure to fit these things. I've made a simple tool to make bending the hook into place easier, but just want to make sure the spring on my unit (to fit a 1600XP) is normal.

Any advice appreciated...Secoast

I think its all right.I was worried about mine when i installed my fan/heatsink cuz they had bold letters saying how fragile it is and i have that same chip.But i put it on and everythings fine.

At first its a terrifying experience fitting those things!! I wouldn't worry about it, press until you think its about to snap in pieces, then press a lot harder!! LOL

I usually use the biggest flat bladed screwdriver I can find, dont worry so much about the force required, just make sure the tool you are using will not slip off! BIG Flat bladed screwdrivers are good to fit in the recess of the clip.

freakshow, CHRI5...Cheers.

I figured it was OK but like you say, it's quite frightening to spend serious money on fragile equipment and then find you need a hammer to fit it. LOL

Will just go for it now I know it's a normal procedure.

Thanks Again...Secoast

I think CHR15 summed it all up to perfection. :D

It can be scary, I've had screwdrivers slip off many times and it's that point when it touches the mobo where you go as white as a sheet that is the worst! I've broken countless spring clips on some heatsinks, they just were not upto the pressure. :sick: Still after all this I've never yet damaged a mobo.

But take your time, use the best tool for the job and all should be fine. ;)

Be carefull of the little plastic clip things on the CPU mount, esp. if the heat sink only uses the centre ones. Wouldn't want to bust them off.

The last time I installed a CoolerMaster, the damn thing woz so tight, the screwdriver jumped out, and whacked onto the mobo, well... I thought..Mobo, RIP, I will take revenge on you, as I can see a deep cut on this spanky new mobo.

Anyway, I took my chance, powered the thing up.. and 3 months later, still working, I must admit, its a full tower, and all the drives are hanging outside, so I woz trying to be lazy and not removing everything and turn the case over flat, as this can take as much as 15 mins (plus removing junk from on top the case).


So be aware, time saved may be time and money not saved (c).2002 Duffy :)

Yep duffy, it was Coolermaster's that I've had trouble with too. One I fitted was so damn tight I bust up the fan housing by having to put so much pressure on the clip with a screwdriver!

Well I managed to fit the thing with only a small scare as the clip popped like a starting pistol under the lip of the cpu housing, yes celtic-druid it does use just the one clip.
I still find it staggering that these things require so much pressure. I made a tool out of a small piece of metal to ensure a perfect fit in the slot but the tool ideally needs to weigh about two stone to get the proper leverage.
I just hope I never have to remove the **** thing.

Thanks Again...Secoast

FYI, one thing to look at when reading reviews of Heatsinks is how easy they fit. SOme are better designed then others, but all are a pain.
You can & is has been done, crack the CPU if you use too much pressure.
I always hold/pull up on the heatsink while forcing the clip in place.