Computer Assembly - How To Assemble A PC
Install The CPU Cooler
A superb guide to installing a CPU cooler is Dan's CPU Cooler Installation - Getting It Right.
But the installation of a CPU cooler on an AM2 processor is not difficult. If you've never installed a CPU cooler before then it's a good idea to walk through the steps first without actually clipping anything, just to get the feel and idea of the installation.
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The Zalman CNPS 9500 AM2 CPU cooler comes with more than I'll be using, such as a variable speed control. All I'll need is the CPU cooler and the locking clip.
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The base of the CPU cooler is quite smooth, so it makes for a good surface for applying the thermal compound. The fan above it is large without being so large it interferes with other components inside the case. A large fan like this is good as it provides a lot of airflow cooling without making an undue amount of noise. This view shows the CPU cooler from the air intake side of the fan.
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This picture shows the view from the rear of the CPU cooler - from the air exhaust side of the fan. The 3-pin power connector for the fan can be seen tucked inside the well of the fan.
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Although the CPU cooler comes with a white tube of thermal compound, I'm using Arctic Silver 5 thermal compound purchased separately. Excellent instructions for applying thermal compound onto the CPU cooler and processor core are here at the Arctic Silver web-site.
Like many good CPU coolers, the Zalman CNPS9500 AM2 CPU cooler does not come with thermal compound pre-applied to the base, because many savvy PC builders want to apply their own thermal compound. If a CPU cooler does come with thermal compound pre-applied and a different thermal compound is being used then the pre-applied thermal compound needs to be cleaned off. An example of this is on my CPU Cooler Installation page from another build.
The locking clip is articulated, meaning it has multiple parts (two pieces, to be exact) that go together as shown in the second picture.
Before starting, here is a picture to give an overview of how these parts will be assembled. The processor, already mounted on the motherboard, will be covered by the CPU cooler, and the locking clip will be inserted through the CPU cooler and will secure the CPU cooler on the processor. In this picture, the articulated end of the locking clip is at the top, farther end, but it really doesn't matter which way around the locking clip is used.
First, place a pea-sized blob of Arctic Silver 5 right on the center of the processor. Or you can use a thin line of Arctic Silver 5 running from top to bottom right down the middle of the processor. I've tried it both ways with similar results. Notice that the processor is surrounded by a black plastic mounting bracket. The mounting bracket includes notches, circled in yellow, that are used when installing the CPU cooler to secure the CPU cooler in place.
Next place the CPU cooler on top of the processor, twisting it a few degrees both clockwise and counter-clockwise to spread the thermal compound a little and take care of any air bubbles. Notice there is a small round knob, circled in yellow, on top of the base of the CPU cooler.
Insert the locking clip through the center of the CPU cooler, just below the fan, and place it on top of the base. The hole in the middle of the locking clip goes over the round knob on the base, allowing the locking clip to rest flat on the base without being able to slide around too much. But the locking clip is not at all firmly in place yet while in this position.
From the back of the CPU cooler it looks like this. The locking clip is somewhat precariously balanced at this point, simply resting in position.
On the front side (intake side) of the CPU cooler, latch the locking clip onto a mounting bracket notch.
Now on the rear side (exhaust side) of the CPU cooler, press down and latch the locking clip onto a mounting bracket notch.
The final step is to connect the power connector of the CPU cooler for the fan to the motherboard. The fan connects to a 3-pin header on the motherboard. The motherboard usually has more than one of these. The one for the CPU cooler fan should be located near the processor socket as shown circled in the picture.
Uncoil the power connector cable from the back of the CPU cooler. The 3-pin header for the CPU cooler fan is labeled "CPU FAN" on the ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition motherboard, as can be seen stamped on the motherboard. The 3-pin connector is keyed so it can only be plugged in one way.
Like so.
The CPU cooler is now securely mounted on the processor and connected to power via the motherboard. Here is how the motherboard looks now with the CPU cooler installed over the processor.
My complete recommendations for building a computer with quality components at unbeatable
prices is on my home page at
Build A Computer
Like My Super PC - Cost To Build A Computer. Here again are the recommendations for a motherboard!
| Description
| Where I Would Get It Today
| Today's Price
| Comments
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| ASUS Z97-A LGA 1150 |
Amazon
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$155.99 |
The Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UDH5 motherboard I'm using has outstanding quality and is a top performer.
Unfortunately, it's been discontinued. This ASUS motherboard is very similar and would be my choice today.
One difference is that the ASUS does not come with IEEE 1394, but it is cheaper and FireWire can be
added for low-cost with a plug-in card.
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Bundles, Barebone Kits
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| Motherboard Bundles |
TigerDirect
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Varies |
Clicking the link takes you directly to the page for bundles and systems. All of the components in My Super PC were purchased separately so that I got exactly what I wanted. But if you come across a bundle you like then you can be sure that all of the components are compatible. Bundles typically include at least the processor and motherboard, but can include much more.
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| Combo Deals |
Newegg
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Varies |
Clicking the link takes you directly to the combo deals page. Once there you can search by category, such as "AMD Motherboards" and brand, such as "Gigabyte". |
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Back to My Super PC - Home Page
How To Build A Computer. Step By Step Instructions To Assemble. Skip To Any Assembly Step.
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Next place the CPU cooler on top of the processor, twisting it a few degrees both clockwise and counter-clockwise to spread the thermal compound a little and take care of any air bubbles. Notice there is a small round knob, circled in yellow, on top of the base of the CPU cooler.
Insert the locking clip through the center of the CPU cooler, just below the fan, and place it on top of the base. The hole in the middle of the locking clip goes over the round knob on the base, allowing the locking clip to rest flat on the base without being able to slide around too much. But the locking clip is not at all firmly in place yet while in this position.
Uncoil the power connector cable from the back of the CPU cooler. The 3-pin header for the CPU cooler fan is labeled "CPU FAN" on the ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition motherboard, as can be seen stamped on the motherboard. The 3-pin connector is keyed so it can only be plugged in one way.
Like so.
The CPU cooler is now securely mounted on the processor and connected to power via the motherboard. Here is how the motherboard looks now with the CPU cooler installed over the processor.
