Installing the CPU Cooler
Today's fast processors generate a tremendous amount of heat. Without a CPU cooler, a processor would burn out in seconds.
Inadequate cooling also can result in data errors, performance problems, and reduced processor life. CPU manufacturers typically provide lists of "approved" coolers for their chips. To extend your homebuilt computer's life and maximize its performance, we recommend that you use the best cooler you can find that has been manufacturer-approved for your particular processor. The processor cooler is not a place to skimp.
Parts of a CPU Cooler
CPU coolers are composed of three parts: A fan, a heat sink, and a mounting device that attaches the cooler assembly to the motherboard directly over the processor. A fourth element of the cooling system is something called "heat sink compound" or "thermal jelly," which is applied between the heat sink and the die of the processor to improve heat transfer from the processor to the heat sink.
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Many heat sinks come with a patch of heat sink compound pre-applied to the heat sink itself. The actual compound is covered with a little plastic tab during shipping. If you are using a heat sink with pre-applied heat sink compound, then you need to peel the protective tab off the heat sink prior to installing the cooler. Forgetting this simple step can cause serious damage to your processor.
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If your heat sink doesn't have pre-applied compound, you will need to apply a thin coating of heat sink compound directly to the processor die. This also applies if, for some reason, you have removed and are replacing the heat sink. The old compound must be completely removed and new compound applied before replacing the cooler. We suggest you use a high-quality jelly like Arctic Silver. The difference in price is trivial.
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The CPU cooler assembly is positioned over the processor and is usually secured by clips. Notice that both the socket and the heat sink are offset from center a little to accomodate the bail. Make sure you install the cooler with the offset on the same side as the offset on the socket. Use a slotted screwdriver to gently, but firmly, hook the retaining clips under the plastic tabs on the processor socket.
Note that some cooling assemblies use plastic clips that simply slide straight down over the processor and snap into place. These types of assemblies usually don't require tools to install.
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Don't forget to plug in the fan! In most cases, it will plug into a three-pin connector on the motherboard that is (appropriately enough) labeled "CPU Fan" in teensy-weensy letters. You can also use an adaptor to directly connect the fan to the power supply, but using the CPU Fan connector allows the motherboard to monitor and regulate the fan speed. You usually can disable this functionality in the CMOS setup, in which case the fan will run at full speed all the time, but this usually is not recommended.
Chipset Coolers
Most modern motherboards also feature a chipset cooler, at least on the Northbridge chipset. These are almost always factory-installed and are adequate for all but the most intensive use. If you find it necessary to replace or upgrade the factory-installed chipset cooler, the process is essentially the same as installing a CPU cooler, except that chipset coolers usually are fastened to the motherboard using spring fasteners or plastic retainers rather than a metal clip.
Liquid CPU Cooling Systems
Far from being a new idea, liquid cooling systems have been around since the early days of mainframe computing, when every IT department had a plumber on call. Nowadays, liquid CPU cooling systems are especially popular among PC builders who use their computers for gaming or other processor-intensive applications.
Not being gamers ourselves, we tend to be a little skittish about mixing water and electronics; so most of the time we use good, old-fashioned air cooling. But if you're the type who will be overclocking (also something we frown upon) or pushing your CPU to the edge, liquid cooling can buy you a few critical degrees of extra cooling.
Okay, now that we've installed the cooler, let's move on to the next step: Installing RAM.
