Push pins damage motherboard?

gibb · 20 Jul 2010 at 21:16

Can using push pin based coolers damage motherboards? Whenever I have installed one such cooler a large amount of force is needed, the motherboard usually bends a fair bit during installation and the force of the pins appears to bend the motherboard 24/7.

I have just purchased a Q6600 and a P5Q-E, will my push pin cooler and the bending it causes damage the board? I do not understand how the motherboard appears to bend yet there is a rigid CPU socket and a large heat sink, what is happening around these rigid items that is allowing the visible bending of the board, is there a potential for damage?

Thanks

(my cooler is the Coolermast TX-2)

AiiR · 20 Jul 2010 at 21:19

I bought a TX3 and the installation was such a pain that I gave up. The pins didn't align properly with the holes on the motherboard, so one pin wouldn't go in properly.

As for damage, aslong as you're careful you'll be fine. Just push with moderate force until you hear the click. It should go in eventually, but if you're overclocking I'd recommend a backplate mounted cooler. I have no experience with them, however with push pins I've found them to be more hassle than they're worth.

gibb · 20 Jul 2010 at 22:22

Do you think it might result in any long term damage? In every board that I have seen use them. a visible bow effect seems to be caused by the cooler.

AiiR · 20 Jul 2010 at 22:29

tgomas said:
Do you think it might result in any long term damage? In every board that I have seen use them. a visible bow effect seems to be caused by the cooler.

It shouldn't do. I've used push pin coolers for about 3 years and not had any issues with damage over time.

Those 3 years have been out of laziness btw, once the motherboards on I'm usually reluctant to take it out for a proper cooler.

PhoenixUK · 20 Jul 2010 at 22:33

The pins themself won't do any damage but the person mounting the cooler can do if he doesn't know how to do it properly : ).

IAmATeaf · 21 Jul 2010 at 15:45

I always hold the board from behind when pushing the pin in from the front. Repeat for each pin and no worrying about board flex but you do need the mobo out to do this.

Memphis · 21 Jul 2010 at 15:49

Worst cooler mounting method EVAR.

Even the clips you used to have to use a screwdriver to secure were safer.

gibb · 21 Jul 2010 at 16:33

I think I will try holding but I really dislike touching the motherboard excessively...

Damn push pins, buying a bracket cooler is really tempting right now.