CPU Bolt-on kits: How tight?

Neep · 3 Jun 2010 at 14:43

I've recently bought a bolt-on kit for my Xiggy S1283. Problem is, how tight are the bolts supposed to be on? Tight so they can't be physically turned anymore? Or just so the cooler isn't loose off the motherboard?

I've currently got them tight enough so the cooler isn't wobbling about everywhere, but I'm getting 35C temps idling with my Q6600 (at stock).

HW91 · 3 Jun 2010 at 14:48

finger tight should do,

more pressure = better cooling

Justintime · 3 Jun 2010 at 14:49

Whats wrong with 35C idle? whats your load temp (when prime or intel burn test stressed etc.) is whats important.

JonJ678 · 3 Jun 2010 at 15:48

If you don't have a backplate, get one.

Increased mounting pressure decreases the thermal resistance between cpu and heatsink. As such the more the better.

If the mounting pressure is too high, you can flex the motherboard (bad), or occasionally some of them object to being crushed (one or two motherboards refuse to recognise all the installed ram if the mount is too firm). You're very unlikely to meet the latter.

Don't strip threads or jam a screwdriver into the motherboard though. There should be a recommended torque rating in the heatsink manual.