Xigmatek HDT-1283 - Having problems attaching fan!

Big.Wayne · 2 Dec 2008 at 13:19

Hey all,

just need some user feedback please on attaching the Xigmatek 120mm fan to the HDT-1283.

I'm not sure if I'm doing something wrong but it seems impossible to attach the fan once the heatsink is attached in the case?

I've attached all four gel-mounts to the fan but getting them slotted in to the heatsink fins is proving a challenge!

"The first Gel-Mount attached fine!"

"The second Gel-Mount wodge in kinda!"

"The last Gel-Mount attempt while heatsink mounted in case . . . . um!"

I think the heatsink itself is great but my first impression of the fan mounting system is pretty bad. I need to swap out CPU's with ease and it ain't happening with this heatsink.

Maybe if the board was outside the case I would have a better chance to get the fan attached but I don't really wanna whip out the whole motherboard everytime I swap-out CPU's

So what's the deal, am I being a spork or is it just extra fiddly? :confused:

Pneumonic · 2 Dec 2008 at 13:29

cable ties

better than messing around with silly mounting systems!

Big.Wayne · 2 Dec 2008 at 13:41

Hmm that's a thought but I don't see an easy way to use cable ties in this scenario, particularly on the lowers edges, not to mention having to do this repeatedly!

I've not seen one single mention in any reviews or user feedback that mentions it's fiddly as **** to get this fan mounted lol!

Think it's time to buy back my TRUE (£29.89 inc shipping TWO), that takes about 2 minutes to attach the heatsink and fan, the Thermalright fan clips are a delight to work with compared to the Xigi

Kelt · 2 Dec 2008 at 13:52

Schnippzle · 2 Dec 2008 at 14:06

Might not be possible, but can you use the retention clips that come with the Thermalright coolers?

Happy · 2 Dec 2008 at 15:21

Just use brute force, but yes they are a complete ***** to fit, also make sure your using a bolt through kit, as the motherboard bends a lot due to the force o fthe push pin fittings.

EDIT - Just looked closely at the pictures and you are

Amidar · 2 Dec 2008 at 15:45

I fitted the gel mounts to the heatsink first then pulled them through the fan.

Big.Wayne · 2 Dec 2008 at 16:25

Hey Amidar, I did consider that but there is almost no way to access all corners once the heatsink is fitted, not to mention having to really pull hard on a heatsink thats just been fitted doesn't seem like an ideal approach.

Hmm I still may be able to use these heatsinks for passive set-ups but attaching the fan is a real beach!

Oh well, TRUE just been shipped, think I will pass on both these HTD-1283's to a new *lucky* owner

Anyone else who is considering buying a HDT-1283 and swap out CPUs and don't have a removable motherboard tray . . .don't bother!