Installation
Laying everything out you will first want to select the correct brackets and screws for your socket. Ours is LGA 1155 which requires the standard Intel brackets, the long screws, the nuts, and the black standoffs.
The first thing you will need to do is install the backplate on the back of the motherboard. With the holes oriented towards the top put the bracket in place and hold with one hand.
Now insert the four longer screws through the bracket and the motherboard.
The screws will stay mostly in place as you gently rotate the case around to face the front towards you. If you can, hold the backplate with one hand to keep it from falling while you do this.
Now place the black standoffs on the ends of the long screws. These stand offs are threaded on one end. This is convenient as they will hold the backplate on while we do the rest of the install. After the standoffs are installed lay the case on it’s back for the rest of the install.
Place the Intel brackets on the screws/standoffs and secure them with the nuts. To make sure they are in the correct position, you can attach the mounting plate to the brackets before tightening the nuts all the way.
With the brackets in place we are almost done. Now is a good time to apply your thermal grease. Again we recommend the grain of rice method.
Before placing the cooler on the CPU, you need to remove the plastic fan brackets and fans. They are held on by small plastic clips, and are easily removed.
You can now press the cooler onto the CPU firmly. Holding it in place with one hand insert the mounting plate through the heat pipes and align it with the brackets. Simply thread the screws in on either side until it is firmly and evenly attached.
Finally attach the fans back to the cooler and plug the single fan plug into the CPU_FAN header on the motherboard. To attach the fans again, you may need to remove a DIMM of memory or so like we did. The cooler should not obstruct you from putting it back in place once installed.
