I'm planning a PC upgrade with an Arctic Freezer 36, but I'd really prefer not to remove the motherboard from the case. The system uses an LGA1700 socket. Can this cooler be installed in place, and what should I check or do before starting?
3 Answers
Usually, yes—if your case has a cutout behind the CPU socket in the motherboard tray. You’ll need access to the rear of the board so the cooler’s mounting hardware or backplate can be held in position while you tighten the screws.
If the backplate is difficult to hold by yourself, have someone hold it against the back of the motherboard while you position and tighten the cooler from the front. Just tighten the screws evenly and gradually so the mounting pressure stays balanced.
I hadn’t considered asking someone to hold it in place. Thanks—that should make the installation much easier.
Check whether the rear panel of your case can be removed or whether the motherboard tray has a CPU cutout. If you can reach the back of the socket through that opening, you shouldn’t need to take the motherboard out. I have that kind of access in my case, so installation should be fairly straightforward.
How do I keep the support plate from moving while I attach the cooler?