I'm planning to transport a computer by car and I'm wondering whether a large dual-tower CPU cooler could damage the MSI motherboard. The GPU seems less concerning because it is secured to the case with the rear mounting bracket, but the cooler is attached directly to the motherboard and could put leverage on the socket area. Is it safe to leave the cooler installed for a normal drive, or should I remove it first?
4 Answers
When removing the cooler, be gentle because the thermal paste can make the CPU stick to the cooler. Twist the cooler slightly to break the seal instead of pulling straight up, so you don’t accidentally lift the processor out of its socket.
For a normal drive, it’s probably fine, but removing the cooler is inexpensive insurance. A heavy tower cooler can put a lot of leverage on the motherboard if the car hits potholes or takes a hard jolt.
If you leave the cooler installed for a short trip, lay the case on its side and secure it so it cannot slide around. Positioning it this way reduces the cooler’s tendency to twist the board, although removing an especially heavy dual-tower model is still the safest option.
I remove both the GPU and the large air cooler whenever I transport a computer. It may be unnecessary most of the time, but the few minutes spent removing and reinstalling them are worth avoiding the possibility of damaged hardware.
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