How Do I Reattach an AMD Stock Cooler to a B450 Motherboard?

September 2, 2026 1 answer
Asked by MellowPine42
I replaced the thermal paste on my AMD processor after about two years and now I'm trying to reinstall the original stock cooler. The cooler's screws no longer seem to line up with or catch the threaded holes on my Gigabyte B450 motherboard. I've tried several times but can't get them started. What should I check before trying again?

Answers

CobaltMango7
Check that the motherboardโ€™s AMD backplate is still behind the CPU socket and lined up with the cooler screws. It may have fallen away when the original cooler was removed. Hold the backplate in place from behind the board, align all four screws, and start each one a few turns before tightening them gradually in a diagonal pattern. Donโ€™t force the screws, since they should catch the threads fairly easily.
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