I recently upgraded my PC and I've run into a problem. I think I'm missing some parts needed to mount my CPU cooler onto the motherboard, specifically something called standoffs. I'm following a tutorial video to install my AIO cooler, and I noticed they put down four spacers which then screw into the standoffs. However, my motherboard just has holes with no threads for screws.
The parts I'm using are an MSI B450i Gaming Plus AC motherboard and a Liquid Freezer III 240/280 A-RGB cooler. I double-checked the cooler I'm replacing, and it seems like it was mounted from the back of the motherboard directly. My concern is whether these parts are incompatible, as PCPartPicker says they should work fine, or if I might have thrown out some necessary pieces during my first build because I thought they weren't needed.
Can anyone help clarify what's going on? Also, is it possible to buy the missing parts separately, or am I completely stuck?
1 Answer
You might want to try putting the stock backplate back on your motherboard. It usually helps with mounting the cooler securely. If it’s missing, though, that could be a problem.
I actually don’t have the stock backplate anymore. The one I have is from my old cooler, but it doesn't fit right and has no threads for the screws.