Question 1

I just want to clear-up a couple things after reading the low-rated reviews:
1) The reason the fans have 7 blades is to provide higher Static Pressure, which is needed for cooler designs like this. That's why they didn't use 9 or 11 blade fans, right?
2) The "poor" cooling/operation noted by some reviews is possibly because they were not using PWM control on the fans?
PWM is REQUIRED because the lower input voltages found in voltage-control "6V to 12V" fan controllers won't properly levitate the fan blades in the housing unless they are at full-speed (12VDC). Anything less than 12VDC will negatively affect performance of these fans in a MAJOR WAY.

Accepted Answer

1) The included fans are Corsair's ML120 fans, which are engineered for high static pressure. This allows them to move adequately move air across stacks of fins that they are mounted directly against, like radiators or coolers like the A500.

2) It is possible, but most of the poor performance complaints I have seen were related to an early manufacturing defect that has since been corrected by Corsair.

Question 2

Does this support LGA1200?  I thought it would but the product description said
Supports: AM4, AM3, FM2, LGA1200, 115x, LGA20xx

I just got it and the box doesn't mention supporting LGA1200, nor does the corsair website.

Accepted Answer

Yes, it does support LGA 1200.  It comes with mounting hardware for both Intel & AMD CPUs.  For the LGA 1200, use the LGA 115x backplate and LGA 115x standoffs.

Question 3

Can i set the height for standard ram and expect it to fit in 165mm max case?

Accepted Answer

The CORSAIR A500 CPU cooler features an intuitive slide-and-lock fan mount system that allows for variable mounting height for wide DRAM compatibility. However, the maximum CPU cooler height is 169mm, which exceeds your case's maximum height of 165mm.

Question 4

Will this fit in my be quiet! Pure Base 500DX Black case?

Accepted Answer

The CORSAIR A500 High Performance Dual Fan CPU Cooler has a maximum height of 169mm.

Question 5

Will this fit a z87 pro MB?

Accepted Answer

The CORSAIR A500 High Performance Dual Fan CPU Cooler is compatible with Intel LGA 1150 socket, which is the socket type used by the Z87 Pro motherboard.

Question 6

Will this fit a z87 pro mb?

Accepted Answer

The CORSAIR A500 High Performance Dual Fan CPU Cooler is compatible with Intel CPU sockets including LGA 1151, which is the type used by the Z87 Pro motherboard.

Question 7

Is there another version without the bronze coverguard on the case?

Accepted Answer

The bronze plate at the top center of the heatsink just pulls off.  In fact, you need to remove it in order to screw the heatsink to the mounting brackets.  The screws are accessed via the empty space in the middle between the two halves of the heatsink.  If you don't want it, just leave it off.

Question 8

Can I set this massive cooler to my MSI B450M Mortar Max motherboard with a gpu?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the CORSAIR A500 High Performance Dual Fan CPU Cooler is compatible with the AMD AM4 socket, which is supported by the MSI B450M Mortar Max motherboard. However, due to its large size, you should ensure that it will fit in your case along with the GPU.

Question 9

Over 3 pounds!  So weight isn't an issue?

Accepted Answer

It's screwed into the motherboard tight. Weight is not a problem even in an upright case. But size is. This beast is LARGE. Make sure you have low profile memory and that your case is deep enough to house this beast.

Question 10

will this work with the LGA 1151(300 series) motherboards and CPUs?

Accepted Answer

looks like it, pulled directly from website, hope it helps: Cooling Socket Support Intel 1150/1151/1155/1156
Intel 2011/2011-3/2066
AMD AM4
AMD AM3/AM2

Questions & Answers