Question 1

This is my first time buying a heatsink, the description says it is designed for ATX cases, is that a just suggestion, or does it only work with ATX cases. Would it work on my Thermaltake case?

Accepted Answer

This will work with any case that you may have. The important questiona you should be asking is the followng:

1. What is the height of the case. I am using a very small case as a home theater case. My case is rated for micro-ITX and mini-ITX boards, so much smaller than an ATX case. So measure the height and see it if will have enough clearance.

2. Thermal Design Power (TDP) of the processor. This is very critical, make sure this heat sink is rated for the TDP of your processor otherwise it might not provide sufficient cooling. You should be able to find the TDP rating of your CPU and this fan on theri respective spec sheets.

Question 2

Just ordered this cooler today.  I have downloaded the manual but; it almost looks as if a uninstall/reinstall of the motherboard will be required to be able to get part of the mounting brackets under the motherboard?  I'm sure if I had the unit in my hand the drawings would make more sense but.

MSI 760-E51, AMD Phenom II, 1035T, thanks.....

Accepted Answer

Yes you are correct, you will need to remove the motherboard from the case to get the fan mount under it, this is the case with most aftermarket fans. Well worth it as the stock Intel fans are junk. good luck.

Question 3

Does the fan come with the heat transfer paste? And is there assembly tah has to include attaching hardware to the motherboard. Or can the existing hardware work with this?

Accepted Answer

Yes this Zalman CPU Cooler includes thermal paste supplied in a small white packet that you apply to the CPU before installing the heatsink. It does include all the hardware necessary to install this on your motherboard for either Intel LGA 1150/1156/1155/1366/775 sockets or AMD FM1/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2 sockets. It does not attach like the Intel or AMD Supplied CPU Coolers.

Hope This Helps.

Question 4

Will this fan fit FM2/FM2+ sockets? I read somewhere that the AM3 series is similar.

Accepted Answer

The fan really is that versatile.  I bought the most recent AMD processor (which is still using the substandard cooling system they were using several years ago...)  This fit my board, and was even able to fit horizontally or vertically, in order to open up space on either end.
I've got a fairly standard case, and this was the only fan that would do a the job and still fit.  If you've got a roomier case, go with something larger.  And yes, when I bought it last year, it was compatible with both the latest AMD and Intel chipsets.

Question 5

How well does this cooler operate with an Core i5-3570K?

Accepted Answer

Didn't use it on an i5 but i use it on an 8320 which is similar.  Worked great, but it was LOUD!  I would suggest a enclosed water cool system if you got the cake.... and space...

Questions & Answers