FM2+ Water Cooling (AIO)
FM2+ Water Cooling (AIO)
Do you have any solid suggestions for FM2+ water coolers? I built a PC with an Athlon X4 860k and wanted some water cooling options. It’s not a high-end setup, but my friend has a smaller case and sometimes needs to open it up to manage heat. When I had my A10-7700k, I struggled to find an AIO cooler that came with a back plate or was FM2+ compatible. Eventually I managed by cutting the Intel bracket into four pieces, which worked because I couldn’t get a back plate.
I’m planning this build for a few years and want it to be stable until then, when I upgrade to Intel. If possible, keeping everything inside would make it easier for him to close the case later.
Thanks in advance!
Cheers.
First and all, you should thoroughly list your system's specifications—especially for the FM2+ build—because you've already discovered that the backplate (or absence thereof) is the main problem with AIO setups or most aftermarket coolers. I’ve spent some time searching for a cooler that fits without clashing with my RAM slots on the ASRock A85X-itx board.
If you’re considering an AIO right away without altering the mounting brackets, options like Corsair’s H80 or H100 are worth exploring. They work by simply securing the existing FM2+ bracket using screws or clips.
Also, keep in mind the importance of the available surface area for installation.
First and all, you should thoroughly list the specifications of your entire system—especially for the FM2+ build—because you've already discovered that the backplate (or absence thereof) is the main problem when installing an AIO or any aftermarket cooler. I’ve spent some time searching for a compatible aftermarket unit that won’t interfere with my RAM slots on the ASRock A85X-itx board.
If you’re considering an AIO right away without altering the mounting brackets, Corsair’s models such as the H80 or H100 are worth exploring. They simply need to be secured using a screw or clip system on the existing FM2+ bracket on your board.
Also, keep in mind the available space for mounting the AIO—options range from 80mm up to 360mm depending on the cooler you choose.
You'll need to provide detailed information about your complete system specifications, especially for the FM2+ configuration, because you've already discovered that the backplate—or its absence—is the main concern for AIO installation or most aftermarket coolers. I've spent some time searching for a cooler that works without altering the mounting brackets on my ASRock A85X-itx board.
If you're considering an AIO right away without modifying the board's mounting points, options like Corsair's H80 or H100 are worth exploring. These models only require attaching with screws or clips to the existing FM2+ bracket on a board.
It's also important to consider the available surface area for mounting, which varies from 80mm to 360mm. I used a 240mm setup in a Xigmatek Nebula case, using a bracket and drilling through the back to fit the cooler externally. For cooling needs, an 80-120mm range seems sufficient, as these units require less space.
I plan to research more Corsair models and will keep in mind that FM2 and FM2+ seem compatible, though I'm not entirely sure yet. This experience has made me more confident about adapting a smaller cooler inside the case while maintaining proper cooling performance.