F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Intel stock cooler a total waste of money

Intel stock cooler a total waste of money

Intel stock cooler a total waste of money

L
LucaSape_YT
Junior Member
Find
5
03-01-2016, 05:58 PM
#1
I recently got back into using the PC my dad built 10 years ago. It features an i5-4690K processor and an Intel stock cooler mounted on an Asus Z97M-Plus board. I plan to use it as a backup NAS for his main system, so I decided to give it a thorough cleaning. After removing the cooler, I noticed it had almost no paste left—definitely not just dry. I remember being aware of thermal paste ten years ago, so this must be a problem. The bigger issue is that I can’t get the cooler back in place after reapplying the paste. I watched a video about installing the stock cooler on LGA1155 and LGA1150, but it doesn’t fit. I’ve turned the pins clockwise, tried pushing them down from opposite sides, but the VRM pins won’t go in. The memory side pins are working fine. I haven’t used this PC since its original build a decade ago, and I realize how frustrating it is. Any advice would be great.
Reply
Reply
L
LucaSape_YT
03-01-2016, 05:58 PM #1

I recently got back into using the PC my dad built 10 years ago. It features an i5-4690K processor and an Intel stock cooler mounted on an Asus Z97M-Plus board. I plan to use it as a backup NAS for his main system, so I decided to give it a thorough cleaning. After removing the cooler, I noticed it had almost no paste left—definitely not just dry. I remember being aware of thermal paste ten years ago, so this must be a problem. The bigger issue is that I can’t get the cooler back in place after reapplying the paste. I watched a video about installing the stock cooler on LGA1155 and LGA1150, but it doesn’t fit. I’ve turned the pins clockwise, tried pushing them down from opposite sides, but the VRM pins won’t go in. The memory side pins are working fine. I haven’t used this PC since its original build a decade ago, and I realize how frustrating it is. Any advice would be great.

Reply
Reply
P
Poois23
Member
Find
185
03-02-2016, 12:10 AM
#2
Secure the push components tightly to prevent them from splitting the pin. Splitting the pin increases its width and grip. If they’re pushed or divided, they won’t fit into the holes.
Reply
Reply
P
Poois23
03-02-2016, 12:10 AM #2

Secure the push components tightly to prevent them from splitting the pin. Splitting the pin increases its width and grip. If they’re pushed or divided, they won’t fit into the holes.

Reply
Reply
J
Jontez
Member
Find
54
03-02-2016, 11:34 PM
#3
I also dislike these. I damaged one while trying to install it. In my situation: I spin them clockwise first (without being seated) before securing it, then push each pin into place.
Reply
Reply
J
Jontez
03-02-2016, 11:34 PM #3

I also dislike these. I damaged one while trying to install it. In my situation: I spin them clockwise first (without being seated) before securing it, then push each pin into place.

Reply
Reply
H
Hi_its_me_em
Junior Member
Find
13
03-06-2016, 09:08 AM
#4
I still have that cooler on my old laptop, man!
Reply
Reply
H
Hi_its_me_em
03-06-2016, 09:08 AM #4

I still have that cooler on my old laptop, man!

Reply
Reply
T
Thornite
Junior Member
Find
18
03-14-2016, 10:35 PM
#5
Sure, I gave it a shot and kept running into problems. I think I might have set the push-pins right, but I’m still unsure. There’s something dynamic going on that I don’t quite get, though. I’ll give it another try later.
Reply
Reply
T
Thornite
03-14-2016, 10:35 PM #5

Sure, I gave it a shot and kept running into problems. I think I might have set the push-pins right, but I’m still unsure. There’s something dynamic going on that I don’t quite get, though. I’ll give it another try later.

Reply
Reply
S
Sunahh
Posting Freak
Find
863
03-17-2016, 12:58 PM
#6
haswell stock coolers had minimal paste, just enough to spread across the cooler's surface. The pins pivot 90 degrees—some allow upward movement while others do not. Switch to the pulling orientation and ensure all four are lifted. Flip them to the opposite position without pushing. Inspect the small plastic pins on each foot; gently compress them if needed for proper fit into the mounting holes. They should snap back but may not work well on older models. Lay the cooler onto the CPU, aligning all four pins, and push down only after they're correctly seated. Use both thumbs to simultaneously lower two opposite pins. Repeat the process for the remaining two. This method works well with plastic components, though figuring out the exact assembly can be tricky if you're unsure.
Reply
Reply
S
Sunahh
03-17-2016, 12:58 PM #6

haswell stock coolers had minimal paste, just enough to spread across the cooler's surface. The pins pivot 90 degrees—some allow upward movement while others do not. Switch to the pulling orientation and ensure all four are lifted. Flip them to the opposite position without pushing. Inspect the small plastic pins on each foot; gently compress them if needed for proper fit into the mounting holes. They should snap back but may not work well on older models. Lay the cooler onto the CPU, aligning all four pins, and push down only after they're correctly seated. Use both thumbs to simultaneously lower two opposite pins. Repeat the process for the remaining two. This method works well with plastic components, though figuring out the exact assembly can be tricky if you're unsure.

Reply
Reply