11 Things you need to know when your CPU cooler won’t fit the motherboard

11 Things you need to know when your CPU cooler won't fit the motherboard

Your CPU Cooler won’t fit the Motherboard? This complication usually arises when the cooling fan isn’t compatible with the motherboard.

Your computer’s processing unit (CPU) is one of the core parts of your system and finding the ideal CPU cooler for it can help guarantee that it functions at the required temperatures.

However, because the CPU cooler is so vital in regulating the system’s temperature, you’ll need to install it on the motherboard. As a result, there are a few scenarios in which the CPU cooler may not fit the motherboard.

In this article, we will go over the eleven things you need to know when your CPU cooler won’t fit the motherboard. We’ve divided this guide into eleven categories.

1.How To Install A CPU Cooler

Following the installation of the Central processing unit into the motherboard socket, the next reasonable step is to install the CPU cooler which you may find pretty challenging. Let’s guide you through step-by-step instructions on installing a CPU cooler.

  • Firstly, if you’re INSTALLING A NEW CPU cooler, it might already be laced with thermal paste. In this situation, you do not need to re-apply the paste. However, if your cooler doesn’t come with paste already applied, apply a small amount to the top of the CPU lid.
CPU

If you’re REINSTALLING the CPU cooler, on the other hand, the lid on top of the CPU and the bottom plate of the CPU cooler must be clean and free of any old thermal paste. Isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth can be used to do this.

  • The next step is to place the CPU cooler on the processor so the retention clips on each side of the heatsink correspond with the retention frame’s socket mounting lugs on the motherboard.
  • Carefully screw (or push down) the connectors one by one until both clips are hooked into the socket mounting lugs with the CPU cooler in place. It may be necessary to apply a little more pressure here.
CPU cooler's fan
  • Attach the CPU cooler’s fan power line to the motherboard’s CPU fan header.
  • After you’ve plugged everything in, make sure it’s all powered up.
Attach the CPU cooler's fan power line to the motherboard's CPU fan header

2.How To Install A CPU liquid Cooler

Installing a CPU liquid cooler is a little more difficult because it entails a few extra procedures. This article will teach you how to set up an AIO liquid cooler.

  • Install the backplate and the water block after getting the correct cooler bracket based on the CPU socket.
  • It’s now time to attach the radiator to the PC casing. You may need to install the radiator fans first. The fans can either be mounted on the radiator or installed independently on the casing.
How To Install A CPU liquid Cooler
  • You must mount the radiator on the case if you are installing the fans separately from the case. Make sure your PC case is ready for the cooler and that there is adequate room to install it.
  • Long screws included with the cooler can be used to secure the radiator and fans to the casing. Ensure that the coolant lines are free to move and do not come into touch with other components, particularly the case fans.
  • After you’ve connected everything, make sure the cooler and fans are both powered up.

3.How To Remove A CPU Cooler?

When upgrading a CPU cooler or applying the new thermal grease, the CPU cooler is normally removed. Here are easy some quick and easy steps you can use to remove your CPU cooler.

  • Unplug the fan power line from the CPU fan header on the motherboard after powering down the system and turning off the PSU.
  • Follow a diagonal pattern across the CPU cooler, turning each spring-screw a full turn counterclockwise with a screwdriver until loose.
  • To release the seal between the heatsink and the CPU lid, lightly spin the CPU cooler clockwise and counterclockwise.
  • Remove the CPU cooler from the Processor with care. The CPU should stay seated in the socket if everything is done correctly.

4.Is An Expensive CPU Cooler Worth It?

Are you looking for a new CPU cooler? If that’s the case, you might be questioning whether an expensive model is worthwhile. This article will provide you with comprehensive information.

When it comes to buying a CPU cooler, there are a few things to consider;

  • Size
  • Noise level
  • Price

You’ll be able to decide if an expensive CPU cooler is worth it once you’ve evaluated all of these aspects. A pricey CPU cooler may be worth it if you have a huge CPU and want a quiet cooler.

Again, if you have a little CPU and noise level isn’t a concern, you may not need to spend as much money on a CPU cooler. Finally, it is up to you to decide what you need from a CPU cooler.

CPU Cooler

5.Do You Need To Upgrade Your CPU Cooler When You Upgrade Your CPU?

This is dependent on two factors.

  • The state of the old CPU cooler.
  • It’s compatible with the upgraded CPU.

A good CPU cooler, as long as it’s compatible with the CPU you’re upgrading to and motherboard, shouldn’t need to be replaced every CPU upgrade, and it should last you considerably longer than a CPU.

So NO, you do not need to replace your cooler every time your CPU is upgraded.

6.Do CPUS Come With Their Own CPU Cooler?

Is there a cooler included with the CPU? When looking for a new CPU, this is a common question.

Yes, most CPUs include a cooler. There are a few exceptions, however. It is always best to check the CPU specifications or directly contact the manufacturer.

7.Can I Use Any CPU Cooler With Any Motherboard?

No, only a few CPU coolers do not have the compatibility to fit with some motherboards. Begin to compare the TDP and socket details from the Intel CPU to the data from the CPU cooler. The CPU cooler’s TDP mostly superior to the TDP of the Intel computer. Most water/liquid and air coolers are well-suited with all sockets on Intel and AMD platforms when deals with CPU sockets.

According to the brand, sockets on the motherboard will get differ and not all are same. In short, most CPU coolers are compatible with the popular motherboard, and only a few are not.

install the CPU cooler

8.How To Find Out What CPU Cooler I Have?

It is simple to determine which CPU Cooler you have. Remove the CPU side cover, examine the motherboard, and notice a CPU fan. Notice the brand name, which means the company’s name is generally printed. As a result, you can quickly determine which CPU cooler you have.

When your computer is not gathered and is of some brand, you can see your PC’s model online and inspect the details of its apparatus. Also, knowing more about the various types of CPU coolers doesn’t allow you to get confused and assists to find out which type of CPU cooler your computer has.

9.How Do I Know If  My CPU Cooler Will Fit My Motherboard?

The motherboard, CPU, RAM, cooler with Heatsink fan, hard drives, power supply, monitor, and even the case or chassis must be compatible for the computer to function correctly. Any mismatch will cause the computer to stop working or damage its components.

There should be a listing of what sockets your motherboard has somewhere in the box order manual. Once you have identified the socket, you can check if that cooler is compatible with it.

CPU cooler

10.How Do I Choose A CPU Cooler?

If you wish to have a computer that will function for a long time, you should consider some factors to choosing the CPU cooler for your CPU. Once you learn about the factors clearly, you can choose the best CPU cooler.

Thermal dissipation, types of coolers, noise, mounting bracket, size, price, and lighting are essential factors you need to consider for choosing the CPU cooler. Each factor has a different worth, and don’t ignore any factor.

11.What Are The Different Types Of CPU Coolers?

Install the CPU cooler after knowing the types of CPU coolers. Air coolers and water/liquid coolers are the major types, and each one has some subtypes. Both types will drive away from the heat from your system effectively.

U/Twin tower, C-Type, and Low-Profile are the sub-type that comes under the air cooler type, and AIO – All in one, custom water cooling loops, submerged cooling are sub-type comes under the water/liquid cooler type. Each type has some uniqueness and is based on the motherboard, and the PC builder will choose the type.

Different Types Of CPU Coolers

Things you need to know when your CPU cooler won’t fit the motherboard

In case your CPU cooler is not fit with the motherboard of the CPU, you can follow a few things or ideas to correct the issues. Try to follow the ideas listed below and attain the solution for the CPU cooler issue with the motherboard:

Select the compatible CPU cooler with the motherboard

If your CPU cooler does not fit on the motherboard, you must select an appropriate cooler to solve the problem. As a result, it will be decided by the type of motherboard you have. The motherboard socket will determine whether or not the PC fan will fit on your motherboard.

You must resolve the model number of your CPU. Then you should purchase the CPU cooler that corresponds to the model number of your motherboard socket. Your older motherboard socket might not work with the newer coolers.

Perfectly position the Backplate

If you ask an expert what the most serious reason is that you can’t fit your CPU cooler on the motherboard, experts will tell you that it is because the socket is positioned incorrectly. You must purchase the appropriate socket and properly install it to alleviate this concern.

The socket that connects to the motherboard is usually secured with four screws. Furthermore, air will be supplied by the cooler via the Backplate. As a result, the incorrect placement of the Backplate will bring a slew of unanticipated consequences to the procession.

Accurate installation

When purchasing a PC for the first time, you may not have to configure the components. You can able to install the CPU cooler manually. However, if you want to install or replace the CPU cooler, you must do so correctly.

You must exercise more prominent caution in some situation. Go with the steps listed below to install the CPU cooler on your motherboard correctly. Also, you can implement the user’s manual in this case.

  • Align your CUP cooler with the processor’s backside.
  • Insert the points of contact into the motherboard’s holes.
  • Squeezed the screws into the motherboard firmly.
  • Plugin the CPU’s power cable.

Parting words: 

When you find that your CPU cooler won’t fit the motherboard, you can easily follow the things listed above and solve the problem. Never build a CPU without a CPU cooler because it is essential to drive the heat away and efficiently improve the system’s functions.  With this information, you’re completely armed and ready!

11 Things you need to know when your CPU cooler won’t fit the motherboard
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