Installation and Lighting

Installing the Bykski CPU-XPR-C-I CPU block is less complicated than the more universally compatible blocks since it is designed only for Intel platforms and has the mounting bracket pre-installed. First, orient the threads in the Intel backplate to correspond to LGA 1700, although many motherboards will have two sets of cooler mounting holes anyway. Then peel the protective covers off the 3M tape on the contact surface of the backplate which helps prevent any electrical shorting. Place the backplate in such a way that the four threaded inserts line up with the cooler mounting holes around the CPU. If done correctly, you will observe all four threaded inserts jut out slightly from the surface of the motherboard itself. Apply thermal paste on the CPU IHS and then position the block over the CPU before having the four sets of mounting posts/springs/washers go through the backplate inserts in a diagonal manner. I initially thought this is a precise installation in that you simply go until you run out of the threads on the mounting posts, but I quickly came to a stop before then and this means you will have to do some guesswork in making sure the mounting pressure is even all around. Then use the provided cable with adapter to connect the RGB LEDs to your motherboard LED header, although Bykski also sells its own LED controllers which simply accept the native cable connector itself.


There are 14 ARGB LEDs in this CPU block spread evenly on all four sides and firing inwards. We saw on the previous page there is no diffuser/lens to spread out the light more evenly so we end up with point light sources on the side but then the acrylic top itself has a bright light show for you—enough to easily light up the motherboard area around the block too. Seen above is the block lit up in a few different colors and also a dynamic lighting effect—please be aware I turned down the exposure since my camera isn't the best for videos, the block is much more vibrant in real life.