Installation

Installing the AK500 is much easier than its smaller sibling, the AK400. To start with, on Socket AM4, you will need to remove the two plastic brackets. Then keep the AMD backplate in place and secure it with the four standoffs (the AMD ones have a black plastic bottom). With the backplate secure, you can now slide the mounting brackets into place and secure them with the thumb screws.


Your next step is to apply thermal paste, which is easy enough, after which you can mount the heatsink. To do that, you will need to remove the black plastic top cover, which can be pulled off by lifting up both of the long sides. It uses a simple snap-fit, so it will come off easily enough, there is no need to use undue force with it. That said, once you have secured the heatsink in place, tighten down the two screws with the included screwdriver (make sure to alternate between them for even pressure). You can then install the top plate and attach the fan. All that remains is to plug in the fan, and you are good to go.

Overall, the mounting hardware DeepCool uses for the AK500 is damn good. The design is solid and simple and doesn't require an extra set of hands on either AMD or Intel platforms. It is so easy to install I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to a first-time builder.