Installation

Installation on Intel LGA 115x CPU sockets begins, as always, with the provided backplate. Use the provided rubber spacer first by putting it over the socket latch mechanism on the back such that the cutout matches the motherboard as seen above. This will prevent electrical shorting as well as allow for some room to prevent interference of the backplate with components/solder peaks on the back of the motherboard, and now, you just have to take the similarly shaped metal backplate with the cutout to match and place it over the rubber spacer. Make sure the holes in both the spacer and backplate match those going through the motherboard for cooler mounting and then use the provided screw mounting posts such that they go through these and out the other side. Once done, flip over the entire assembly, add a plastic washer over each post, and screw the posts in place using the locking nuts. You can use the provided tool to help here, and it will be easier if you also use a Phillips screwdriver to hold the posts on the back in place to prevent them from spinning.


Now, apply some thermal paste on the CPU IHS and maneuver the block over the four posts and press down lightly to confirm it is in contact with the CPU. Place a metal spring over each of the posts and lock the block in place using the provided four thumb nuts. Koolance has finally updated their CPU block installation to allow for a precise mount, thus joining the vast majority of their competitors, so simply rotate the thumb nuts clockwise in diagonal sets of two by alternating between them for a uniform mount until you run out of thread. There is a slot cutout in the top of each thumb nut to allow for the use of a flat head screwdriver, although the average human adult should be able to do this without needing tools. Taking a look from the side, we see how much lower a profile the actual block has compared to those thumb nuts that look absolutely massive in comparison. Koolance could have easily made the entire assembly shorter too.


Installation on Intel LGA 2011(-3)/2066 is even simpler as those already have a socket backplate or cooler-mounting threads pre-installed on the motherboard. Simply screw in the M4-threaded mounting posts and repeat the procedure as before. Koolance provides enough thermal paste for 3–4 runs, so feel free to mount, undo, check for TIM spread, re-apply/adjust TIM application, and re-mount if you so desire.