Installation

Before attempting to install the TherMax II onto the motherboard, the fan must be attached to the heatsink. As detailed in the manual, it is a very simple task that will take less than sixty seconds. The fan must be placed on top of the heatsink (on the appropriate side), one of the clips must be placed in the fan holes on its appropriate side, then the user simply has to place the steel clip underneath part of the heatsink into a small slot in the aluminium fins. This must then be done with the second clip on the other side. Only a small amount of pressure is required and the fan remains relatively secure once attached. This process is completely tool-less.


For all Intel Socket 775 based installations, the user must install the supplied bracket. This is a very simplistic task and does not require the motherboard to be removed from its tray or even the case. All the user has to do is simply align the bracket up to the Socket 775 installation holes and then push supplied clips into the holes. Again, installation of this bracket is tool-less. Once completed, all that needs to be done is the cooler needs to be clipped onto the board. AMD based sockets feature a simplified process as the heatsink takes advantage of the AMD retention bracket.


The blue coloured thermal paste was applied according to the manufacturer's specifications. Once applied, the thermal compound spread evenly among both the CPU and base of the cooler, as shown in the images.


The heatsink was positioned in such a way that the fan would blow hot air straight into the rear of the case (generally where an exhaust fan is). This allows all heat to be blown straight out of the case and not towards the RAM modules.


Once the retention bracket was installed, the smaller clip was attached to the bracket on its respective side. Once it was clipped securely, the other side of the heatsink was gently but firmly pressed down and the clip on the other side was attached. This completely tool-less process was very easy to achieve outside of the computer case, or in a motherboard tray. Installation may be harder when installing within the case, especially for those with larger hands.


The 3-pin connection was connected to the three way cable which was then connected to the input of the fan controller. The output 3-pin connection from the three way cable was then connected to the motherboard’s CPU fan plug. The power Molex was hooked up to a free connector and the fan controller was placed in an empty PCI bracket and then screwed in with the supplied screw.


Once the clips were attached, the cooler does not move very much and is firmly attached to the motherboard. There were no problems or compatibility issues with the physical size of the cooler when used on the ASUS P5B Deluxe and Thermaltake Soprano case (with 90 mm side case fan attached), although there is literally no space between the side panel fan and top of cooler. This can cause problems when installed on any case smaller than the Thermaltake Soprano that has a side panel fan or relatively any ATX case with a side panel vent. It can also affect cases which have 120mm or larger fans on their side panel.