Installation

Since the Xigmatek Achilles will be tested on an Intel 775 CPU, the two sets of push-pins need to be attached to the base with the included screws.


With heatsinks that have exposed heatpipes on their bases, the normal application method for thermal compound does not always spread the compound well enough. To correct this, the thermal paste will be applied in thin stripes along the heatpipes themselves.


The next step in the installation process is the same as any other heatsink that uses the push-pins to mount: place the heatsink on top of the CPU and press the push-pins down until they click into place. Although this installation method is loathed by many in the hardware community, the method is easy and allows the installation to be done with the motherboard installed in the case or on a motherboard tray as seen here.


After installation the Achilles was removed to inspect the thermal compound for contact. Two important things can be seen here. First, the surface area of the Intel heatspreader is smaller than the base of the Achilles, and the outer heatpipes barely made contact between the thermal compound and the IHS. (This was noted and the second application of thermal compound was moved slightly inward for the outer two pipes.) Second, the mounting pressure of the cooler is somewhat lower with the push-pins. A thinner thermal compound may work better for the stock method, and thicker compounds (like the Noctua NT-H1 used here) may be better off paired with the optional screw and backplate assembly.


With the thermal paste cleaned up and reapplied, the Achilles was once again installed onto the motherboard. There were no conflicts with surrounding heatsinks, even though the ASUS Maximus Formula is very crowded around the CPU socket.


With the fan installed there are still no issues, partially because the fan can be shifted up or down slightly with the rubber mounts. Even with the Achilles being a tower-type heatsink, there were no height issues when installing the board into the case.


When powered on and running, the white LEDs on the fan light up the blades and the frame of the fan.