Question about fitting a CPU cooler.

[Resinderate]

Ok, so I have only ever built one pc , and with this build I used the stock cpu cooler as I haven't done any OC'ing or anything.

After seeing this hole in the case behind where the CPU sits on the mobo in a bunch of different models, I've read that you can mount your cooler without removing the mobo from the case. (This is how I mounted my cooler when I did it.)

Is the installation process different with new coolers/sockets? What is on the other side of the mobo that you need to gain access to?

This is a pic of what I mean:


The cpu/cooler I installed before was an Athlon II, (AM3 Socket?) with the stock cooler.

Cheers

[Butler Log]

Some CPU heatsinks require a backplate to be fitted to the motherboard to strengthen it. They are fixed to the back of the motherboard, behind where the CPU is installed, and use the screw-holes that are located there. The heatsink should come with instructions on which backplate to use (it will probably come with about 4 of them - one for each popular socket type), and how to screw it in (and not screw it up )

[Resinderate]

aha I think I see how it works now, cheers =]

[LordDios]

yeah some of the OC stuff requires a lot more effort and is a bit more fantasmical then the stock stuff . . . . . tho the stock stuff suits me fine, i just add more and more fans to my case.

[Sast]

As mentioned above, the hole you see is for attaching the backplate without removing the mobo, it's also useful cooling, my case has a fan attached to the side panel on the closed side, that blows air directly onto the back of the cpu.