Installation
The Vigor Monsoon II is available in two versions, one that supports AMD K8 (MA-7131-A) processors and the other that supports Intel LGA775 (MA-7131-i) CPUs. Everything needed for easy installation is included with the kit.
For this review, I will be using an AMD Athlon 64 processor with the K8 mount. Prior to installation the stock AMD retention frame and backing plate must be removed (yes, this requires removing the motherboard if it is already installed in a case). The AMD version of the Monsoon II comes with its own K8 steel backing plate.
Note: The mountings screws and springs come pre-assembled to the brackets with C-clips. I removed them to better illustrate all of the parts.
Overall, the Monsoon II cooler was very easy to install. The main base assembly is square so you can attach the two K8 mounting brackets so the cooler can be positioned in whatever orientation you like. I mounted the brackets on either side of the cooler, which places the cooler in a front-to-back position. The cooler is held in place with two captive mounting screws that run down thru two springs and are secured from underneath with thumb screws.
On my test bed (Asus K8N-E Deluxe), the Vigor Monsoon II cooler cleared all of the surrounding components with ease. Airflow with the fan mounted in the stock push position will work well with most cases that have a rear case fan to exhaust air from behind the CPU socket area out the back of the case.
The Vigor Monsoon II control module can be mounted into a spare 5.25′ drive bay of your choice. An 18′ long sleeved cable neatly connects the control module to the cooler (fan, Peltier device, and temperature sensor).
