Installation
I will be using an Intel LGA775 CPU and motherboard for testing. In most cases, you will probably want to complete installation of the IFX coolers before installing the motherboard into your PC enclosure. Thermalright includes a brief installation overview sheet with the IFX-14 but a more detailed Installation Guide with lots of pictures is available on their website. The following diagram illustrates the basic order of parts.
(Courtesy of Thermalright)
Prior to installation, the CPU IHS and both IFX heatsink bases were cleaned with isopropyl alcohol before applying a small amount of Arctic Silver 5 thermal compound to the top of the CPU.
The first step in the installation process is to insert either the Intel or AMD standoffs into the backing plate, which are held in position with small O-rings. A thin thermal pad is next applied to the center of the backing plate and then a thick thermal pad is applied to the top of the IFX-10 base. The backside cooler is set into position and sandwiched between the bottom of the motherboard and top of the backing plate.
Once the backing plate and backside cooler are positioned from underneath two cross pieces bolt on to the top of the stand offs and secure the assembly to the motherboard. The two cross pieces have tap holes in the center for attaching the heatsink.
(Intel Socket LGA775 Mounting Hardware)
The next step is to position the main heatsink on top of the CPU (after applying thermal compound of course) and securing it with another cross bar and two shoulder screws with springs. The screws bottom out when tightened so there is no having to guess about how tight to screw them in. A small dimple in the mounting cross bar engages into a hole in the top of the heatsink base to center and hold it in position.
